“And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live” (Numbers 21:8, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article explores the profound symbolism of the bronze serpent in the wilderness as a type of Christ’s redemptive sacrifice, illustrating how faith in God’s provision brings healing and eternal life, while emphasizing our responsibility to trust, obey, and share this message of hope with others, drawing parallels from Scripture and inspired writings to underscore the simplicity and power of looking to Jesus for salvation.

LOOK UP AND LIVE: THE SAVING POWER OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICE (NUMBERS 21:8-9)

When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus, He revealed a profound truth: “And 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 perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:14-15). The story of the bronze serpent in Numbers 21:8-9 provides a powerful parallel. Ellen G. White writes, “The symbol of the uplifted serpent made plain to [Nicodemus] the Saviour’s mission. The people well knew that in itself the serpent had no power to help them. It was a symbol of Christ” (The Desire of Ages, p. 174, 1898). She further states, “As the image made in the likeness of the destroying serpents was lifted up for their healing, so One made ‘in the likeness of sinful flesh’ was to be their Redeemer” (The Desire of Ages, p. 175, 1898). This story teaches us that salvation does not come from rituals or objects but from faith in the ultimate Sacrifice. The uplifted serpent pointed Israel to their Redeemer, “who was made in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3). Today, we are called to look beyond earthly remedies and focus on Christ, whose sacrifice alone offers healing and forgiveness. Revealing His role clearly, Christ ministers as our High Priest in the true tabernacle pitched by the Lord, not by man, as affirmed in “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25) and “Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself” (Hebrews 7:27). A passage from Patriarchs and Prophets reminds us, “The Israelites were weary and thirsty, their souls revolted at the miserable food, and they murmured against Moses and against God” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 428, 1890). Sr. White further notes, “God permitted these sufferings that He might teach them lessons of faith and trust” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 293, 1890). This divine provision invites us to embrace faith as the pathway to redemption. How does this refusal to accept God’s remedy manifest in human choices?

WHY WOULD ANYONE REFUSE A CURE IN PLAIN SIGHT?

Even with the remedy in plain sight, many Israelites perished. Paul warns, “Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents” (1 Corinthians 10:9). Sr. White comments, “Many of the Israelites saw no help in the remedy which Heaven had appointed. The dead and dying were all around them, and they knew that, without divine aid, their own fate was certain; but they continued to lament their wounds” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 432, 1890). She also writes, “They murmured and complained, accusing God of cruelty in permitting them to suffer. They refused to see in their affliction a correction for their ingratitude and disobedience” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 429, 1890). This tragic choice underscores a common human failing: the tendency to rely on our strength rather than accept God’s provision. In our lives, we must ask ourselves, are we lamenting our struggles while ignoring the solution Christ offers? Healing requires humility and faith—a willingness to trust God completely. Scripture reveals that God calls us to repentance and faith, as seen in “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14) and “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6). In Testimonies for the Church we read, “The Lord sends trials to prove who will serve Him and who will serve the enemy” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 255, 1873). In The Great Controversy we are told, “Satan is constantly at work to divert the mind from Him who alone can save” (The Great Controversy, p. 530, 1888). This refusal highlights the peril of self-reliance over divine dependence. What power lies in the simple act of faith?

CAN A SINGLE GLANCE TRULY POSSESS SAVING POWER?

The simplicity of the Israelites’ salvation—to look at the bronze serpent and live—parallels our own path to redemption. Paul reminds us, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast” (Hebrews 6:19). Sr. White explains, “The fatal effects of sin can be removed only by the provision that God has made… That look implied faith… So the sinner may look to Christ, and live” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 431, 1890). She further elaborates, “Faith in Christ is not the work of mere human effort, but it is the gift of God, which He bestows to all who will accept it” (Steps to Christ, p. 63, 1892). This profound truth calls us to action. To look upon Christ’s sacrifice is to acknowledge His power and trust in His mercy. It is a daily choice to rely on His grace and not our merit. Are we fixing our eyes on Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith? In The Great Controversy we read, “By faith he may bring to his aid the power of Christ, and he may be more than conqueror” (The Great Controversy, p. 510, 1888). Testimonies for the Church states, “Faith is the victory that overcomes the world” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 213, 1876). Christ invites us to behold Him for transformation, as supported by “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18) and “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). This glance embodies the essence of saving faith. How does this narrative mirror divine affection?

IN WHAT WAY DOES JUDGEMENT REVEAL GOD’S LOVE?

The bronze serpent reflects God’s deep love for humanity. Though justice demanded consequences for rebellion, mercy provided a way of escape. This duality is beautifully expressed: “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth” (Hebrews 12:6). Sr. White writes, “God desires to teach them that [rituals] had no more value than that serpent of brass. It was to lead their minds to the Saviour” (The Desire of Ages, p. 175, 1898). She also states, “God’s love has been expressed in His justice no less than in His mercy. Justice is the foundation of His throne, and the fruit of His love” (The Desire of Ages, p. 762, 1898). This divine provision reveals a God who does not abandon us to sin’s consequences but actively seeks to restore us. His love calls us to respond with faith, gratitude, and surrender. A passage from Education reminds us, “Love, the basis of creation and of redemption, is the basis of true education” (Education, p. 16, 1903). Christ’s Object Lessons tells us, “The love of God still yearns over the one who has chosen to separate from Him, and He sets in operation influences to bring him back to the Father’s house” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 202, 1900). God demonstrates His care through provision, as in “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8) and “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). This love inspires reciprocal devotion. What duties does this love impose upon us?

In light of Christ’s sacrifice, our primary duty is to trust and obey. Scripture declares, “Fear God, and give glory to him” (Revelation 14:7). Sr. White affirms, “They could do nothing for themselves but show their faith in the Gift of God” (The Desire of Ages, p. 175, 1898). She further asserts, “Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the commandments that proves the sincerity of our professions of love” (Steps to Christ, p. 60, 1892). Trusting God means aligning our lives with His will—through prayer, study, and service. I must actively seek His guidance, knowing my strength is insufficient. Am I placing full confidence in His promises, or do I waver in doubt? The choice to surrender determines whether we experience the fullness of His grace. In Testimonies for the Church we read, “True obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 361, 1855). Selected Messages confirms, “The obedience of Christ to His Father was the same obedience that is required of man” (Selected Messages, book 3, p. 135, 1980). Our commitment is rooted in reverence, as “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) and “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments” (1 John 2:3). This obedience fosters intimate communion. How do we extend this responsibility to others?

Just as the Israelites shared the news of the uplifted serpent, we are called to share Christ’s message of hope. Paul exhorts, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Sr. White emphasizes, “They were to look and live” (The Desire of Ages, p. 175, 1898). She also writes, “No sooner does one come to Christ than there is born in his heart a desire to make known to others what a precious Friend he has found in Jesus” (Steps to Christ, p. 78, 1892). This instruction reminds us that we are stewards of the gospel. Are we reflecting Christ’s love in our interactions? Practical acts of kindness and intentional sharing of truth demonstrate our faith. As ambassadors of His kingdom, we must invite others to “look and live.” The Desire of Ages notes, “The followers of Christ are to labor as He did. We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted” (The Desire of Ages, p. 350, 1898). Testimonies for the Church advises, “Every soul is surrounded by an atmosphere of its own—an atmosphere, it may be, charged with the life-giving power of faith, courage, and hope” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 183, 1909). We fulfill love through service, as “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35) and “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3). This sharing amplifies redemption’s reach.

The bronze serpent’s story is not merely a historical account; it is a timeless lesson about faith, grace, and responsibility. By lifting our eyes to Christ, we find healing and redemption. By pointing others to Him, we fulfill our divine calling. Sr. White writes, “Christ was uplifted to draw all men to Him” (The Desire of Ages, p. 175, 1898). She further states, “In the work of redemption there is no compulsion. No external force is employed. Under the influence of the Spirit of God, man is left free to choose whom he will serve” (The Desire of Ages, p. 466, 1898). May we live with this purpose, trusting fully in God’s provision and sharing His love with the world. A passage from The Great Controversy reminds us, “The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan” (The Great Controversy, p. 589, 1888). Testimonies for the Church affirms, “Christ draws the sinner by the love of God revealed in Himself” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 634, 1889). God orchestrates restoration, as “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him” (Hosea 14:4) and “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). This narrative urges eternal vigilance in faith.

Salvation comes through faith in Christ alone. His sacrifice, prefigured by the bronze serpent, invites us to trust, obey, and share. Let us daily choose to “look and live,” embracing the life-giving power of His love and pointing others to the ultimate Source of hope and healing. Revealing ultimate victory, Christ assures restoration, as “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4) and “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). In Steps to Christ we read, “The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer” (Steps to Christ, p. 64, 1892). Patriarchs and Prophets states, “The plan of salvation is broad enough to embrace the whole world” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 68, 1890). This truth culminates in eternal life.

For more articles, please go to www.faithfundamentals.blog.

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my grasp of the bronze serpent’s symbolism in my daily devotions, letting it transform my trust in Christ’s sacrifice?

How might we present this typology accessibly to varied groups, preserving its depth while connecting to everyday faith journeys?

What misunderstandings about faith versus works prevail locally, and how can Scripture and Sr. White’s insights clarify them compassionately?

How can we embody this “look and live” principle in community life, becoming active witnesses to redemption’s power amid modern challenges?