SONSHIP: HUMANITY AND REDEMPTION

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This exposition delves into God’s sovereign rule grounded in justice and righteousness, outlines His expectations of love and obedience from humanity despite our inherent shortcomings, highlights Christ’s flawless fulfillment of divine requirements through His life and sacrificial death, presents the gospel as the pathway to salvation and eternal promises via faith, and reflects on how these elements manifest God’s profound love, while delineating our duties of devotion to Him and compassionate service to others, culminating in a call to harmonious living under His principles.

ALMIGHTY’S AWESOME AUTHORITY!

God reigns as the ultimate authority, reigning from a foundation of justice and righteousness. Psalm 71:19 (KJV) declares, “Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!” Psalm 89:14 (KJV) emphasizes, “Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.” Isaiah 45:21 (KJV) proclaims, “…and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.” Psalm 97:2 (KJV) states, “Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.” These verses highlight God’s unwavering moral perfection and His sovereignty over creation. Ellen G. White supports this view, stating, “The law of God, from its very nature, is unchangeable. It is a revelation of the will and character of its Author” (The Great Controversy, p. 434, 1911). “In the banishment of Satan from heaven, God declared His justice and maintained the honor of His throne” (The Great Controversy, p. 503, 1911). “Because God is a God of justice and terrible majesty, Satan caused them to look upon Him as severe and unforgiving” (The Desire of Ages, p. 115, 1898). God’s character of justice and mercy reflects in His law, demanding reverence and obedience. But what requirements does God place on humanity?

CALL TO COMMITMENT!

God’s requirements for humanity center on love and obedience to His commands. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (KJV) commands, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (KJV) reinforces this, saying, “And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” Micah 6:8 (KJV) declares, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” 1 John 5:3 (KJV) affirms, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” Sr. White elaborates, “To love Him, the infinite, the omniscient One, with the whole strength, mind, and heart, means the highest development of every power” (The Desire of Ages, p. 668, 1898). Yet, as Romans 3:10-12 (KJV) explains, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” “Obedience or disobedience decides every man’s destiny” (The Review and Herald, December 13, 1892). “And just as a man acts in willing obedience to the requirements of God, will come his peace of mind. He will give evidence of clear judgment and a thorough understanding of the truth” (The Signs of the Times, October 15, 1894). This failure underscores humanity’s dependence on divine grace. Sr. White further affirms, “Man has nothing in himself to make him righteous. He cannot meet the claims of God’s holy law” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 311, 1900). How does Christ address this human shortfall?

CHRIST’S COURAGEOUS CONQUEST!

Christ alone fulfilled every requirement of God, achieving what humanity could not. Isaiah 42:21 (KJV) states, “The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable,” and John 8:46 (KJV) asks, “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” Hebrews 5:8-9 (KJV) explains, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV) declares, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” These affirm Christ’s sinless nature and perfect obedience. Sr. White explains, “Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898). Through His life and sacrifice, Christ enables us to partake in divine grace and harmony with God’s law. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 1:30 (KJV) states, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” “As the Son of man, He gave us an example of obedience; as the Son of God, He gives us power to obey” (The Desire of Ages, p. 24, 1898). “Christ’s words regarding this matter are definite. He was standing at the head of humanity, and He set human beings an example of perfect obedience” (Letters, Lt 259, 1903). Sr. White continues, “By His life and His death, Christ has achieved even more than recovery from the ruin wrought through sin. It was Satan’s purpose to bring about an eternal separation between God and man, but in Christ, we become more closely united to God than if we had never fallen” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898). What does the gospel proclaim about this salvation?

GLORIOUS GOSPEL GIFTS!

The gospel declares Christ as the means of salvation and hope for humanity. Romans 1:16-17 (KJV) affirms, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Ephesians 1:7 (KJV) states, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Titus 2:11-12 (KJV) explains, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” Sr. White reinforces this message, stating, “The gospel is a revelation to man of infinite love, of divine mercy, forgiving sins and bringing the righteousness of Christ into the believer’s life” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 520, 1911). Romans 3:21-26 (KJV) explains, “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested… even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.” “We do not earn salvation by our obedience; for salvation is the free gift of God, to be received by faith. But obedience is the fruit of faith” (Steps to Christ, p. 61, 1892). “The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 9, 1911). She further notes, “When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind” (Steps to Christ, p. 62, 1892). Faith in Christ’s blood promises reconciliation and eternal life. Psalm 37:29 (KJV) promises, “The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever,” and Revelation 19:8 (KJV) describes the righteous wearing “fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” She confirms, “The robe woven in the loom of heaven has in it not one thread of human devising. Christ in His humanity wrought out a perfect character, and this character He offers to impart to us” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 311, 1900). How do these concepts mirror God’s profound affection?

BOUNDLESS BENEVOLENCE BEAMED!

The concepts presented reflect God’s love by revealing His desire for a restored relationship with humanity through His law and redemption. As stated in Deuteronomy 6:5 (KJV), God’s commandments emphasize that His law is rooted in love. Romans 5:8 (KJV) affirms, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” 1 John 4:19 (KJV) declares, “We love him, because he first loved us.” Sr. White states, “The law of God is an expression of His very nature; it is an embodiment of the great principle of love” (Steps to Christ, p. 60, 1892). Despite humanity’s failure, as Romans 3:10 (KJV) says, God demonstrates His love by providing salvation through Jesus Christ. John 3:16 (KJV) declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” “It is transgression of God’s law—the law of love—that has brought woe and death. Yet even amid the suffering that results from sin, God’s love is revealed” (Steps to Christ, p. 9, 1892). “The law of love is the foundation of God’s government, and the service of love the only service acceptable to heaven” (The Signs of the Times, June 5, 1879). She affirms this: “It was to redeem us that Jesus lived and suffered and died” (Steps to Christ, p. 13, 1892). What devotion do we owe to God in response?

We owe complete devotion to God. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 commands love, reverence, and obedience to Him, while Romans 12:1 calls for offering oneself as a living sacrifice. Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV) states, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Joshua 24:15 (KJV) declares, “…choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Sr. White emphasizes surrendering sin and accepting Christ as Savior, exalting the law through our lives (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 79, 1896). “God calls for an unconditional surrender of the heart and affections to Him” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 44, 1875). “Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate” (Steps to Christ, p. 70, 1892). Our duty includes cultivating a deep, obedient relationship with God, reflecting His character in our actions. How does this extend to our interactions with others?

God’s law also directs us to care for others. Luke 10:27 teaches, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Galatians 5:14 (KJV) affirms, “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” James 2:8 (KJV) states, “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:” This command echoes Christ’s life, which modeled compassion and service. Sr. White writes, “True love to God will be manifested in unselfish love for our neighbor” (Steps to Christ, p. 77, 1892). “He feels that his neighbor has claims upon him that he cannot disregard and yet obey the command of God, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself”” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 165, 1940). “To save souls should be the life work of everyone who professes Christ. We are debtors to the world for the grace given us of God, for the light which has shone upon us, and for the discovered beauty and power of the truth” (Christian Service, p. 11, 1925). By living selflessly and prioritizing others’ needs, we honor God’s law and reflect His love to the world. What ultimate harmony does this foster?

ETERNAL EMPIRE ESTABLISHED!

God’s law, fulfilled through Christ, reveals His love and justice. Our responsibilities to God and our neighbors call us to live harmoniously with His principles. Psalm 119:165 (KJV) declares, “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Isaiah 48:18 (KJV) states, “O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:” This reflection of God’s love leads us to the deeper spiritual truth—the Spirit of the Law—guiding our actions and faith. God’s throne, grounded in justice and righteousness, calls His creation to worship and obedience, reflecting His supreme nature. God’s requirements highlight both His holiness and humanity’s need for redemption through divine grace. Christ’s perfect obedience bridges the gap between human failure and divine expectation, offering redemption to all who believe. The gospel offers a path to salvation and eternal reward, fulfilling God’s promises. God’s law and redemption reflect His boundless love, calling humanity to faith and obedience. “His nature, His law, is love. It ever has been; it ever will be” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33, 1890). “The law of God is the foundation of His government in heaven and in earth” (The Signs of the Times, March 19, 1896).

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.

PEOPLE OF THE BOOK

SONSHIP: HUMANITY AND REDEMPTION

Leave a comment Cancel reply