Plan of Redemption Is Unveiled
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successive generations. The curse of sin would rest more and more
heavily upon the human race and upon the earth. The days of man
would be shortened by his own course of sin; he would deteriorate in
physical, moral, and intellectual power until the world would be filled
with misery. Through the indulgence of appetite and passion, men
would become incapable of appreciating the great truths of the plan of
redemption. Yet Christ would supply the needs of all who would come
unto Him in faith. There would ever be a few who would preserve the
knowledge of God and remain unsullied.
The sacrificial offerings were ordained to be a penitential acknowl-
edgment of sin and a confession of faith in the promised Redeemer. To
Adam the first sacrifice was painful. His hand must be raised to take
life, which only God could give. It was the first time he had witnessed
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death. He knew that had he been obedient to God there would have
been no death. He trembled at the thought that his sin must shed the
blood of the spotless Lamb of God. This gave him a vivid sense of the
greatness of his transgression, which nothing but the death of God’s
dear Son could expiate. A star of hope illumined the dark future.
The Wider Purpose of Redemption
But the plan of redemption had a yet broader and deeper purpose
than the salvation of man. It was not merely that the inhabitants of this
little world might regard the law of God as it should be regarded, but
it was to vindicate the character of God before the universe. To this
the Saviour looked forward when just before His crucifixion He said:
“Now is the judgment of this world; now shall the prince of this world
be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men
unto Me.”
John 12:31, 32
. Christ dying for the salvation of man would
justify God and His Son in their dealing with the rebellion of Satan,
establish the law of God, and reveal the nature and results of sin.
From the first, the great controversy had been upon the law of God.
Satan had sought to prove that God was unjust, His law faulty and that
the good of the universe required it to be changed. In attacking the law
he aimed to overthrow the authority of its Author.
When Satan overcame Adam and Eve, he thought he had gained
possession of this world, “because,” said he, “they have chosen me as
their ruler.” He claimed it was impossible that forgiveness be granted;