Friday: Further Study: Salvation
Further Study: Ellen G. White, The Sinner’s Need of Christ, p. 17-22, in Steps to Christ; The Subject Presented in 1883, p. 350-354, in Selected Messages, book 1.
Looking upon the crucified Redeemer, we more fully comprehend the magnitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salvation is glorified before us, and the thought of Calvary awakens living and sacred emotions in our hearts. Praise to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips; for pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary.
He who beholds the Saviour’s matchless love will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character. He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love. The more we contemplate the cross of Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the language of the apostle when he said, God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Gal. 6:14. — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 661.
Discussion Questions:
- Salvation is a gift, which means that it’s free. At the same time, does it not cost something? What does it cost to accept this gift, and why-whatever that cost-is it more than worth it?
- On Monday we read texts showing that salvation is the result of God’s initiative. He makes every effort to save us. Yet, Jesus also said that we need to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). His words Strive to enter through the narrow gate (Luke 13:24, NKJV) imply that we need to seek our salvation. How do we explain this?
- How does Christ’s death on the cross reveal God’s justice? How does it also reveal God’s mercy?
- If we could work our way to eternal life, through our own efforts and good deeds, and even our own law-keeping, what would that say about the seriousness of sin? Instead, think about just how bad sin must be that only the death of Jesus could atone for it.
- Religious Jews see in the Sabbath a foretaste of what eternal life will be like. In what ways does that idea-eternal life prefigured in the Sabbath-make good sense?
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Here is how Jesus explained his death on the cross:
New International Version
"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."
Sin draws a wedge between God and us; the sight of Jesus dying on the cross draws us towards him. That is the mission of the cross. The best explanation for Jesus death is found in the book Education 263:
“Few give thought to the suffering that sin has caused our Creator. All heaven suffered in Christ’s agony; but that suffering did not begin or end with His manifestation in humanity. The cross is a revelation to our dull senses of the pain that, from its very inception, sin has brought to the heart of God.” [Education page 263]
There is no legal picture here, but rather a demonstration of God's love for those he created.
God made every effort from the beginning to save us, but we have open our hearts to received him. Salvation is a gift , God freely give it to us, but if we do not accept it, it is on us not God,s fault.
Jesus said we should seek salvation and is righteous . If we diligently seek the Lord through Prayer and his holy words then we will received that gift that is already there for us..
Oh, What matchless love of our Savior! Who can comprehend it? It is beyong all understanding!
Throughout this week I have meditaded upon the words of this song (I'd shared stanza 3 earlier) by Frederick M. Lehman and I have been blessed. May you be blessed and touched, too.
The love of God is greater far,
Than toungue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyong the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.
Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measreless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure -
The saints' and angels' song.
I think the Love of God and the nature of sin was fully revealed at the cross. I don't think this sacrifice changed God toward us, but it is possible that we might be changed toward God seeing Him for who He really is. We also see ourselves and Satan in a proper light.