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The Great Controversy 1888
In this life we can only begin to understand the wonderful theme
of redemption. With our finite comprehension we may consider most
earnestly the shame and the glory, the life and the death, the justice
and the mercy, that meet in the cross; yet with the utmost stretch of
our mental powers we fail to grasp its full significance. The length and
the breadth, the depth and the height of redeeming love are but dimly
comprehended. The plan of redemption will not be fully understood,
even when the ransomed see as they are seen and know as they are
known; but through the eternal ages, new truth will continually unfold
to the wondering and delighted mind. Though the griefs and pains
and temptations of earth are ended, and the cause removed, the people
of God will ever have a distinct, intelligent knowledge of what their
salvation has cost.
The cross of Christ will be the science and the song of the redeemed
through all eternity. In Christ glorified they will behold Christ crucified.
Never will it be forgotten that He whose power created and upheld
the unnumbered worlds through the vast realms of space, the Beloved
of God, the Majesty of Heaven, He whom cherub and shining seraph
delighted to adore,—humbled himself to uplift fallen man; that he
bore the guilt and shame of sin, and the hiding of his Father’s face,
till the woes of a lost world broke his heart, and crushed out his life
on Calvary’s cross. That the Maker of all worlds, the Arbiter of all
destinies, should lay aside his glory, and humiliate himself from love
to man, will ever excite the wonder and adoration of the universe. As
the nations of the saved look upon their Redeemer, and behold the
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eternal glory of the Father shining in his countenance; as they behold
his throne, which is from everlasting to everlasting, and know that
his kingdom is to have no end, they break forth in rapturous song,
“Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to
God by his own most precious blood!”
The mystery of the cross explains all other mysteries. In the light
that streams from Calvary, the attributes of God which had filled us
with fear and awe appear beautiful and attractive. Mercy, tenderness,
and parental love are seen to blend with holiness, justice, and power.
While we behold the majesty of his throne, high and lifted up, we see
his character in its gracious manifestations, and comprehend, as never
before, the significance of that endearing title, our Father.