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The Wonder of the Cross, June 16
Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from
your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but
with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and
without spot.
1 Peter 1:18, 19
.
This was a good day for the people in Iowa. Our meeting did not close
until about one o’clock.... The precious gift of salvation and the redemption
for all those who will accept it seemed so marvelous, so far beyond our
finite conception, that language was tame and could not portray the infinite
blessings brought within our reach by the world’s Redeemer. His greatness
condescended to our feebleness.
Jesus, precious Saviour! We may study the love of the Father in that He
gave His dear Son to die for a fallen world. As we study this inexpressible love
in the light of the cross of Calvary, we are filled with wonder, with amazement.
We see mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended harmoniously with justice
and dignity and power. Jesus bids the sinner to look to Him and live. “I,” He
says, “have found a ransom.” The gulf of perdition opened by sin is bridged
by the cross of Calvary. Penitent, believing souls may see a forgiving Father
reconciling us to Himself by that cross of Calvary.
The knowledge of Christ reveals the depths of sin and its offensive char-
acter, while by faith we see the cleansing stream, the blood of Christ which
washes away every spot, every stain of sin. This salvation is not half appreci-
ated. Salvation brought to us through the blood of Jesus is not estimated of
priceless value. By faith this gift must be fully accepted as the great gift of
God through Jesus Christ. The burden of our sins and of our sorrows was laid
upon One who is merciful to pardon, mighty to save.
Why are we so cold? Why are we worldly? Why are we so careless? Why
does not the love of Jesus burn upon the altar of our hearts? He carried the
burden of our sins, of our sorrows; why do we not have greater faith? Why
do we not trust fully and receive by faith everything from that hand which
was nailed to the cross that it might be all powerful to save? Why cannot we
trust that love which has been expressed to us in such infinite sacrifice that
we might live?
Look in faith to the cross. Look and live. This will be our study and song
throughout eternity.—
Letter 6, June 16, 1881
, to Edson and Emma White.
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