209. The Glory of the Cross
Today’s reading: “The Ministry of Healing” pp. 423d–425c.
We must know Him as He reveals Himself. p. 409.
Today we reach the most important view of God. Here He reveals Himself more clearly than through nature or Scripture. This is the climax, the focal point of … well… everything.
The revelation of God’s love to man centers in the cross.
The cross is incomprehensibly significant. It shows the tremendous love wrapped in the gift of Jesus Christ. But “the cross” is a concept wider than just the crucifixion.
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.
The Bible verses Ellen quotes indicate important concepts in the science of salvation,
- Christ’s self-emptying love
- Christ’s condescension at becoming human, then dying as a human
- Christ’s condescension, not just at dying, but by dying on a cross.
- Christ’s elevation to the throne of the universe as God’s right-hand man (literally)
- Christ as our nonstop Intercessor, always able to save.
- Christ as our empathetic, perfect High Priest — making atonement
- Christ as infinitely rich in wisdom, love, justice and mercy.
In the gift of Christ we receive,
- a daily inexhaustible flow of blessings from God
- every flower, drop of rain, ray of light
- the sun, moon and stars
“The cross” is source of everything we need.
“Unspeakable” is used today to describe the dreadful evil incidents in the news, but here Ellen uses it to describe the love of God in Christ.
Shocking love.
…the science of salvation that we are to learn and to teach.
