p. 5 | Christ and Humanity by L. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 26, 1904

Christ and Humanity

By L. A. S.

JESUS CHRIST identified himself with the human family in order that the members of that family might become identified with him. He died for our sins in order that we might, in him, die unto sin, and yet live. Because of sin, we must all die; there is no escape from that; but we have our choice of two forms of death, and of vast consequence to us is the result of this choice. We may fall on the Rock and be broken; or it may fall on us and grind us to powder. We can escape the latter fate only by being crucified with Christ; and that means death, for death was the result of that crucifixion. But a blessed truth goes with this experience, as it is written: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” By our identification with him, we die, and yet live; but we could not become identified with him if he had not first identified himself with humanity. “Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”

The mystery of this life after crucifixion is the mystery of the new birth; and this is the mystery of the union of God with humanity. This union is represented in every Christian life. Without this new birth, there could be no salvation for man. Man would pay the penalty of his sins, and remain dead. Without the union of God with humanity, there could be no new birth. But that there might be in us a union of God with humanity, it was necessary that the Son of God should identify himself with the human family, and become “the Man Christ Jesus.” Therefore it was that in presenting himself a sacrifice for sin, “he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.”

L. A. S.