CHRIST - THE CROSS - THE PLAN OF SALVATIONL-am vzut pe Hristos rstignit pentru mine i, pentru prima dat n viaa mea, am neles c Dumnezeu m-a iubit pe mine personal i c Hristos S-a dat pe Sine pentru mine. Totul era personal pentru mine.Astfel s-a dat Hristos pe El nsui pentru mine, ca i cum a fi singurul pctos din lume.Rstignirea lui Hristos nu este un lucru doar de o zi. El este Mielul jungheat de la ntemeierea lumii. Apocalipsa 13:8. (KJV). i chinurile Calvarului nu vor avea sfrit atta timp ct un singur pcat sau pctos mai exist nc n univers. Chiar acum Hristos poart pcatele ntregii lumi, pentru c toate se in prin El.Hristos este rstignit n pctos; pentru c oriunde este pcat i blestem, acolo este Hristos purtndu-l.Scena Calvarului a fost manifestarea a ceea ce a avut loc atta timp ct a existat pcatul, i va avea loc pn cnd fiecare om care vrea s fie mntuit va fi mntuit: Hristos purtnd pcatele lumii. El le poart acum.Mielulam vzut c templul acela mare era susinut de un singur stlp imens, de care era legat un miel complet desfigurat i nsngerat. Se prea c noi, cei prezeni, tiam c acest miel fusese sfiat i rnit din cauza noastr.Legamantul cel Vesnic Fgduina Legmntului celui venic pe care Dumnezeu l-a fcut cu deczutul Adam n Grdina Edenului (Geneza 3:15) era c Emanuel (= Dumnezeu cu noi) avea "s salveze pe poporul Su de pcatele sale" (Matei 1:21). Iisus a mplinit aceast fgduin n orice aspect al ei."Gndii-v la asta: Dumnezeu a jurat pe Sine nsui! Adic, El a garantat cu Sine nsui, i cu propria Lui existen, pentru salvarea noastr n Iisus Hristos. S-a pus pe Sine ca amanet. Viaa Lui pentru a noastr, dac ne pierdem n timp ce ne ncredem n El. Este onoarea Lui n joc."[24]Un concept att de extins n lungime i lime asupra Ispirii nu mai fusese auzit vreodat mai nainte de la vreun amvon. A fost declarat a fi "cea mai preioas solie," o solie care "urma s-L prezinte mai proeminent naintea lumii pe nlatul Mntuitor, jertfa pentru pcatele ntregii lumi. Ea [solia] prezenta Ispirea prin Credin ca Garanie; invita oamenii s primeasc neprihnirea lui Hristos, care se exteriorizeaz prin ascultare de toate poruncile lui Dumnezeu.[25]Cartea Doctrina lui CristosThe acceptance of Christ's atonement is the groundwork of true faith.{OHC 117.3}

Study Christ, for Christianity is Christ. All the truths of Christianity, all its motives, all its glory, are summed up in him. He is its alpha and omega; the embodiment of all it teaches, all it prescribes, all it promises.{TDOC 24.4}Truth, the highest truth, the truth it most concerns Christian men to know, is in Jesus. Truth can never be rightly known when separated from him.{TDOC 24.8}We cannot get his gifts without himself.{TDOC 26.3}The power of redemption is lodged, not in theories of the atonement, nor in theologies, nor in doctrinal systems, nor in confessions, nor in creeds, nor in sermons, nor even in the Bible as such. These all are but finger-boards. One is our Savior, even Christ.{TDOC 26.4}The Bread from heavenThe bread from heaven, the life-giving Bread of God, was not some new doctrine, some higher truth, some occult religious observance: it was Jesus himself. They were to come to him and believe on him. Christ was to become their spiritual sustenance; from him their souls were to receive all the life and strength and satisfaction that food imparts to our natural bodies.{TDOC 96.8}A subject for studyIt would be needful for his church in all succeeding ages to make his death for the sins of the world a subject of deep thought and study. Every fact connected with it should be verified beyond a doubt. Id., 571.{TDOC 61.4}Things which cannot be describedMen can paint the cursed tree, but not the curse of the law that made it so. Men can paint Christ bearing the cross to Calvary, but not Christ bearing the sins of many. We may describe the nails piercing his sacred flesh. But who can describe eternal justice piercing both flesh and spirit? We may describe the soldiers spear, but not the arrow of the Almighty; the cup of vinegar which he but tasted, but not the cup of wrath which he drank out to the lowest dregs; the derision of the Jews, but not the desertion of the Almighty forsaking his Son, that he might never forsake us who were his enemies.{TDOC 61.5}The everlasting gospelThe Old Testament is as verily the gospel in types and shadows as the New Testament is in its unfolding power. The New Testament does not present a new religion; the old Testament does not present a religion to be superseded by the New. The New Testament is only the advancement and unfolding of the Old.-Testimonies for the Church 6:392.{TDOC 93.3}NOTES: A prefiguring of EmmanuelThe tabernacle was a revelation of love, a representation of God coming down from heaven and dwelling with men as their Savior, a prefiguring of the Emmanuel through whom the Christian has fellowship with God; and as revealing not only the God they love, but the attributes of God they most delight in, is even now, when it exists only in history, an object of interest to those who would acquaint themselves as much as possible with their Father in heaven.{TDOC 98.7}The Reformers protest was against substituting things for Christ..that Christ is all for all things in our salvationThe redemption planImmeasurably superior in value to the productions of any human author are the Bible writings, even when thus considered; but of infinitely wider scope, of infinitely greater value, are they when viewed in their relation to the grand central thought. Viewed in the light of this thought, every topic has a new significance. In the most simply stated truths are involved principles that are as high as heaven and that compass eternity.{TDOC 11.2}The central theme of the Bible, the theme about which every other in the whole book clusters, is the redemption plan, the restoration in the human soul of the image of God. Prom the first intimation of hope in the sentence pronounced in Eden to that last glorious promise of the Revelation, They shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads (Revelation 22:4), the burden of every book and every passage of the Bible is the unfolding of this wondrous theme. Mans uplifting, the power of God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57-Education, 125, 126.{TDOC 11.3}NOTES: Christ in the wordIf, when we look into the word of God, we do not see Christ there, we look to no purpose, for he is everywhere in the book.{TDOC 13.1}Beholding the RedeemerAs the student of the Bible beholds the Redeemer, there is awakened in the soul the mysterious power of faith, adoration, and love. Upon the vision of Christ the gaze is fixed, and the beholder grows into the likeness of that which he adores.-Education, 192.{TDOC 13.2}The essence of Scripture is that Savior in whom are all things which pertain unto life and godliness. The soul that has found Jesus Christ, sees him in Scripture, always and throughout. Jesus is the door by which alone we can enter the sanctuary of the word. And, when we come to Jesus, we enter into possession of the word, for he has the words of eternal life. They are his, and he only can give the word. John 17:14. And as we have the word through him and in him, so we find him in every portion of Scripture.{TDOC 15.2}Jesus onlyJesus only is the true center of Scripture in all its manifold revelations.{TDOC 15.4}In Christ the Eternal lodged his purpose and laid his plans for the world. It is his fullness that the fullness of the times dispenses. The Old Testament, the reservoir of precious revelation, had him for its close-kept secret, held in silence through eternal times. Romans 16:25-27. The drift of its prophecies, the focus of its converging lights, the veiled magnet toward which its spiritual indications pointed, was Christ. He was the spiritual rock that followed Israel in its wanderings, from whose springs the people drank, as it answered to the touch of one and now another of the holy men of old.{TDOC 15.5}The revelation of ChristThe revelation of Jesus Christ gives unity, substance, and meaning to the history of Israel, which is otherwise a pathway without goal, a, problem without solution. Priest and prophet, law and sacrifice. The kingly Son of David, and the suffering Servant of Jehovah. The Seed of the woman with bruised foot bruising the serpents head; the Lord whom his people seek, suddenly coming to his temple; the Stone hewn from the mountains without hands, that grows till it fills the earth the manifold representations of Israels ideal center in the Lord Jesus Christ. The lines of the great figure drawn on the canvas of prophecy-disconnected as they seemed and without a plan, giving rise to a thousand dreams and speculations are filled out and drawn into shape and take life and substance in him. They are found to be parts of a consistent whole, sketches and studies of this fragment or of that belonging to the consummate Person and the comprehensive plan manifest in the revelation of Jesus Christ.{TDOC 16.1}Christ the key to the BibleChrist is indeed the key to them, all; he is the key of the types, and the key to the Bible. Of him God has given us more than sketches; the word from end to end is full of Him. In the word we have a whole Christ presented to us: Christ in his offices, in his character, in his person. Christ in his relations to God and man; Christ in his body the church; Christ as giving to God all that God required from man. Christ as bringing to man all that man required from God; Christ as seen in this dispensation in suffering. Christ as seen in the next dispensation in glory. Christ as the first and the last, as all and in all to his people. The different books are but Gods chapters in which he arranges and illustrates some one or more of these or other aspects of his Beloved.{TDOC 16.2}What we receive, when from human lips we hear the gospel and accept it, is not merely the word about the Savior, but the Savior himself.{TDOC 25.6}Christ is the sum of all Christian teaching, and where the message of his love is welcomed, he himself comes in spiritual and real presence, and dwells in the spirit.{TDOC 25.7}Christ is himself Christianity; not any scheme of doctrine to which rightly his name is affixed. His Saviourhood resides, not in his words as such, but even in the mysterious constitution of his Person.{TDOC 26.1}A personal SaviorThe power of redemption is lodged, not in theories of the atonement, nor in theologies, nor in doctrinal systems, nor in confessions, nor in creeds, nor in sermons, nor even in the Bible as such. These all are but finger-boards. One is our Savior, even Christ.{TDOC 26.4}Christ offers himself, not in the way of mere verbal sympathy, but as the absolute, personal source of all true and solid comfort.{TDOC 26.5}The Christian teachers theme is not to be a theory or a system, but a living Person. One peculiarity of Christianity is that you cannot take its message and put aside Christ, the speaker of the message, as you may do with all mens teachings. His person is inextricably intertwined with his teaching, for a very large part of his teaching is exclusively concerned with, and all of it centers in, himself. He is not only true, but he is the truth. His message is, not only what he said with his lips about God and man, but also what he maid about himself, and what he did in his life, death, and resurrection.{TDOC 26.6}Studiu din Spiritul Profetic - ispasirea lui Cristos I. Centrality of the Atoning Cross The sacrifice of Christ as atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster.--Gospel Workers, p. 315. {7ABC 457.1} It [the cross] is the central pillar on which hangs the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory which is for those who accept that cross. Under and around the cross of Christ, that immortal pillar, sin shall never revive, nor error obtain control.--Letter 124, 1900. {7ABC 457.2} The Sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light that streams from the cross of Calvary. I present before you the great, grand monument of mercy and regeneration, salvation and redemption,--the Son of God uplifted on the cross. This is to be the foundation of every discourse given by our ministers.--Gospel Workers, p. 315. {7ABC 457.3} The cross of Calvary challenges, and will finally vanquish every earthly and hellish power. In the cross all influence centers, and from it all influence goes forth. It is the great center of attraction; for on it Christ gave up His life for the human race. This sacrifice was offered for the purpose of restoring man to his original perfection; yea, more. It was offered to give him an entire transformation of character, making him more than a conqueror. . . . {7ABC 457.4} If the cross does not find an influence in its favor, it creates an influence. Through generation succeeding generation, the truth for this time is revealed as present truth. Christ on the cross was the medium whereby mercy and truth met together, and righteousness and peace kissed each other. This is the means that is to move the world.-- Manuscript 56, 1899. {7ABC 457.5} There is one great central truth to be kept ever before the mind in the searching of the Scriptures--Christ and Him crucified. Every other truth is invested with influence and power corresponding to its relation to this theme. It is only in the light of the cross that we can discern the exalted character of the law of God. The soul palsied by sin can be endowed with life only through the work wrought out upon the cross by the Author of our salvation.-It is the one great truth to be constantly kept before the minds of men. Yet how dimly is the love of God understood; and in the teaching of the Word it makes but a faint impression. Manuscript 31, 1890. {7ABC 458.1} Hanging upon the cross Christ was the gospel. . . . This is our message, our argument, our doctrine, our warning to the impenitent, our encouragement for the sorrowing, the hope for every believer. If we can awaken an interest in men's minds that will cause them to fix their eyes on Christ, we may step aside, and ask them only to continue to fix their eyes upon the Lamb of God.-- Manuscript 49, 1898. {7ABC 458.2} Gather up the strongest affirmative statements regarding the atonement made by Christ for the sins of the world. Show the necessity for this atonement.--Evangelism, p. 187. {7ABC 458.3} The fact that the companions of Christ in His crucifixion were placed the one on His right hand and the other on His left is a significant one; His cross is placed in the very center of the world . --Manuscript 52, 1897. {7ABC 458.4} Christ and Him crucified, is the message God would have His servants sound through the length and breadth of the world. The law and the gospel will then be presented as a perfect whole.-- The Review and Herald, Sept. 29, 1896. {7ABC 458.5} Never should a sermon be preached, or Bible instruction in any line be given, without pointing the hearers to "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. Every true doctrine makes Christ the center, every precept receives force from His words.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 54. {7ABC 458.6} To remove the cross from the Christian would be like blotting out the sun from the sky. The cross brings us near to God, reconciling us to Him. . . . Without the cross, man could have no union with the Father. On it depends our every hope.--The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 209, 210. {7ABC 458.7} The study of the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sacrifice, and mediatorial work, will employ the mind of the diligent student as long as time shall last.--Gospel Workers, p. 251. (459) {7ABC 458.8} Christ crucified for our sins, Christ risen from the dead, Christ ascended on high, is the science of salvation that we are to learn and to teach.--Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 287. {7ABC 459.1} No discourse should ever be presented without presenting Christ and Him crucified as the foundation of the gospel.--Ibid., vol. 4, p. 394. {7ABC 459.2} We must become exponents of the efficacy of the blood of Christ, by which our own sins have been forgiven.--Ibid., vol. 6, p. 82. {7ABC 459.3} Science is too limited to comprehend the atonement; the mysterious and wonderful plan of redemption is so far-reaching that philosophy can not explain it; it will ever remain a mystery that the most profound reason can not fathom. If it could be explained by finite wisdom, it would lose its sacredness and dignity. It is a mystery that One equal with the eternal Father should so abase Himself as to suffer the cruel death of the cross to ransom man; and it is a mystery that God so loved the world as to permit His son to make this great sacrifice.--The Signs of the Times, Oct. 24, 1906. {7ABC 459.4} It is Satan's studied purpose to keep souls from believing in Christ as their only hope; for the blood of Christ that cleanseth from all sin is efficacious in behalf of those only who believe in its merit.--Gospel Workers, p. 162. {7ABC 459.5} Chap. 15 - Uplift Jesus as the Center I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. Revelation 22:16. {Mar 23.1} The perils of the last days are upon us, and in our work we are to warn the people of the danger they are in. Let not the solemn scenes which prophecy has revealed be left untouched. If our people were half awake, if they realized the nearness of the events portrayed in the Revelation, a reformation would be wrought in our churches, and many more would believe the message. We have no time to lose. . . . Let Daniel speak, let the Revelation speak, and tell what is truth. But whatever phase of the subject is presented, uplift Jesus as the center of all hope, "the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." {Mar 23.2} How to Present the Message Everywhere there are hearts crying out for the living God. Discourses unsatisfying to the hungry soul have been given in the churches. In these discourses there is not that divine manifestation which touches the mind and creates a glow in the soul. The hearers cannot say: "Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?" Luke 24:32. Much of the teaching given is powerless to awaken the transgressor or convict souls of sin. Some who have once tasted of the word of God have dwelt long in an atmosphere where there is no God, and they long for the divine presence. {6T 53.2} The very first and most important thing is to melt and subdue the soul by presenting our Lord Jesus Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour. Never should a sermon be preached, or Bible instruction in any line be given, without pointing the hearers to the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. Every true doctrine makes Christ the center, every precept receives force from His words. {6T 53.3} Keep before the people the cross of Calvary. Show what caused the death of Christ - the transgression of the law. Let not sin be cloaked or treated as a matter of little consequence. It is to be presented as guilt against the Son of God. Then point the people to Christ, telling them that immortality comes only through receiving Him as their personal Saviour. {6T 54.1} He who beholds the Saviour's matchless love will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character. {DA 661.3} All the offices of the church centered in Himself alone. {FE 399.1} I long to see our ministers dwell more upon the cross of Christ, their own hearts, meanwhile, softened and subdued by the Saviour's matchless love, which prompted that infinite sacrifice. If, in connection with the theory of the truth, our ministers would dwell more upon practical godliness, speaking from a heart imbued with the spirit of truth, we should see many more souls flocking to the standard of truth; their hearts would be touched by the pleadings of the cross of Christ, the infinite generosity and pity of Jesus in suffering for man. These vital subjects, in connection with the doctrinal points of our faith, would effect much good among the people. But the heart of the teacher must be filled with the experimental knowledge of the love of Christ. {4T 374.2} The mighty argument of the cross will convict of sin. The divine love of God for sinners, expressed in the gift of His Son to suffer shame and death that they might be ennobled and endowed with everlasting life, is the study of a lifetime. I ask you to study anew the cross of Christ. If all the proud and vainglorious, whose hearts are panting for the applause of men and for distinction above their fellows, could rightly estimate the value of the highest earthly glory in contrast with the value of the Son of God, rejected, despised, spit upon, by the very ones whom He came to redeem, how insignificant would appear all the honor that finite man can bestow. {4T 375.1} The central theme of the Bible, the theme about which every other in the whole book clusters, is the redemption plan, the restoration in the human soul of the image of God. Prom the first intimation of hope in the sentence pronounced in Eden to that last glorious promise of the Revelation, They shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads (Revelation 22:4), the burden of every book and every passage of the Bible is the unfolding of this wondrous theme. Mans uplifting, the power of God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57-Education, 125, 126.One interest will prevail: Christ our righteousness. - Ellen WhiteOne interest will prevail, one subject will swallow up every other - Christ our righteousness.-The Review and Herald, Extra. December 23, 1890.Christ crucified - talk it, pray it, sing it, and it will break and win hearts. Set, formal phrases, the presentation of merely argumentative subjects, is productive of little good. The melting love of God in the hearts of the workers will be recognized by those for whom they labor. Souls are thirsting for the water of life. Do not allow them to go from you empty. Reveal the love of Christ to them. Lead them to Jesus, and He will give them the bread of life and the water of salvation.-The Review and Herald, June 2, 1903.The great center of attraction, Jesus Christ, must not be left out of the third angels message. By many who have been engaged in the work for this time, Christ has been made secondary, and theories and arguments have had the first place.-The Review and Herald, March 20, 1894.This I do know, that our churches are dying for the want of teaching on the subject of righteousness by faith in Christ, and on kindred truths.-Gospel Workers, 301.The theme that attracts the heart of the sinner is Christ and Him crucified. On the cross of Calvary, Jesus stands revealed to the world in unparalleled love. Present Him thus to the hungering multitudes, and the light of His love will win men from darkness to light, from transgression to obedience and true holiness. Beholding Jesus upon the cross of Calvary arouses the conscience to the heinous character of sin as nothing else can do.-The Review and Herald, November 22, 1892.The sweetest melodies that come from human lips,-justification by faith, and the righteousness of Christ.-The Review and Herald, April 4, 1895.Assurance of salvation"Is He my Saviour? Can I lay hold upon His merits this very hour? Can I commit the keeping of my soul to Jesus Christ today? Yes. How? What assurance have I? I point you to Christ of Calvary. Can you stand under the shadow of the cross and there talk your crosses, your darkness, your wicked feelings? Can you do it? Dare you do it? You never dare to do it when standing under the shadow of the cross, because all that infinite sacrifice was made to make me love God. It was made that I might reflect the image of God in Jesus Christ. Well, then, when all this sacrifice has been made for me, shall I let everybody know that it amounts to something? Shall I let the world know that Jesus, the precious Saviour, has made all this infinite sacrifice that He might be formed within, the hope of glory, and that I might rejoice in His love?" (Sermons and Talks, vol. 1, p. 208)."Through Christ, restoration as well as reconciliation is provided for man. The gulf that was made by sin has been spanned by the cross of Calvary. A full, complete ransom has been paid by Jesus, by virtue of which the sinner is pardoned and the justice of the law is maintained. All who believe that Christ is the atoning sacrifice may come and receive pardon for their sins; for through the merit of Christ, communication has been opened between God and man. God can accept me as His child, and I can claim Him and rejoice in Him as my loving Father" (Faith and Works, p. 93).Blot from sky"To remove the cross from the Christian would be like blotting out the sun from the sky" (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 209).Burden of the work"If the Holy Spirit dwells in us, our work will testify to the fact we shall lift up Jesus. Not one can afford to be silent now; the burden of the work is to present Christ to the world" (Review and Herald Extra, Dec. 23, 1890).Center for all schools"The cross of Christ, how many believe it to be what it is? How many bring it into their studies, and know its true significance? There could not be a Christian in our world without the cross of Christ. Then keep it before the schools as the foundation of all true education" (Youth's Instructor, July 7, 1898).Center for all institutions"The cross is the center of all religious institutions. These institutions are to be under the control of the Spirit of God; in no institution is any one man to be the sole head. The divine mind has men for every place" (Counsels on Health, p. 524).Center of all truth"The knowledge of truth is the great power of God unto salvation to all who believe. The atoning sacrifice, the righteousness of Christ, is to us the vital center of all truth. In the cross of Calvary, mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other. The law and the gospel are in perfect harmony; they are interwoven as the warp and the woof. They shed a flood of light amid the moral darkness of the world, stimulating, renovating, sanctifying all who will believe the truth, all who will gladly and gratefully accept the light coming from the throne of God" (Review and Herald, Sept. 29, 1891).When Christ in His work of redemption is seen to be the great central truth of the system of truth, a new light is shed upon all the events of the past and the future. They are seen in a new relation, and possess a new and deeper significance" (The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, vol. 2, pp. 806, 807).Cling to the cross"If Satan comes to cast his shadow between you and God, accusing you of sin, tempting you to distrust God and doubt His mercy, say: I cannot allow my weakness to come between me and God; for He is my strength. My sins, which are many, are laid upon Jesus, my divine Substitute and Sacrifice.'Nothing in my hand I bring. Simply to thy cross I cling" (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 332).Contemplate His sacrifice"It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross" (The Desire of Ages, p. 83).Dwell too much?"Some of our brethren have expressed fears that we shall dwell too much upon the subject of justification by faith, but I hope and pray that none will be needlessly alarmed; for there is no danger in presenting this doctrine as it is set forth in the Scriptures. If there had not been a remissness in the past to properly instruct the people of God, there would not now be a necessity of calling special attention to it.... The exceeding great and precious promises given us in the Holy Scriptures have been lost sight of to a great extent, just as the enemy of all righteousness designed that they should be. He has cast his own dark shadow between us and our God, that we may not see the true character of God. The Lord has proclaimed Himself to be 'merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth' (Selected Messages, book 1 .p.372).Faith before works"But must works come first? No, it is faith first. And how? The cross of Christ is lifted up between heaven and earth. Here comes the Father and the whole train of holy angels; and as they approach that cross, the Father bows to the cross and the sacrifice is accepted. Then comes sinful man, with his burden of sin, to the cross, and he there looks up to Christ on the cross of Calvary, and he rolls his sins at the foot of the cross. Here mercy and truth have met together and righteousness and peace have kissed each other. And Christ says, 'I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me' " (The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, vol. 1, p. 344).First among Christians"Of all professing Christians, Seventh-day Adventists should be foremost in uplifting Christ before the world. The proclamation of the third angel's message calls for the presentation of the Sabbath truth. This truth, with others included in the message, is to be proclaimed; but the great center of attraction, Christ Jesus, must not be left out" (Gospel Workers, p. 156).Influence of cross"Our work in all its lines is to demonstrate the influence of the cross" (Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 235).Inspire enthusiasm"If there is anything in our world that should inspire enthusiasm, it is the cross of Calvary. 'Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.' Christ, made unto us 'wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption,' should be humbly and thankfully received by us. His sacrifice should in spire us with zeal to work in His service, calling upon others to behold in Him 'the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (Review and Herald, Sept. 29, 1896).Lift the cross higher"Lift the cross higher, that many may behold, and look and live. Christ died for the world, and His command is, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." The Lord would give us no such commission without placing resources at our command sufficient for the work. Who will present in its rich fullness the righteousness of Christ? Will the church who claim to believe the truth, the blood-bought church, do this work?" (Testimonies to Southern Africa, pp. 64, 65).Matchless love"Often doctrinal subjects are presented with no special effect; for men expect others to press upon them their doctrines; but when the matchless love of Christ is dwelt upon, His grace impresses the heart. There are many who are sincerely seeking for light, who know not what they must do to be saved. Oh, tell them of the love of God, of the sacrifice made on Calvary's cross to save the perishing! Tell them to place their will on the side of God's will; and 'if any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God.' John 7:17" (Colporteur Ministry, p. 42).Motivates" 'The love of Christ,' said Paul, 'constraineth us' [2 Cor. 5:14]. This was the actuating principle of his conduct; it was his motive-power. If ever his ardor in the path of duty flagged for a moment, one glance at the cross caused him to gird up anew the loins of his mind, and press forward in the way of self-denial. In his labors for his brethren he relied much upon the manifestation of infinite love in the sacrifice of Christ, with its subduing, constraining power" (Gospel Workers, p. 293).One object of supreme interest"To Paul the cross was the one object of supreme interest. Ever since he had been arrested in his career of persecution against the followers of the crucified Nazarene he had never ceased to glory in the cross. ... He knew by personal experience that when a sinner once be holds the love of the Father, as seen in the sacrifice of His Son, and yields to the divine influence, a change of heart takes place, and henceforth Christ is all and in all" (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 245).One interest"One interest will prevail, one subject will swallow up every other Christ our righteousness" (Sons and Daughters of God, p. 259).Our only hope"Justification by faith is to many a mystery. A sinner is justified by God when he repents of his sins. He sees Jesus upon the cross of Calvary.... He looks to the atoning Sacrifice as his only hope, through repentance toward God because the laws of His government have been broken and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ as the One who can save and cleanse the sinner from every transgression" (Our High Calling, p. 52).Point to the cross"I point you to the cross of Calvary. I ask you to consider the infinite sacrifice made in your behalf that through faith in Jesus Christ you may not perish but have everlasting life. . . I point you to Jesus. You are safe in committing to Him the innermost working of your mind. The Lord Jesus hath purchased you with an infinite price. You may commit the keeping of your soul to Jesus. You may trust Him as your Counselor. . . . Constantly draw nigh unto God. He will help you" (That I May Know Him, p. 341).Power of the cross"The cross of Calvary appeals in power, affording a reason why we should love Christ now, and why we should consider Him first, and best, and last, in everything. We should take our fitting place in humble penitence at the foot of the cross. We may learn the lessons of meekness and lowliness of mind as we go up to Mount Calvary, and, looking upon the cross, see our Saviour in agony, the Son of God dying, the Just for the unjust" ("That I May Know Him," p. 65).Stamped on every loaf"To the death of Christ we owe even this earthly life. The bread we eat is the purchase of His broken body. The water we drink is bought by His spilled blood. Never one, saint or sinner, eats his daily food, but he is nourished by the body and the blood of Christ. The cross of Calvary is stamped on every loaf. It is reflected in every waterspring. All this Christ has taught in appointing the emblems of His great sacrifice. The light shining from that Communion service in the upper chamber makes sacred the provisions for our daily life. The family board becomes as the table of the Lord, and every meal a sacrament" (The Desire of Ages, p. 660).Talk the cross"Let those whose hearts glow with the Saviour's love talk of Jesus, dwelling upon His infinite sacrifice in behalf of man. Dwell much upon His second appearing to our world; tell also of His first coming from heaven, His life of constant humiliation and sacrifice. With softened heart and tearful eye, tell the story of His dying upon Calvary's cross, because He loved us, that we might be saved" (Review and Herald, Dec. 2, 1890).Third angel's message"Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel's message, and I have answered, 'It is the third angel's message in verity' " (Evangelism, p. 190). The message of Christ's righteousness is to sound from one end of the earth to the other to prepare the way of the Lord. This is the glory of God, which closes the work of the third angel.--6T 19 (1900). {LDE 200.3} The last message of mercy to be given to the world is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them.--COL 415, 416 (1900). {LDE 200.4} The Message of Justification by Faith The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people through Elders Waggoner and Jones. [SEE APPENDIX.] This message was to bring more prominently before the world the uplifted Saviour, the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. It presented justification through faith in the Surety; it invited the people to receive the righteousness of Christ, which is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God. Many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family. All power is given into His hands, that He may dispense rich gifts unto men, imparting the priceless gift of His own righteousness to the helpless human agent. This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world. It is the third angel's message, which is to be proclaimed with a loud voice, and attended with the outpouring of His Spirit in a large measure. {TM 91.2} The uplifted Saviour is to appear in His efficacious work as the Lamb slain, sitting upon the throne, to dispense the priceless covenant blessings, the benefits He died to purchase for every soul who should believe on Him. John could not express that love in words; it was too deep, too broad; he calls upon the human family to behold it. Christ is pleading for the church in the heavenly courts above, pleading for those for whom He paid the redemption price of His own lifeblood. Centuries, ages, can never diminish the efficacy of this atoning sacrifice. The message of the gospel of His grace was to be given to the church in clear and distinct lines, that the world should no longer say that Seventh-day Adventists talk the law, the law, but do not teach or believe Christ. {TM 92.1} The efficacy of the blood of Christ was to be presented to the people with freshness and power, that their faith might lay hold upon its merits. As the high priest sprinkled the warm blood upon the mercy seat, while the fragrant cloud of incense ascended before God, 93so while we confess our sins and plead the efficacy of Christ's atoning blood, our prayers are to ascend to heaven, fragrant with the merits of our Saviour's character. Notwithstanding our unworthiness, we are ever to bear in mind that there is One that can take away sin and save the sinner. Every sin acknowledged before God with a contrite heart, He will remove. This faith is the life of the church. As the serpent was lifted up in the wilderness by Moses, and all that had been bitten by the fiery serpents were bidden to look and live, so also the Son of man must be lifted up, that "whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." {TM 92.2} Unless he makes it his life business to behold the uplifted Saviour, and by faith to accept the merits which it is his privilege to claim, the sinner can no more be saved than Peter could walk upon the water unless he kept his eyes fixed steadily upon Jesus. Now, it has been Satan's determined purpose to eclipse the view of Jesus and lead men to look to man, and trust to man, and be educated to expect help from man. For years the church has been looking to man and expecting much from man, but not looking to Jesus, in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. Therefore God gave to His servants a testimony that presented the truth as it is in Jesus, which is the third angel's message, in clear, distinct lines. This is the testimony that must go throughout the length and breadth of the world. It presents the law and the gospel, binding up the two in a perfect whole. (See Romans 5 and 1 John 3:9 to the close of the chapter.) Study the Cross The cross of Calvary means everything to perishing souls. Through the suffering and death of the Son of man, the salvation of man was made possible. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit God designs that His image shall be restored in humanity, that a new and living principle of life shall be introduced into the minds that have become defiled by sin. The love of God is fully able to restore, rebuild, encourage, and strengthen every believing soul who will accept the truth as it is in Jesus. But in order that this may be accomplished, men must yoke up with Christ. The cross of Christ must be studied. It must rivet the attention and hold the affections. The blood which there was shed for sins will purify and cleanse mind and heart from every species of selfishness. {TM 377.4} We Are to Glory Only in the Cross 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. Galatians 6:14. {SD 231.1} The cross of Christ,--how many believe it to be what it is? How many bring it into their studies, and know its true significance? There could not be a Christian in our world without the cross of Christ. . . . Turn from the examples of the world, cease to extol the professedly great men; turn the mind from the glory of everything save the cross of Christ. Said Paul, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." Let all, from the highest to the lowest, understand what it means to glory in the cross of Christ. That cross is to be bravely and manfully borne. Christ declares, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." And to all who will lift it, and bear it after Christ, the cross is a pledge of the crown of glory that can never fade away. . . . {SD 231.2} This is the highest science that we can learn,--the science of salvation. The cross of Calvary, rightly regarded, is true philosophy, pure and undefiled religion. It is eternal life to all who believe. By painstaking effort, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, it should be impressed upon the minds . . . that the cross of Christ is just as efficacious now as in Paul's day, and should be as perfectly understood by them as it was by the great apostle. . . . {SD 231.3} Know that Christ is to be set forth among you, and that all that was lost in Adam the cross of Christ fully restores to every believing soul. The Cross Planted Between Earth and Heaven.--When Christ came to this world, He found that Satan had everything as he wanted it. The adversary of God and man thought that he was indeed the prince of the earth, but Jesus laid hold of the world to take it out of the power of Satan. He came to redeem it from the curse of sin and the penalty of transgression, that the transgressor might be forgiven. He planted the cross between earth and heaven, and between divinity and humanity; and as the Father beheld the cross, He was satisfied. He said, "It is enough, the offering is complete." God and man may be reconciled. Those who have lived in rebellion against God, may become reconciled, if as they see the cross, they become repentant, and accept the great propitiation that Christ has made for their sins. In the cross they see that "mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other" (ST Sept. 30, 1889). {5BC 1137.9} (Galatians 6:14.) The Cross a Center in the World.--The cross stands alone, a great center in the world. It does not find friends, but it makes them. It creates its own agencies. Christ proposes that men shall become laborers together with God. He makes human beings His instrumentalities for drawing all men unto Himself. A divine agency is sufficient only through its operation on human hearts with its transforming power, making men colaborers with God (RH Sept. 29, 1891). {5BC 1138.1} Therefore the burden of Paul's preaching among them had been Christ, and him crucified. He wished them to understand that the theme for their most earnest study, and greatest joy, should be the grand truth of salvation through repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. {LP 124.3} The philosopher turns aside from the light of salvation, because it puts his proud theories to shame. The worldling refuses to receive it, because it would separate him from his earthly idols, and draw him to a holier life, for which he has no inclination. Paul saw that the character of Christ must be understood, before men could love him, and view the cross with the eye of faith. Here must begin that study which shall be the science and the song of the redeemed through all eternity. In the light of the cross alone can the true value of the human soul be estimated. {LP 125.1} {MYP 115.1} We must come nearer to the cross of Christ. Penitence at the foot of the cross is the first lesson of peace we have to learn. The love of Jesus--who can comprehend it? Infinitely more tender and self-denying than a mother's love! If we would know the value of a human soul, we must look in living faith upon the cross, and thus begin the study which shall be the science and the song of the redeemed through all eternity. The value of our time and our talents can be estimated only by the greatness of the ransom paid for our redemption. What ingratitude do we manifest toward God when we rob Him of His own by withholding from Him our affections and our service! Is it too much to give ourselves to Him who has sacrificed all for us? "Everyone that is of the truth," Christ declared, "heareth My voice." John 18:37. Having stood in the counsels of God, having dwelt in the everlasting heights of the sanctuary, all elements of truth were in Him and of Him. He was one with God. It means more than finite minds can comprehend to present in every missionary effort Christ and Him crucified. "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5. "He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be madethe righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21. Christ crucified for our sins; Christ risen from the dead; Christ ascended on high as our intercessor--this is the science of salvation that we need to learn and to teach. This is to be the burden of our work. {CT 22.2} The cross of Christ--teach it to every student over and over again. How many believe it to be what it is? How many bring it into their studies and know its true significance? Could there be a Christian in our world without the cross of Christ? Then keep the cross upheld in your school as the foundation of true education. The cross of Christ is just as near our teachers, and should be as perfectly understood by them, as it was by Paul, who could say, "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." Galatians 6:14. {CT 23.1} Let teachers, from the highest to the lowest, seek to understand what it means to glory in the cross of Christ. Then by precept and example they can teach their students the blessings it brings to those who bear it manfully and bravely. The Saviour declares, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Matthew 16:24. And to all who lift it and bear it after Christ, the cross is a pledge of the crown of immortality that they will receive. {CT 23.2} Educators who will not work in this line are not worthy of the name they bear. Teachers, turn from the example of the world, cease to extol professedly great men; turn the minds of your students from the glory of everything save the cross of Christ. The crucified Messiahis the central point of all Christianity. The most essential lessons for teachers and students to learn are those which point, not to the world, but from the world to the cross of Calvary. How many there are who grieve the Spirit of God by continual repining! This is because they have lost sight of Christ. If we behold Him who bore our sorrows and died as our sacrifice, that we might have an exceeding weight of glory, we shall regard our heaviest sorrows and trials as light afflictions. Think of the Saviour upon the cross, bruised, smitten, mocked, yet uncomplaining and unresisting, suffering without a murmur. This is the Lord of heaven, whose throne is from everlasting, All this suffering and shame He endured for the joy that was set before Him--the joy of bringing to men the gift of eternal life. {LHU 248.3} When the attention is fastened on the cross of Christ, the whole being is ennobled. The knowledge of the Saviour's love subdues the soul, and lifts the mind above the things of time and sense. Let us learn to estimate all temporal things in the light that shines from the cross. Let us strive to fathom the depths of humiliation to which our Saviour descended in order to make man the possessor of eternal riches. As we study the plan of redemption, the heart will feel the throb of the Saviour's love, and will be ravished by the charms of His character. {LHU 248.4} It is the love of Christ that makes our heaven. But when we seek to tell of this love, language fails us. We think of His life on earth, of His sacrifice for us; we think of His work in heaven as our advocate, of the mansions He is preparing for those who love Him; and we can but exclaim, "O the heights and depths of the love of Christ!" As we linger beneath the cross, we gain a faint conception of the love of God, and we say, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." But in our contemplation of Christ, we are only lingering round the edge of a love that is measureless. His love is like a vast ocean, without bottom or shore. {LHU 248.5} In all true disciples this love, like sacred fire, burns on the altar of the heart. It was on the earth that the love of God was revealed through Jesus. It is on the earth that His children are to let this love shine out through blameless lives. Thus sinners will be led to the cross, to behold the Lamb of God (Review and Herald, May 6, 1902). The cross of Christ is to be the theme, revealing the lessons we must learn and practice. Christ must be brought into all the studies, that students may drink in the knowledge of God and may represent Him in character. His excellence is to be our study in time as well as in eternity. The word of God, spoken by Christ in the Old and New Testaments, is the bread from heaven; but much that is called science is as dishes of human invention, adulterated food; it is not the true manna. {6T 132.1} In the light shining from the cross, we can rightly interpret nature's teaching. {8T 324.1} "The cross of Calvary, rightly regarded, is true philosophy, pure and undefiled religion."--Youth's Instructor, July 7, 1898, art. "God's Word Our Study Book." {PH124 22.7} Truly converted men and women will reveal the cross of Calvary in their daily actions. There are many Seventh-day Adventists who do not understand that to accept the cause of Christ means to accept his cross. {RH, February 25, 1909 par. 1} The death of Christ upon the cross made sure the destruction of him who has the power of death, who was the originator of sin. When Satan is destroyed, there will be none to tempt to evil; the atonement will never need to be repeated; and there will be no danger of another rebellion in the universe of God. That which alone can effectually restrain from sin in this world of darkness, will prevent sin in heaven. The significance of the death of Christ will be seen by saints and angels. Fallen men could not have a home in the paradise of God without the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Shall we not then exalt the cross of Christ? The angels ascribe honor and glory to Christ, for even they are not secure except by looking to the sufferings of the Son of God. It is through the efficacy of the cross that the angels of heaven are guarded from apostasy. Without the cross they would be no more secure against evil than were the angels before the fall of Satan. Angelic perfection failed in heaven. Human perfection failed in Eden, the paradise of bliss. All who wish for security in earth or heaven must look to the Lamb of God. The plan of salvation, making manifest the justice and love of God, provides an eternal safeguard against defection in unfallen worlds, as well as among those who shall be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Our only hope is perfect trust in the blood of Him who can save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him. The death of Christ on the cross of Calvary is our only hope in this world, and it will be our theme in the world to come. Oh, we do not comprehend the value of the atonement! If we did, we would talk more about it. The gift of God in his beloved Son was the expression of an incomprehensible love. It was the utmost that God could do to preserve the honor of his law, and still save the transgressor. Why should man not study the theme of redemption? It is the greatest subject that can engage the human mind. If men would contemplate the love of Christ, displayed in the cross, their faith would be strengthened to appropriate the merits of his shed blood, and they would be cleansed and saved from sin. There are many who will be lost, because they depend on legal religion, or mere repentance for sin. But repentance for sin alone cannot work the salvation of any soul. Man cannot be saved by his own works. Without Christ it is impossible for him to render perfect obedience to the law of God; and heaven can never be gained by an imperfect obedience; for this would place all heaven in jeopardy, and make possible a second rebellion. {ST, December 30, 1889 par. 4} God saves man through the blood of Christ alone, and man's belief in, and allegiance to, Christ is salvation. It is no marvel to angels that the infinite sacrifice made by the Son of God was ample enough to bring salvation to a fallen race, but that this atoning sacrifice should have been made is a wonder to the universe. It is a mystery which angels desire to look into. The angels are amazed at the indifference and coldness manifested by those for whom so great a salvation has been provided. They look with grief and holy indignation upon those who do not seek to appreciate the unspeakable gift of God. Instead of offering adoration to God, finite men think themselves capable, without divine unction, of determining what is worthy of praise or blame in their fellow-men. But to be glorified by man is no glory. We should learn to value the praise of man at what it is worth. The Lord says, "Them that honor me I will honor." Let every breath of praise, every word of exaltation, flow to him who is worthy, flow to Jesus, the Prince of life, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Elevate the cross of Christ. Elevate the Mediator. Lift up Jesus. In him is everything noble. Contemplate God in Christ. {ST, December 30, 1889 par. 5} The burden of our message is the cross of Calvary. This is our warning and invitation. This is our encouragement to the sorrowing, the rich feast which we spread before the believers. Under the deep moving of the Spirit of God, we engage the attention of those not enlightened in regard to the truth for this time. With a longing desire they fix their gaze upon the cross of Calvary. We ourselves shall be so affected by the wondrous sight that we shall study the lesson more and more earnestly, and then we shall let wondrous love flow forth from sanctified lips. We will draw with Christ. {2MR 165.2} They say, I have been told that this people do not preach Christ, but I have never attended meetings where Christ was more manifestly taught and exalted than in the sermons and in every line of work at these meetings. {2MR 166.3} How can Seventh-day Adventists preach any other doctrine? In Him our hope of eternal life is centered. There is no other way but to lift Him up, the Man of Calvary. All ministers should present to the people the only Hope of the world.The whole science of salvation is contained in accepting Christ as a personal, sin-pardoning Saviour. He died for sinful, erring human beings. "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up. . . . For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." {3MR 339.1} This is the highest science that we can learn,--the science of salvation. The cross of Calvary, rightly regarded, is true philosophy, pure and undefiled religion. It is eternal life to all who believe. By painstaking effort, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, it should be impressed upon the minds . . . that the cross of Christ is just as efficacious now as in Paul's day, and should be as perfectly understood by them as it was by the great apostle. . . . {SD 231.3} Christ crucified is the power of God unto salvation to all who will believe. A Saviour lifted up--a Saviour full and complete to all who accept Him--is the science of salvation. The subject is never exhausted. It is always fresh; for today Christ is a living Intercessor before the Father in the heavenly courts. Christ, the propitiation for the sins of the world, is a living subject instinct with divinity, and always fresh and new. {1SAT 292.2} While obtaining a knowledge of the sciences, they were studying, also, the highest science that mortals can study,--the science of salvation.{YI, August 6, 1903 par. 5} Lift up Jesus, you that teach the people, lift Him up in sermon, in song, in prayer. Let all your powers be directed to pointing souls, confused, bewildered, lost to "the Lamb of God." Lift Him up, the risen Saviour, and say to all who hear, Come to Him who "hath loved us, and hath given himself for us" (Ephesians 5:2). Let the science of salvation be the burden of every sermon, the theme of every song. Let it be poured forth in every supplication. . . . Show forth the grace and completeness of the Saviour (ibid., p. 160). Of all professing Christians, Seventh-day Adventists should be foremost in uplifting Christ before the world. The proclamation of the third angel's message calls for the presentation of the Sabbath truth. This truth, with others included in the message, is to be proclaimed; but the great center of attraction, Christ Jesus, must not be left out. It is at the cross of Christ that mercy and truth meet together, and righteousness and peace kiss each other. The sinner must be led to look to Calvary; with the simple faith of a little child he must trust in the merits of the Saviour, accepting His righteousness, believing in His mercy. {LHU 161.2} 162I gave my only begotten Son to die for sinners. He bore the penalty of the sins of the world. He is sufficient for your redemption. If you will plant your feet upon the platform of obedience; if you will repent and accept the merits of the Son of God, you may have hope of eternal life. The soul who will take God at his word, and obey his law, may live. To such the assurance is given, "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." {RH, September 30, 1909 par. 9} The science of overcoming as Christ overcame is the science of salvation. Burden of Every Sermon--The science of salvation is to be the burden of every sermon, the theme of every song. Let it be poured forth in every supplication. Let nothing be brought into the preaching of the Word to supplement Christ, the Word and power of God. Let His name, the only name given under heaven whereby we may be saved, be exalted in every discourse, and from Sabbath to Sabbath let the trumpet of the watchmen give a certain sound. Christ is the science and eloquence of the gospel, and His ministers are to hold forth the Word of life, presenting hope to the penitent, peace to the troubled and desponding, and grace and completeness and strength to the believing.--Ms 107, 1898. {VSS 337.1} The revelation of God's love to man centers in the cross. Its full significance tongue cannot utter; pen cannot portray; the mind of man cannot comprehend. . . . Christ crucified for our sins, Christ risen from the dead, Christ ascended on high, is the science of salvation that we are to learn and to teach. {AG 178.2}

What we need is truth, present truth. Let the truth shine forth in its unmeasured superiority, in all the dignity and purity that distinguish true religion. Hold up the cross of Calvary. This will rebuke heathen philosophy and pagan idolatry. Lift up the cross of Calvary higher and still higher, as the identified reality of Christianity. Let all our works, our every enterprise, show forth the sacred principles of the gospel. {20MR 65.2} . In Jesus, bruised, mocked, and hanging upon the cross, he sees the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world.{Mar 320.4} And now before the swaying multitude are revealed the final scenesthe patient Sufferer treading the path to Calvary; the Prince of heaven hanging upon the cross. . . . {TA 292.1} Look upon Christ hanging on the cross of Calvary, sacrificed for us. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." {RH, April 16, 1901 par. 20} In the closing events of the crucifixion day, fresh evidence was given of the fulfillment of prophecy, and new witness borne to Christ's divinity. When the darkness had lifted from the cross, and the Saviour's dying cry had been uttered, immediately another voice was heard, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God." Matthew 27:54. {DA 770.1} These words were said in no whispered tones. All eyes were turned to see whence they came. Who had spoken? It was the centurion, the Roman soldier. The divine patience of the Saviour, and His sudden death, with the cry of victory upon His lips, had impressed this heathen. In the bruised, broken body hanging upon the cross, the centurion recognized the form of the Son of God. He could not refrain from confessing his faith. Thus again evidence was given that our Redeemer was to see of the travail of His soul. Upon the very day of His death, three men, differing widely from one another, had declared their faith,--he who commanded the Roman guard, he who bore the cross of the Saviour, and he who died upon the cross at His side. {DA 770.2} Exalting The Man Of CalvaryAnd as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not 141perish, but have eternal life. John 3:14, 15. {OFC 140.6} I point you to the cross of Calvary. I ask you to consider the infinite sacrifice made in your behalf that through faith in Jesus Christ you may not perish but have everlasting life. . . . I point you to Jesus. {OFC 141.1} All heaven was given to us in Christ Jesus. . . . O honor Jesus by giving to Him the hearts best and holiest services! He has given His life for you. Who is He that hath done this? The only begotten Son of God, He that was One with the Father before the world was. {OFC 141.3} Lift up your banner, lift it up higher. Never, never let it trail in the dust of the earth. Exalt Jesus. Lift Him up, the Man of Calvary, higher and still higher. {OFC 141.4} Chap. 59 - The Cross of Calvary And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Luke 23:33. {TMK 65.1} The cross of Calvary appeals in power, affording a reason why we should love Christ now, and why we should consider Him first, and best, and last, in everything. We should take our fitting place in humble penitence at the foot of the cross. We may learn the lessons of meekness and lowliness of mind as we go up to Mount Calvary, and, looking upon the cross, see our Saviour in agony, the Son of God dying, the Just for the unjust. Behold Him who could summon legions of angels to His assistance with one word, a subject of jest and merriment, of reviling and hatred. He gives Himself a sacrifice for sin. When reviled, He threatened not; when falsely accused, He opened not His mouth. He prays on the cross for His murderers. He is dying for them. He is paying an infinite price for every one of them. He would not lose one whom He has purchased at so great cost. He gives Himself to be smitten and scourged without a murmur. And this uncomplaining victim is the Son of God. His throne is from everlasting, and His kingdom shall have no end. . . . Look, O look upon the cross of Calvary; behold the royal victim suffering on your account. . . . {TMK 65.2} The Son of God was rejected and despised for our sakes. Can you, in full view of the cross, beholding by the eye of faith the sufferings of Christ, tell your tale of woe, your trials? In the spring of A.D. 31, Christ, the true Sacrifice, was offered on Calvary. {FLB 201.2} When Christ on the cross cried out, "It is finished," the veil of the temple was rent in twain. This veil was significant to the Jewish nation. It was of most costly material, of purple and gold, and was of great length and breadth. At the moment when Christ breathed His last, there were witnesses in the temple who beheld the strong, heavy material rent by unseen hands from top to bottom. This act signified to the heavenly universe, and to a world corrupted by sin, that a new and living way had been opened to the fallen race, that all sacrificial offerings terminated in the one great offering of the Son of God. {FLB 201.3} Type . . . met antitype in the death of God's Son. . . . The way into the holiest is laid open. A new and living way is prepared for all. No longer need sinful, sorrowing humanity await the coming of the high priest. Henceforth the Saviour was to officiate as priest and advocate in the heaven of heavens. . . . There is now an end to all sacrifices and offerings for sin. The Son of God is come according to His word, "Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God." "By his own blood" He entereth "in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." Hebrews 10:7; 9:12. {FLB 201.4} The Holy Spirit which descended on the day of Pentecost carried the minds of the disciples from the earthly sanctuary to the heavenly, where Jesus had entered by His own blood, to shed upon His disciples the benefits of His atonement. {FLB 201.5} The eyes of men were turned to the true sacrifice for the sins of the world. The earthly priesthood ceased; but we look to Jesus, the minister of the new covenant. {FLB 201.6} The Elder Brother of our race is by the eternal throne. 202 {FLB 201.7} Your life is too precious a thing to be treated as of little worth. Calvary testifies to you the value of your soul. {OHC 257.5}We See Christ on the Cross And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. Mark 15:25. {SD 220.1} The spotless Son of God hung upon the cross, His flesh lacerated with stripes; those hands so often reached out in blessing, nailed to the wooden bars; those feet so tireless on ministries of love, spiked to the tree; that royal head pierced by the crown of thorns; those quivering lips shaped to the cry of woe. And all that He endured--the blood drops that flowed from His head, His hands, His feet, the agony that racked His frame, and the unutterable anguish that filled His soul at the hiding of His Father's face--speaks to each child of humanity, declaring, It is for thee that the Son of God consents to bear this burden of guilt; for thee He spoils the domain of death, and opens the gates of Paradise. He ... offers Himself upon the cross as a sacrifice, and this from love to thee. He, the Sin-Bearer, endures the wrath of divine justice, and for thy sake becomes sin itself. {SD 220.2} In silence the beholders watched for the end of the fearful scene. The sun shone forth; but the cross was still enveloped in darkness. Priests and rulers looked toward Jerusalem; and lo, the dense cloud had settled over the city, and the plains of Judea. The Sun of Righteousness, the Light of the world, was withdrawing His beams from the once favored city of Jerusalem. The fierce lightnings of God's wrath were directed against the fated city. {SD 220.3} Suddenly the gloom lifted from the cross, and in clear, trumpetlike tones, that seemed to resound throughout creation, Jesus cried, "It is finished." "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." A light encircled the cross, and the face of the Saviour shone with a glory like the sun. He then bowed His head upon His breast, and died. 221 {SD 220.4} All Men are Drawn to the Uplifted Saviour And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32. {SD 221.1} Never before was there such a general knowledge of Jesus as when He hung upon the cross. He was lifted up from the earth, to draw all to Him. Into the hearts of many who beheld that crucifixion scene, and who heard Christ's words, was the light of truth to shine. With John they would proclaim, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." There were those who never rested until, searching the Scriptures and comparing passage with passage, they saw the meaning of Christ's mission. They saw that free forgiveness was provided by Him whose tender mercy embraced the whole world. They read the prophecies regarding Christ, and the promises so free and full, pointing to a fountain opened for Judah and Jerusalem. {SD 221.2} The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light which streams from the cross of Calvary, and in connection with the wondrous, central truth of the Saviour's atonement. Those who study the Redeemer's wonderful sacrifice grow in grace and knowledge. {SD 221.3} I present before you the great, grand monument of mercy and regeneration, salvation and redemption,--the Son of God uplifted on the cross of Calvary. This is to be the theme of every discourse. {SD 221.4} Jesus is inviting and drawing by His Holy Spirit the hearts of young and old to Himself. . . . When Christ crucified is preached, the power of the gospel is demonstrated by the influence it exerts over the believer. In place of remaining dead in trespasses and sins, he is awakened. {SD 221.5} Lift up the Man of Calvary higher and still higher; there is power in the exaltation of the cross of Christ. 222 {SD 221.6} All Who Look to the Cross will Live And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Numbers 21:9. {SD 222.1} The Lord Jesus had protected the children of Israel from the venomous serpents in the wilderness, but this part of their history they did not know. Angels from heaven had accompanied them, and in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night Christ had been their protection through all their journeying. But they became selfish and discontented, and in order that they might not forget His great care over them, the Lord gave them a bitter lesson. He permitted them to be bitten by the fiery serpents, yet in His great mercy He did not leave them to perish. Moses was bidden to lift the brazen serpent on the pole, and make the proclamation that whosoever should look upon it should live. And all who looked, did live. They recovered health at once. . . . What a strange symbol of Christ was that likeness of the serpents which stung them. This symbol was lifted on a pole, and they were to look to it, and be healed. So Jesus was made in the likeness of sinful flesh. He came as the sin-bearer. . . . {SD 222.2} The same healing, life-giving message is now sounding. It points to the uplifted Saviour upon the shameful tree. Those who have been bitten by that old serpent, the devil, are bidden to look and live. . . . Look alone to Jesus as your righteousness and your sacrifice. As you are justified by faith, the deadly sting of the serpent will be healed. {SD 222.3} Without the cross, man could have no union with the Father. On it depends our every hope. From it shines the light of the Saviour's love; and when at the foot of the cross the sinner looks up to the One who died to save him, he may rejoice with fulness of joy; for his sins are pardoned. Kneeling in faith at the cross, he has reached the highest place to which man can attain. 223 {SD 222.4} Cross of Christ to Be Erected in Our Homes Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. John 8:28. {SD 223.1} Christ should be uplifted by those whom He has redeemed by dying on the cross a death of shame. He who has felt the power of the grace of Christ has a story to tell. He seeks to put in operation methods of work which will diffuse the gospel of Christ. Humanity, drawing its efficiency from the great source of wisdom, is made the instrumentality, the working agency, through which the gospel exercises its transforming power on mind and heart. . . . {SD 223.2} All our powers are to be used for Christ. This is the debt we each owe to God. In forming a relationship with Christ the renewed man is but coming back to his appointed relationship with God. . . . His duties lie round him, nigh and afar off. His first duty is to his children and his nearest relatives. Nothing can excuse him from neglecting the inner circle for the larger circle outside. . . . {SD 223.3} Some households have a little church in the home. Mutual love binds heart to heart, and the unity that exists among the members of the family preaches the most effectual sermon that could be preached on practical godliness. As parents faithfully do their duty in the family, restraining, correcting, advising, counseling, guiding,--the father as a priest of the household, the mother as a home missionary,--they are filling the sphere God would have them fill. By faithfully doing their duty in the home, they are multiplying agencies for doing good outside the home. They are becoming better fitted to labor in the church. By training their little flock discreetly, binding their children to themselves and to God, fathers and mothers become laborers together with God. The cross is erected in their home. The members of the family become members of the royal family above, children of the heavenly King. 224 {SD 223.4} We are Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, . . . but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1 Peter 1:18, 19. {SD 224.1} Every soul is precious, because it has been purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. {SD 224.2} Satan may whisper, "You are too great a sinner for Christ to save." While you acknowledge that you are indeed sinful and unworthy, you may meet the tempter with the cry, "By virtue of the atonement, I claim Christ as my Saviour. I trust not to my own merits, but to the precious blood of Jesus, which cleanses me." {SD 224.3} You cannot save yourself from the tempter's power, but he trembles and flees when the merits of that precious blood are urged. {SD 224.4} The Lord loves you; He is dearer to you than any earthly tie, than any earthly object. Consider how preciously near you may keep to One who is your strength and efficiency. Live not in the shadow of the cross, but on the sunny side of the cross, where the Sun of righteousness may shine into your heart. {SD 224.5} We are to have free access to the atoning blood of Christ. This we must regard as the most precious privilege, the greatest blessing, ever granted to sinful man. And how little is made of this great gift! How deep, how wide and continuous is this stream. To every soul thirsting after holiness there is repose, there is rest, there is the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit, and then the holy, happy, peaceful walk and precious communion with Christ. Then, O then, can we intelligently say with John, "Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world." Talk it, pray it. Let it be the theme of sacred song,--to be washed, to be cleansed; the believing soul claims that love, and by its virtues stands before the throne of God pardoned, justified, sanctified. . . . Its cleansing virtue gives strength and vigor to faith, power to prayer, and happiness in cheerful obedience. 225 {SD 224.6} We are Cleansed by Christ's Blood The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7. {SD 225.1} Some speak of the Jewish age as a Christless period, without mercy or grace. To such are applicable the words of Christ to the Sadducees, "Ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God." The period of the Jewish economy was one of wonderful manifestations of divine power. So glorious was the revealing of His presence that it could not be borne by mortal man. Moses, who was so highly favored of God, exclaimed, "I do exceedingly fear and quake." But God strengthened him to endure this excellent glory, and to bring from the mount a reflection of it upon his face so that the people could not look steadfastly upon it. . . . {SD 225.2} The very system of sacrifices was devised by Christ, and given to Adam as typifying a Saviour to come, who would bear the sins of the world, and die for its redemption. Through Moses, Christ gave definite directions to the children of Israel in regard to the sacrificial offerings. . . . Only clean and precious animals, those which would best symbolize Christ, were accepted as offerings to God. . . . {SD 225.3} The Israelites were forbidden to eat the fat or the blood. . . . This law not only related to beasts for sacrifice, but to all cattle which were used for food. This law was to impress upon them the important fact that if there had been no sin there would have been no shedding of blood. . . . {SD 225.4} The blood of the Son of God was symbolized by the blood of the slain victim, and God would have clear and definite ideas preserved between the sacred and the common. Blood was sacred, inasmuch as through the shedding of the blood of the Son of God alone could there be atonement for sin. Blood was also used to cleanse the sanctuary from the sins of the people, thus typifying the blood of Christ which alone can cleanse from sin. 226 {SD 225.5} Atonement Through Christ's Blood We also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Romans 5:11. {SD 226.1} Thank God that He who spilled His blood for us, lives to plead it, lives to make intercession for every soul who receives Him. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. . . . We need to keep ever before us the efficacy of the blood of Jesus. That life-cleansing, life-sustaining blood, appropriated by living faith, is our hope. We need to grow in appreciation of its inestimable value, for it speaks for us only as we by faith claim its virtue, keeping the conscience clean and at peace with God. This is represented as the pardoning blood, inseparably connected with the resurrection and life of our Redeemer, illustrated by the ever-flowing stream that proceeds from the throne of God, the water of the river of life. {SD 226.2} The wonderful symbol of the living bird dipped in the blood of the bird slain and then set free to its joyous life [Leviticus 14:4-8], is to us the symbol of the atonement. There were death and life blended, presenting to the searcher for truth and hidden treasure, the union of the pardoning blood with the resurrection and life of our Redeemer. The bird slain was over living water; that flowing stream was a symbol of the ever flowing, ever cleansing efficacy of the blood of Christ, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. . . . {SD 226.3} We are to have free access to the atoning blood of Christ. This we must regard as the most precious privilege, the greatest blessing, ever granted to sinful man. . . . How deep, how wide and continuous is this stream! To every soul thirsting after holiness there is repose, there is rest, there is the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit, and then the holy, happy, peaceful walk and precious communion with Christ. 227 {SD 226.4} We are Justified by Christ's Blood God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Romans 5:8, 9. {SD 227.1} Christ has made reconciliation for sin, and has borne all its ignominy, reproach, and punishment; and yet while bearing sin, He has brought in everlasting righteousness, so that the believer is spotless before God. . . . {SD 227.2} But there are many who claim to be children of God who are resting their hopes upon other dependencies, rather than on the blood of Christ alone. When urged to rest their faith wholly upon Christ as a complete Saviour, many reveal the fact that they have faith in something that they think they can do. They say, "I have a great deal to do before I can be fit to come to Christ." Another says, "When I have done to the uttermost all that I can do, then the Lord Jesus will come to my help." They imagine that they have a great deal to do themselves to save their own souls, and that Jesus will come in and piece out that part which is lacking, and give the finishing stroke to their salvation. These poor souls will not be strong in God until they accept Christ as a complete Saviour. They can add nothing to their salvation. {SD 227.3} The Israelites were required to sprinkle the door-posts with the blood of a slain lamb, in order that when the angel of death passed through the land, they might escape destruction. But if instead of doing this simple act of faith and obedience, they had barricaded the door, and taken every precaution to keep the destroying angel out, their pains would have been in vain. . . . When the blood was seen upon the door-post, it was enough. The salvation of the house was assured. So it is in the work of salvation; it is the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanseth from all sin. {SD 227.4} Through the merits of His blood, you may overcome every spiritual foe, and remedy every defect of character. 228 {SD 227.5} Sons of God Through Christ's Blood Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh. Hebrews 10:19, 20. {SD 228.1} Christ was nailed to the cross between the third and sixth hour, that is between nine and twelve o'clock. In the afternoon He died. This was the hour of the evening sacrifice. Then the veil of the temple, that which hid God's glory from the view of the congregation of Israel, was rent in twain from top to bottom. {SD 228.2} Through Christ the hidden glory of the holy of holies was to stand revealed. He had suffered death for every man, and by this offering, the sons of men were to become the sons of God. With open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, believers in Christ were to be changed into the same image, from glory to glory. The mercy seat, upon which the glory of God rested in the holiest of all, is opened to all who accept Christ as the propitiation for sin, and through its medium, they are brought into fellowship with God. The veil is rent, the partition walls broken down, the handwriting of ordinances cancelled. By virtue of His blood the enmity is abolished. {SD 228.3} The simple story of the cross of Christ, His suffering and dying for the world, His resurrection and ascension, His mediation in the sinner's behalf before the Father, subdues and breaks the hard and sinful heart, and brings the sinner to repentance. The Holy Spirit sets the matter before him in a new light, and the sinner realizes that sin must be a tremendous evil to cost such a sacrifice to atone for it. . . . How grievous must sin be that no less a remedy than the death of the Son of God could save man from the consequences of his guilt. Why was this done in behalf of man?-- It was because God loved him, and was not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance, believe in Jesus as a personal Saviour, and have life eternal. 229 {SD 228.4} We Are Reconciled to God by Christ's Death For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Romans 5:10. {SD 229.1} The cross is invested with a power that language cannot express. Christ's sacrifice in behalf of the human race puts to shame our meager efforts and methods to meet and uplift humanity, to help sinful men and women to find Jesus. {SD 229.2} The work of the sons and daughters of God must be of a different character than has yet been manifested by a large number. If they love Jesus, they will have enlarged ideas of the love that has been expressed for fallen man, which required the provision of so expensive an offering to save the human race. Our Saviour asks the cooperation of every son and daughter of Adam who has become a son or daughter of God. . . . Our Saviour declares that He brought from heaven as a donation eternal life. He was to be lifted up upon the cross of Calvary to draw all men unto Him. How then shall we treat the purchased inheritance of Christ? Tenderness, appreciation, kindness, sympathy, and love should be shown to them. Then we may work to help and bless one another. In this work we have more than human brotherhood. We have the exalted companionship of heavenly angels. They cooperate with us in the work of enlightening high and low. {SD 229.3} Having engaged in the work, the amazing work of our redemption, Christ determined in council with His Father to spare nothing, however costly, to withhold nothing however highly it might be estimated, that would rescue the poor sinner. He would give all heaven to this work of salvation, of restoring the moral image of God in man. . . . To be a child of God is to be one with Christ in God, and to put forth our hands in earnest, self-sacrificing love to strengthen and bless the souls that are perishing in their sins. 230 {SD 229.4} Christ Has Delivered Us from Eternal Death Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us. 2 Corinthians 1:10. {SD 230.1} Our Saviour came to this world to endure in human nature all the temptations wherewith man is beset. In His life He measured the power of the wily foe to deceive, to allure, and to destroy. As the Redeemer of the race, He warns humanity against seeking after those things that will lead away from the narrow path. He has cast up a glorious highway for those who are traveling toward the heavenly mansions that He has gone to prepare for all who will prepare themselves to become members of the royal family. . . . {SD 230.2} With His life Christ has purchased every human being. He died a cruel death to save human beings from eternal death. He gave His sinless life to obtain for the sinner a life that measures with the life of God. Through His death, He provided a way whereby man may break with Satan, return to his allegiance to God, and through faith in the Redeemer obtain pardon. . . . {SD 230.3} He who has all power in heaven and earth will restore every repenting, believing soul. To as many as receive Him He gives power to become the sons of God. He has a deep interest in every soul, for He paid the price of His own life that no one should be eternally lost. {SD 230.4} Christ's servants can and should be able to meet and overcome every temptation. They should say, "I am not my own; I have been bought with a price. By the infinite sacrifice Christ has made for me, He has put it out of my power to give Him