The Curse of the Law by R. F. Cottrell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 10, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 22.

The Curse of the Law.

By R. F. Cottrell

IN 1 Cor. 2:2, the apostle said he determined to know, or to make known, nothing among the Corinthians "save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." He not only preached Jesus Christ, but he emphasized his preaching of Christ by the fact that he was crucified, as if there was an importance in that peculiar form of death. There are various ways of inflicting the death penalty, by stoning, by beheading, by poisoning, etc.; but a peculiar manner of death was the lot of Him who would die a sacrifice for man's transgressions, and thus redeem him from the curse of the law.

As recorded in John 12:32, 33, Jesus said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die." See also chapter 18:31, 32. If the Jews were to put Jesus to death according to their law, they would stone him; but if Pilate, a Roman governor, were to order his execution, crucifixion would be the mode of death. Why must Christ die in this peculiar manner? Because he must bear the curse that is due to the sinner for his transgressions of the law of God.

"It is written," said the apostle, "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." Gal. 3:10. And in verse 13 he says, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree."

Behold the Son of God condescending to leave Heaven and voluntarily receiving in his own person the curse that was due alone to transgressors of God's law. He acknowledged that law to be holy, just, and good. But when the full weight of the curse was felt, in the withdrawal of his Father's face, he cried in agony, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

Now the sinner may return to God and be saved. By repentance toward God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, he may be delivered from the curse which is justly his due; and by patient continuance in well-doing, seeking for glory, and honor, and immortality, he may gain eternal life, instead of receiving the wages of sin, which is death. He is redeemed, or bought back, from the curse of the law, if he will accept of the redemption, which has cost so much, on the conditions of the gospel.

But if he refuses or neglects this great salvation, not complying with the given terms, the curse still rests upon him; and if he would know the meaning and terribleness of that curse, let him contemplate the scene of Calvary, the cruel cross, and the untold agony which wrung from the heart and lips of the Son of God the heartrending cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" If such was the woe that fell upon the innocent Jesus when he had taken the place of sinful man, what wailing, and sorrow, and unavailing woe will be the portion of those who have trodden under foot the Son of God, slighted his offered pardon, and received at last in their own person the full weight of the curse of God and his violated law, which is justly their due? To their other sins they have added that of slighting the salvation so freely offered through the blood and agony of the pure and holy Son of God. Think on these things, and accept this Saviour while yet you may.

R. F. COTTRELL.