MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
July 8, 2026
God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration
THE TRUE CHARACTERS OF GOD AND SATAN REVEALED TO THE UNIVERSE AT CALVARY
Text: “That the God of Jesus Christ, the Father of glory. . . .which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.” Eph. 1: 17-21, KJV.
First, a full disclosure and confession: I did not realize how disgustingly ignorant and fearfully deceived I was regarding what Christ’s death at Calvary’s cross comprehends and its purpose in the plan of redemption of the gospel, outside of the truth that “He died for me so that I won’t have to die the second death,” etc., etc. I can only praise and thank God for His enduring mercy for “opening the eye of my mind” to see, understand, embrace, and share the advancing light on the subjects of present truth that we have been covering! Do your part, too!
Now, the continuation from last week’s quote Ellen G. White’s The Great Controversy, 1911 edition (all emphasis and bracketed words provided):
“It was Satan that prompted the world’s rejection of Christ [from His own people and onwards till the close of earth’s probation]. The prince of evil exercised all his power and cunning to destroy Jesus; for he saw that the Savior’s MERCY AND LOVE, His COMPASSION AND PITYING TENDERNESS, were representing to the world the CHARACTER OF GOD.
“Satan contested every claim put forth by the Son of God, and EMPLOYED MEN AS HIS AGENTS to fill His life with suffering and sorrow [from birth to death at Calvary, 33 1/2 years]. The sophistry and falsehood by which he had sought to hinder the work of Jesus, the hatred manifested through the ‘children of disobedience’ [all who willfully ignore, ‘make of none effect by the traditions of men,’ despise, hate, and presumptuously transgress the Decalogue, as written by God’s own finger], his cruel accusations against Him whose LIFE WAS ONE OF UNEXAMPLED GOODNESS, all sprung from deep-seated revenge [having lost his rebellious war against Christ in heaven, and was cast out with the angels that joined him.].
“The PENT-UP FIRES of envy and malice, hatred and revenge, BURST FORTH ON CALVARY against the Son of God, while ALL HEAVEN gazed upon the scene with SILENT HORROR.
“When the great sacrifice had been consummated [by His death, burial, and resurrection] Christ ASCENDED on high, REFUSING THE ADORATION OF ANGELS until He had presented the request, ‘I WILL [Christ’s will; desire; purpose] that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be WITH ME WHERE I AM.’ John 17:24. [True meaning of, ‘I go to prepare a place for you. . . . that WHEREVER I AM there may you be also.” John 14: 1-3!].
“Then with inexpressible love came forth the answer from the FATHER’S THRONE, ‘Let all the angels of God worship Him.’ (Heb. 1: 6). Not a stain [of sin] rested upon Jesus. His humiliation ended, His sacrifice completed, there was given unto Him a NAME that is above every name.” (End of extract from Great Controversy, pp. 501-2.).
Such was “the counsel of peace” between the Father and the Son in His office as merciful High Priest and all-powerful Intercessor/Mediator/Advocate to the Father for His faithful followers on earth! What a “lively hope,” assurance, and insurance of salvation for all seeking for it!
To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.