FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:
October 27
THE SANCTUARY DOCTRINE EXPLAINS THE WAY OF SALVATION OF THE GOSPEL (Part 33)
Christ Bore Our Sins in His Own Body or Flesh.
“For even hereunto were ye called; because Christ also SUFFERED for us, leaving us an EXAMPLE, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was there guile found in His mouth: Who when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously: WHO HIS OWNSELF BARE OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BODY ON THE TREE [of Calvary] that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness; by whose stripes we are healed.” 1 Pet. 2: 21-24, KJV.
My fellow weary, suffering mortal, please join me to momentarily refocus our eyes and minds on the untold suffering, the dead, and dying among us and in the world today and concentrate on the Lamb of God, the Sin Bearer of all penitent sinners, represented by one of the two thieves crucified with Him that epochal day. There many ignored truths bearing eternal consequences ENFOLDED in the plan of redemption of the gospel and UNFOLDED to mankind during the Calvary Moment regarding death and resurrection, so grievously misunderstood in mainstream Christianity, thus, in the world that should have been enlightened by them! Now this:
“In the SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST UPON THE CROSS prophecy was fulfilled. Centuries before the crucifixion, the Savior had foretold the treatment He was to receive. [Through David] He said, ‘Dogs have compassed Me; the assembly of the wicked have compassed Me: they pierced My hands and My feet. I may tell all My bones: they look and stare at Me. They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.’ Ps. 22: 16-18, KJV.
The prophecy concerning His garments was carried out without counsel or interference from the friends of enemies of the Crucified One. To the soldiers who had placed Him upon the cross, His clothing was given. Christ heard the contention of the men as they parted the garments among them. His tunic was woven throughout without seam, and they said, ‘Let us NOT REND it, but CAST LOTS for it, whose it shall be.’
“In another prophecy the Savior declared, ‘Reproach hath broken My heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take PITY, but there was NONE; and for COMFORTERS, but I found NONE. They gave Me also GALL to be My meat; and in My THIRST they gave Me VINEGAR to drink.’ Ps. 69: 20, 21.
To those who SUFFERED DEATH BY THE CROSS, it was permitted to give a STUPEFYING POTION, to deaden the sense of pain. This was offered to Jesus, but when He had tasted it, He refused it. He would receive nothing that would BECLOUD HIS MIND.
His FAITH must keep fast hold on God. This was His ONLY STRENGTH [in His incarnated humanity!]. TO BECLOUD HIS SENSES WOULD GIVE SATAN AN ADVANTAGE.” – E. G. White, Desire of Ages, p. 748.
(To be continued). Bless all, NMF.