Nothing Less....

None but the Son of God could accomplish our redemption; for only He who was in the bosom of the Father could declare Him.  Only He (Jesus Christ) who knew the height and depth of the love of God could make it manifest.

Nothing less than the infinite sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of fallen Man could express the Father's love to lost Humanity.

...Christ was to identify Himself with the interests and needs of humanity.  He (Jesus Christ) who was one with God has linked Himself with the children of men by ties that are never to
be broken.  Jesus is "not ashamed to call them brethren (family).". Hebrews 2:11.

He is our Sacrifice, our Advocate, our Brother, bearing our human form before the Father's throne. And through eternal ages one with the race He has redeemed - the Son of Man.

And all this that Man/Woman might be uplifted from the degradation and ruin of
sin, that he/she might reflect the love of God and share the joy of holiness.

selections from Steps to Christ,, pp 14-15, e g white

True Story

Having read that many people die without hope in the resurrection, I pray nightly for the Lord to be with all those who are dying, to comfort them and their families, and to save them all in His Kingdom.  

Years ago I awoke with the impression that my California friend, actor James Stewart, was dying.  I prayed for the Lord to be very near to James, and for him to ask and receive forgiveness of his sins.

An hour later I felt peace that James was safe and fell back asleep.  The next morning I learned James had died during the night.  Though sad I believe Jimmy Stewart will be resurrected at Jesus’ Second Coming.

This all reminds me how important  each of us to God. How much He cares about each one of us!

Our Friend in Trials and Sufferings

Sometimes, we are called to pass through periods of trial and hardship.  Our future seems hedged with difficulties.  Our faith and loyalty are tested to the limit.  But NEVER does God desert us.  He awaits the right moment to come to our rescue.

 Maybe you are troubled, perplexed, and afraid; it may be because you have forgotten that you have Jesus for a Friend.   Jesus is “a very present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1.  Take Jesus at His word and go boldly and with confidence and tell Jesus all that is on your heart.

He could not give anything less

When God gave His Son, Jesus, to die for humanity's sins, He could not have given anything greater - and He could not have given anything less.

Our Defense Attorney in the Final Judgment

          The Biblical judicial system was not like ours.  The one bringing the charges served as prosecutor.  The judge served as defense attorney.  If the judge realized the charges were serious, he could call for the accused's eldest male relative to sit at his right side to help him with the defense.

          Jesus speaks with the Father, because they are both on the same side defending us against Satan's accusations!!  This is why the Bible speaks of looking forward to God's Judgment.  It means vindication to those who love and obey the Lord!!

          "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ..." 2 Corinthians 5:10.  "The Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son."  John 5:22.

           "Who is to judge us?  It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, for He is at the right hand of God, who intercedes for us!"  Romans 8:34.   "And to testify that it is He [Jesus] who was ordained of God to be the Judge of the living and dead."  Acts 10:42.

          Jesus speaks, "My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me."  John 8:16.   "…if anyone sins, we have an Attorney with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous." 1 John 2:1.  "He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man God ordained."  Acts 17:31.

           "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  1 John 1:9.  Jesus says, "But I say to you, that every idle word that people speak, they will give account thereof in the Day of Judgment!"  Matthew 12:36.  

           "As many as have sinned in the Law [Ten Commandments] shall be judged by the Law.  Romans 2:12.   We shall be "judged by the Law of liberty" [the Ten Commandments].  James 2:12.

           "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His Commandments, for this is the whole duty of humanity.  For God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil."  Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14.

We have an Advocate!

If anyone be in Christ, they are a new creature: old things are passed away, all things have become new.  2 Corinthians 5:17 

And you will be made alive, who were dead in sin. Ephesians 2:1

For the Father has made Jesus to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.  2 Corinthians 5:21

For this is good and acceptable to God our Savior: Who wants all people to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4

Not by our works of righteousness, but according to His mercy He saved us….  Titus 3:5

 My little children, these things I write to you, that you sin not. And if any one sins, we have an Advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ the righteous.   And He is the sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world!  1 John 2:1-2