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Patriarchs and Prophets
his true character as a liar and a murderer. It was seen that the very
same spirit with which he had ruled the children of men who were
under his power, he would have manifested if permitted to control the
intelligences of heaven. With one voice the loyal universe united in
extolling the divine administration.
If the law could be changed, man might have been saved without
the sacrifice of Christ; but the fact that it was necessary for Christ to
give His life for the fallen race, proves that the law of God will not
release the sinner from its claims upon him. It is demonstrated that
the wages of sin is death. When Christ died, the destruction of Satan
was made certain. But if the law was abolished at the cross, as many
claim, then the agony and death of God’s dear Son were endured only
to give to Satan just what he asked; then the prince of evil triumphed,
his charges against the divine government were sustained. The very
fact that Christ bore the penalty of man’s transgression is a mighty
argument to all created intelligences that the law is changeless; that
God is righteous, merciful, and self-denying; and that infinite justice
and mercy unite in the administration of His government.
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