“But 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, KJV).

ABSTRACT

Jesus came to save humanity by offering eternal life, reconciling sinners to God, granting adoption as His children, and seeking the lost. This article explores how Christ’s mission, rooted in God’s love, restores our relationship with Him, adopts us as His children, and inspires us to share His love with others, fulfilling the divine plan of redemption.

JESUS MISSION: SAVING HUMANITY THROUGH LOVE AND GRACE

Jesus came to save humanity by offering eternal life, reconciling sinners to God, granting adoption as His children, and seeking the lost. The Bible reveals that Jesus’ mission was driven by God’s love and His desire to restore humanity’s relationship with Him. As John 3:16 states, “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.” This verse underscores God’s profound love, demonstrated through Jesus’ sacrifice to offer salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him. God’s Word further affirms this love in Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,” showing that Christ’s death was a deliberate act of love for the undeserving. Additionally, 1 John 4:9 declares, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” Ellen G. White writes, “The plan for our redemption was not an afterthought, a plan formulated after the fall of Adam. It was a revelation of ‘the mystery which hath been hid from ages’” (The Desire of Ages, p. 22, 1898). Sr. White further states, “The incarnation of Christ is the mystery of all mysteries” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 6, p. 112, 1990). These scriptures and writings reveal the depth of God’s love, planned from eternity to redeem us through Christ’s sacrifice. How does Christ’s work of reconciliation manifest in His saving mission?

CHRIST’S SAVING WORK AND RECONCILIATION

The work of Jesus demonstrates His mission to save and reconcile humanity to God. John 3:17 declares, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” This emphasizes that Jesus’ purpose was not to bring condemnation but to save humanity from sin and its consequences. Sr. White echoes this, stating, “He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898). Jesus willingly bore humanity’s punishment, making reconciliation with God possible. His actions fulfill the prophecy in Isaiah 53:5, which proclaims, “With His stripes we are healed.” Through His suffering, Jesus healed the breach caused by sin, enabling us to receive His righteousness and eternal life. Further scriptures affirm this truth in 2 Corinthians 5:19, “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them.” Likewise, Colossians 1:20 states, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself.” Sr. White explains, “Through Jesus, God’s mercy was manifested to men; but mercy does not set aside justice” (The Desire of Ages, p. 762, 1898). She adds, “The cross of Calvary testifies to the immutability of the law of God” (Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 240, 1958). Christ’s sacrifice bridges the gap between God and humanity, offering salvation through His atoning blood. What does it mean for us to be adopted as God’s children through Christ’s mission?

ADOPTION AS GOD’S CHILDREN

Jesus’ mission includes adopting us as God’s children, restoring our relationship with Him. John 1:12 affirms, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” This adoption signifies the restored relationship between God and humanity through faith in Christ. Furthermore, Jesus’ ministry focused on seeking the lost, as stated in Luke 19:10: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Sr. White summarizes this purpose, writing, “Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus actively pursues sinners, offering forgiveness and new life. Galatians 4:4-5 declares, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Romans 8:15 adds, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” Sr. White writes, “By His life and His death, Christ has achieved even more than recovery from the ruin wrought through sin” (The Desire of Ages, p. 37, 1898). She further states, “The Saviour’s love embraces the whole world, and every soul is invited to come to Him” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 202, 1900). This adoption restores our identity as God’s children, granting us the privilege of eternal fellowship with Him. How are we called to respond to Christ’s saving work and adoption?

We must accept Christ’s sacrifice and reflect His love in our lives. Trusting in His righteousness, which humanity could not achieve on its own, is essential for salvation. Sr. White explains, “That we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898). This trust leads to a life of obedience and gratitude. Additionally, we are called to share Christ’s love with others, seeking the lost as He did. As Luke 19:10 reveals, Jesus’ mission inspires us to show compassion and point others to the salvation He offers. 1 Peter 2:9 states, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” Titus 2:14 affirms, “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Sr. White writes, “Every soul is to be a light in the world, reflecting the glory of God” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 415, 1900). She adds, “The followers of Christ are to be the light of the world; but God does not bid them make an effort to shine. He bids them let their light shine” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 42, 1896). By living out these responsibilities, we embody the grace and love we have received through Jesus. How can we live out Christ’s mission in practical ways?

LIVING OUT CHRIST’S MISSION

Jesus came to save humanity by taking our punishment, offering righteousness, and restoring our relationship with God. His mission, rooted in God’s love, provides eternal life to all who believe. As Sr. White states, “He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898). We are called to accept this gift and share it with others, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ’s love and grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” 2 Timothy 1:9 affirms, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” Sr. White writes, “The work of redemption will be complete when sin and sinners are no more” (The Great Controversy, p. 678, 1911). She further states, “The plan of salvation is comprehensive, embracing all the needs of man” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 373, 1890). By accepting Christ’s sacrifice and sharing His love, we participate in His redemptive mission, reflecting His grace to the world. How can we deepen our understanding and application of these truths in our daily lives?

“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” (John 3:16, KJV).

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SELF-REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How can I deepen my personal study of Christ’s redemptive mission to allow His love and grace to transform my character and priorities?

How can we present the plan of redemption in a way that resonates with diverse audiences, from new seekers to lifelong believers, while maintaining theological accuracy?

What common misunderstandings about salvation and Christ’s mission exist in my community, and how can I address them with clarity using Scripture and Sr. White’s writings?

In what practical ways can our congregations and individual members live out Christ’s mission, becoming vibrant witnesses of His love and grace in a world seeking hope?