Justice, Mercy, and the Plan of Redemption

Satan remains alive because the full execution of the penalty for sin requires a period of time for the results of his rebellion to develop and for the justice of God's government to be clearly demonstrated to the entire universeCon 23.3+2.

The Origin and Nature of Sin

Sin is an unaccountable intruder that began when Lucifer, an exalted and perfect angel, chose to exalt himself above GodTA 29.3+2. While there is no excuse for sin, the Bible defines it as the "transgression of the law," a principle at war with the divine law of love 1 John 3:4GC 492.1+1. Because Satan was the first to transgress, he became the root of all evilEP 238.1+1.

Why Execution Was Delayed

The death of Satan was not immediate for several reasons:

• Demonstration of Character: God did not destroy Satan at the first uprising so that the results of his "scientific problems" and deceptive seed-sowing could fully develop, allowing every intelligence to see the true nature of his charges against the divine government6MR 6.2+1.

• A Door of Hope: When Adam followed Satan into transgression, it opened the door for the human race to experience the "wages of sin," which is death Romans 6:23Con 23.3. However, Christ’s sacrifice provided a typical atonement and a way of escape, allowing for a period of probationCon 23.3+1.

• Vindication of the Law: The fact that Christ had to die to save man demonstrates that the law is immutable; if the law could have been changed or abolished to spare the sinner, Christ would not have needed to sufferPP 70.1+1.

The Certainty of Satan's End

Although Satan still lives and works to deceive minds, his destruction was made legally certain at the crossGC 503.3+1.

• The Final Penalty: The "wages of sin" is not eternal life in torments, but the second death, which is the total extinction of lifeEW 219.4+2.

• The Second Death: Satan and all who choose his service will eventually be cast into the lake of fire at the end of the thousand years Revelation 20:10PP 341.1. This fire will burn them up, leaving neither "root nor branch," resulting in a universe forever cleansed from the taint of sin Malachi 4:1PP 341.1+1.

• Total Destruction: God will eventually bring Satan to "ashes upon the earth," and he shall "never be any more"Eze 28:18-19+1.

A Refuge in Christ

While we wait for the final eradication of evil, we are invited to find safety in ChristGCB/GCDB 1893, page 204.4. By choosing the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus," we are made free from the "law of sin and death" Romans 8:2ARSH March 14, 1899, page 168.22+1. True liberty is found not in the freedom to sin, but in submission to the Creator, which leads to the gift of eternal life Romans 6:23SpTEd 216.1+1. 🕊️

Yes, Christ’s perfect obedience to His Father was indeed the highest form of worship and homage. True religion and worship consist of a conformity of the will to the will of God, characterized by an unswerving obedience to principle12MR 175.1+1.

Obedience as the Essence of Worship

In the heavenly courts, before the creation of the world, the Father set forth the true position of His Son, declaring that the Son shared His throne and that the glory of the eternal One encircled bothPP 36.2. The holy angels, in their vast and unnumbered throng, rejoiced in the light of the Deity and rendered homage and allegiance to both the Father and the Son Revelation 5:11PP 36.2. Christ, though equal with the Father, did not seek power or exaltation for Himself contrary to God’s plan; instead, He chose to exalt the Father’s glory and execute His purposes of beneficence and lovePP 36.2. This voluntary subjection and devotion to the Creator is the eternal principle by which every intelligent creature honors GodEB ix.3.

Christ as our Pattern in Worship

When Jesus came to this world, He did not come to reveal what a God could do, but what a man could do through faith in God’s power7BC 929.6. His life was a demonstration of the true worship required of every human being:

• A Living Sacrifice: Christ’s obedience was the same obedience required of man, presented as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God Romans 12:17BC 929.6.

• The Complete Pattern: He stands before the soul as the complete Pattern, and those who truly reverence and love Him seek to be like Him by surrendering themselves in obedience to His willST November 26, 1894, par. 1.

• Subjection of Self: Just as Christ brought every thought into captivity to the Father, we are called to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ 2 Corinthians 10:5BEcho June 1, 1887, par. 13.

The Contrast of False Worship

The history of Cain and Abel illustrates that outward forms of worship are worthless without the heart's obedience3SG 47.1. Both brothers professed to worship God, but while Abel showed his reverence through humble obedience and faith in the promised Redeemer, Cain cherished rebellious feelings and murmured against God's requirements3SG 47.1+1. Bible religion is not a mere pretense or a philosophy kept in the "outer court"; it is a personal contact with Christ that results in a life-practice governed by the Sun of Righteousness12MR 175.1. Those who claim to follow Christ but allow "self" to be the mainspring of their actions actually dishonor Him by misrepresenting His example of worshipful obedience12MR 175.1.

The Reward of Faithful Service

True Christian worship is not a matter of drudgery but of joyGW92 455.3. When the heart is meek and lowly, it finds rest and peace in the realization that obedience is the only way to honor the Redeemer and render to Him the service that is His dueBEcho June 1, 1887, par. 13+1. By our obedience to God, we reverence ourselves as the purchase of His dear Son, a work that is as lasting as eternity11LtMs, Ms 40, 1896, par. 25. Ultimately, those who respond to Christ's drawing and surrender to His will find their highest realization of hope in HimST November 26, 1894, par. 1. 🌟

Jesus died as the sacrificial victim to pay the penalty for sin, but the ultimate removal or blotting out of those sins is a separate work currently being performed in the heavenly sanctuaryBIAD 185.1+1. While the cross provided the blood necessary for atonement, the sins themselves are transferred in fact to the heavenly sanctuary, where Christ now ministers as our High PriestBIAD 185.1+1.

The Transfer of Sin from Earth to Heaven

When a sinner repents and claims the blood of Christ, their sins are not immediately destroyed, but are moved through the mediation of Jesus4SP 266.1.

• Actual Transfer: Just as the sins of Israel were anciently transferred in figure to the earthly sanctuary by the blood of the sin-offering, our sins are, in fact, transferred to the heavenly sanctuary by the blood of Christ4SP 266.1.

• The Record of Sin: These sins are recorded in the books of heaven, awaiting the final closing work of the atonement4SP 266.1+1.

• The Sinner's Substitute: Jesus bore the guilt and weight of the sins of the world on the cross so that He could impute His righteousness to those who believe1888 780.2+1.

The Cleansing of the Heavenly Sanctuary

Since 1844, Christ has entered the Most Holy Place of the heavenly tabernacle to perform the final work of cleansing5MR 94.2+2.

• Investigative Judgment: This cleansing involves an examination of the books of record to determine who, through repentance and faith, is entitled to the benefits of the atonement4SP 266.1.

• Blotting Out Sins: The actual cleansing is accomplished by the removal or blotting out of the sins from the heavenly recordsBIAD 185.1+2.

• Special Atonement: Christ entered the inner apartment to make a special atonement for the blotting out of the sins of His people before His second comingBIAD 185.1+1.

The Result for the Believer

For those who are found faithful in the judgment, the results of Christ’s heavenly ministry are permanent and gloriousSW October 10, 1905, par. 8.

• A Clean Record: All who have truly repented and claimed the blood of Christ will have "Pardon" entered against their names in the books of heavenSW October 10, 1905, par. 8.

• Complete Removal: When the work of the investigative judgment is complete, their sins will be blotted out, and God will no longer remember them Isaiah 43:25PP 202.2+1.

• A Perfect Character: While Christ cleanses the sanctuary above, believers must cooperate by cleansing the "soul-temple" on earth from every moral defilement11MR 54.3+1.

The Role of the Cross and the Sanctuary

It is vital to distinguish between the sacrifice made on the cross and the ministry in the sanctuaryBIAD 185.1+1.

• The Finished Sacrifice: On the cross, the offering was complete, and the penalty for the transgression of the law was paid5BC 1137.9+1.

• The Ongoing Intercession: Now, as our Advocate and Mediator, Christ pleads His blood before the Father in the sanctuary in heaven to secure pardon for the contriteBEcho March 15, 1893, par. 3+2.

• Security for the Universe: This entire plan of salvation ensures that sin will never rise up a second time, providing an eternal safeguard for the unfallen worlds5BC 1132.8+1. 🕊️

Leviticus 22

1 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

2 Speak to Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name in those things which they hallow to me: I am the LORD.

3 Say to them, Whoever he be of all your seed among your generations, that goes to the holy things, which the children of Israel hallow to the LORD, having his uncleanness on him, that soul shall be cut off from my presence: I am the LORD.

4 What man soever of the seed of Aaron is a leper, or has a running issue; he shall not eat of the holy things, until he be clean. And whoever touches any thing that is unclean by the dead, or a man whose seed goes from him;

5 Or whoever touches any creeping thing, whereby he may be made unclean, or a man of whom he may take uncleanness, whatever uncleanness he has;

6 The soul which has touched any such shall be unclean until even, and shall not eat of the holy things, unless he wash his flesh with water.

7 And when the sun is down, he shall be clean, and shall afterward eat of the holy things; because it is his food.

8 That which dies of itself, or is torn with beasts, he shall not eat to defile himself therewith; I am the LORD.

9 They shall therefore keep my ordinance, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the LORD do sanctify them.

10 There shall no stranger eat of the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat of the holy thing.

11 But if the priest buy any soul with his money, he shall eat of it, and he that is born in his house: they shall eat of his meat.

12 If the priest’s daughter also be married to a stranger, she may not eat of an offering of the holy things.

13 But if the priest’s daughter be a widow, or divorced, and have no child, and is returned to her father’s house, as in her youth, she shall eat of her father’s meat: but there shall be no stranger eat thereof.

14 And if a man eat of the holy thing unwittingly, then he shall put the fifth part thereof to it, and shall give it to the priest with the holy thing.

15 And they shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, which they offer to the LORD;

16 Or suffer them to bear the iniquity of trespass, when they eat their holy things: for I the LORD do sanctify them.

17 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

18 Speak to Aaron, and to his sons, and to all the children of Israel, and say to them, Whatever he be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer to the LORD for a burnt offering;

19 You shall offer at your own will a male without blemish, of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the goats.

20 But whatever has a blemish, that shall you not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.

21 And whoever offers a sacrifice of peace offerings to the LORD to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.

22 Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a running sore, or scurvy, or scabbed, you shall not offer these to the LORD, nor make an offering by fire of them on the altar to the LORD.

23 Either a bullock or a lamb that has any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that may you offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.

24 You shall not offer to the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall you make any offering thereof in your land.

25 Neither from a stranger’s hand shall you offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption is in them, and blemishes be in them: they shall not be accepted for you.

26 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

27 When a bullock, or a sheep, or a goat, is brought forth, then it shall be seven days under the dam; and from the eighth day and thereafter it shall be accepted for an offering made by fire to the LORD.

28 And whether it be cow, or ewe, you shall not kill it and her young both in one day.

29 And when you will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the LORD, offer it at your own will.

30 On the same day it shall be eaten up; you shall leave none of it until the morrow: I am the LORD.

31 Therefore shall you keep my commandments, and do them: I am the LORD.

32 Neither shall you profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the LORD which hallow you,

33 That brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD.

In Leviticus 22 the original meaning of "unclean" when referring to animals signifies a state of being unfit for sacred use or human consumption based on the inherent nature and habits of the creatureBHY 174.2+1. This term describes a condition of ceremonial and physical impurity that prevented an animal from being offered as a sacrifice to God or eaten by His people, serving as a constant lesson on the necessity of purity for those who wish to enjoy His favorSBBS 280.3+1.

The Distinction Between Clean and Unclean

The classification of animals was not an arbitrary set of rules but was based on the organization and biological functions of the creatures themselvesBHY 174.2+1.

• Inherent Nature: The distinction between clean and unclean beasts was recognized as early as the flood, long before the existence of the Jewish nation, because the forbidden animals were in themselves unfit for foodSITI June 22, 1888, page 374.17+2.

• The Role of Scavengers: Many unclean animals, such as the hog, are categorized as scavengers whose natural purpose is to consume decaying matter and filthHHTL 18.3. Because these creatures work up putrescent organic matter into their own tissues, they were never designed by the Creator to be a staple for human dietCH 116.1+1.

• Scientific and Health Reasons: God prohibited the use of certain flesh because it is likely to fill the blood with impurities and shorten human life3SP 63.2. Using such "unhealthy" food casts a dark shadow over the mind and prevents divine truth from making a proper impressionCME 31.4.

Ceremonial and Symbolic Meaning

The Levitical system used physical uncleanness to illustrate the higher reality of moral and spiritual defilementDA 646.3+1.

• A Symbol of Moral Impurity: Washing and physical cleansing were emblems of the necessary cleansing of the soul from moral impurityARSH January 30, 1866, page 66.3+1. Just as a person could contract Levitical defilement by touching an unclean animal, a Christian must be careful not to allow their heart to be defiled by unholy thoughts or actionsLTJMB3 36.1+1.

• Separation from the World: The laws concerning food were intended to keep Israel separate from impious nations, teaching them to make a distinction between good and evilLTJMB1 40.1+1.

• Spiritual Lessons: The ruminant (chewing the cud) animal symbolized those who meditate on the words of God, while the cloven hoof represented a steady walk of faithFACC 81.1+1. Conversely, animals like the swine were seen as symbols of men who forget the Lord when they are satisfiedFACC 81.1.

The Sanctuary and Holiness

The prohibitions in Leviticus 22 were deeply connected to the sanctity of the priesthood and the sanctuary service.

• Fitness for the Sanctuary: Only clean animals could be sacrificed to God, as they prefigured the perfect sacrifice of Christ2BC 1010.3+1. A priest in a state of Levitical impurity was unfit for service in the temple, highlighting that God requires inward and outward purity in those who represent HimBHOTV7 172.1+1.

• Sacred vs. Common: The entire sanctuary service was designed to impress upon the people the distinction between the sacred and the common, teaching that holy things must be kept holySW October 9, 1906, par. 7+1.

• Moral Requirement: While ceremonial uncleanness had no direct relation to moral defilement, it served as a type for the "higher cleansing" needed for the human heartTOB 32.6+1. God’s standard requires that His people be holy in body and spirit, leaving no room for anything unwholesome or untidy in their surroundings1BC 1119.4+1.

Practical Application Today

The principles of cleanliness and the avoidance of unclean foods remain relevant as a matter of stewardship and health.

• Living the Law of Health: True religion and the laws of health go hand in hand; thus, we are to discard unhealthful foods and practices that destroy the "temple of the Holy Spirit"2MCP 508.1+1.

• Preparing for Heaven: Nothing that defiles can enter the city of God, and those who hope for admittance must cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spiritSL 30.3+1. This includes the rejection of "unclean" habits and foods that contaminate the body and soulPBE 183.4.

• Christ's Cleansing Power: Just as the "cleansing water" was sprinkled upon the unclean in the Levitical law, the blood of Jesus is available today to purge our consciences and cleanse us from all moral defilement9MR 185.1+2.

Psalm 82

1 God stands in the congregation of the mighty; he judges among the gods.

2 How long will you judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.

3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.

5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.

6 I have said, You are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

7 But you shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.

8 Arise, O God, judge the earth: for you shall inherit all nations.

Psalm 82 is a solemn divine charge directed at those who occupy positions of civil and judicial authority, reminding them that they do not judge for man but for the Lord, who is with them in the judgmentRR 70.1+1. This psalm emphasizes that God stands as the supreme Judge in the "congregation of the mighty," and He requires those acting under His authority to be the guardians of justice, especially for the marginalized Psalms 82:1PK 198.2.

The Responsibility of Earthly Judges

God has appointed men to act as His agents in safeguarding the rights and liberties of their fellow human beingsRR 70.1+1. Because they represent the divine government, their character and decisions should reflect the attributes of God13LtMs, Ms 33, 1898, par. 7.

• Judging for the Lord: Judges must take heed to their actions, realizing they are accountable to a higher tribunal than any on earthRR 70.1+1. They are exhorted to "deal courageously" and to remember that with the Lord there is no partiality or taking of bribes Deuteronomy 1:17SS 103.4+1.

• Protection for the Weak: A primary duty defined in this psalm is to "defend the poor and fatherless" and to "do justice to the afflicted and needy" Psalms 82:3RR 70.1+1.

• A Sacred Stewardship: Those who make and execute laws are entrusted with a most important stewardship; they should have their faculties unclouded by intemperance so they may maintain clear discrimination between the sacred and the commonST July 8, 1880, par. 5+1.

The Contrast of Unjust Judgment

While God designed human courts to be efficient centers of justice, the history of the world often reveals a dark contrast where "injustice will prevail"LDE 145.5.

• The Unjust Judge: Christ used the parable of the unjust judge to illustrate the "unconsecrated, undisciplined impulses" of many earthly rulers who neither fear God nor regard man Luke 18:613LtMs, Ms 33, 1898, par. 7+1.

• Perversion of Justice: In the last days, many judges will refuse to listen to the reasons of those loyal to God's commandments, exalting human laws above the divine lawLDE 145.5+1.

• Suffering of the Innocent: Unjust judges often bring terrible oppression upon the helpless, sometimes assisting the thief and the robber through their neglect or biasST May 21, 1896, par. 4.

The Higher Tribunal and Final Accountability

Psalm 82 serves as a reminder that there is a "Judge of all the earth" who will try every man's case with unerring accuracyRH May 13, 1890, par. 9+1.

• God as the Supreme Judge: The heavens shall declare His righteousness because God is Judge Himself Psalms 50:6DD 48.2+1. He traces every effect back to its cause and holds officials responsible for the results of the laws they legalize, such as the liquor trafficRH May 29, 1894, Art. A, par. 3+1.

• The Day of Final Reckoning: A day is coming when all judges—kings, governors, and counselors—will be arrayed before the throne of eternal justice to give an account of every deed of injusticeST May 21, 1896, par. 4+1.

• The Standard of Judgment: The Decalogue, God’s holy law of righteousness, will be revealed as the rule of judgment by which every soul is measuredDD 48.2+1.

The Path to Righteous Judgment

For any person in a position of trust to fulfill the requirements of Psalm 82 they must experience a personal transformation through the grace of Christ1888 1373.3.

• Need for Divine Wisdom: Those who exercise their faculties to acquire knowledge and heavenly wisdom will eventually lead even kings and judges to acknowledge that the God of heaven is the only true GodCSW 57.2+1.

• Clothed in Christ's Righteousness: The only safety for any soul, whether a judge or a private citizen, is to depart from iniquity and be covered with the robe of Christ’s righteousnessFW 116.5+1.

• The Example of Christ: Jesus is the "righteous Branch" and the King who will truly "execute judgment and justice in the earth" Jeremiah 23:3-5PK 426.1. He is the Divine Intercessor who pleads our case in the courts of heaven 1 John 2:1LP 314.1+1.

By following the principles of mercy, truth, and equity, earthly rulers can reflect the character of the Father, who is a "judge of the widows" and a "father of the fatherless" Psalms 68:5PC 412.3. ⚖️🕊️

Mercy and grace are both expressions of the love of God, yet they represent different aspects of His character in the work of saving fallen humanityST August 12, 1908, par. 1. While they are closely related, a proper distinction exists between benevolence, mercy, and grace in the essential characteristics of the gospel of ChristVDRU 13.1.

The Nature of Mercy

Mercy is the compassion and pitying tenderness God extends to those in misery, distress, or sufferingCOL 235.3+1. It is often described as God's forbearance and long-suffering toward those who have failed or are in a state of degradation19MR 220.3+1.

• A Response to Misery: Mercy is specifically exercised toward the discouraged, the helpless, and even the "unworthy" who feel they are not fit to be helpedCOL 235.3+1.

• A Shield from Judgment: It is by a "miracle of God's mercy" that we are daily preserved from dangers and destructionTSDF 180.2+1. Mercy holds back the immediate results of sin, as seen when God prolongs the "tranquillity of multitudes" for the sake of the faithful few4SP 448.1.

• Pity for the Blinded: We are called to pity those who, through blindness, reject the blessings of the gospel, reflecting the same pitying tenderness Christ showed toward the lostCOL 235.3+1.

The Nature of Grace

Grace is the "renewing energy" and divine power that comes from outside of man to transform his characterCOL 96.2. It is the unmerited favor of God that provides the strength to overcome sin and renders our talents useful for His serviceCT 38.1+1.

• Transforming Power: While mercy pities the sinner, grace "convicts and converts the heart," providing the power to break the shackles of custom and sinTe 108.3. It works a "moral transformation" by the gospel, creating a new heart and new impulses2MR 92.4+1.

• Enabling Strength: Grace is the means by which we are enabled to render obedience to God's commandmentsSL 80.3. It is described as "sustaining grace" that allows the soul to remain patient and triumphant even under adverse circumstancesTM 354.2+1.

• The Medium of Connection: Grace is the manifestation of God’s love that makes the union and cooperation of humanity with divinity possibleST August 12, 1908, par. 1.

How They Work Together

In the plan of redemption, mercy and grace flow together from the heart of God to restore the divine image in man7BC 921.9+1.

• Revealed at the Cross: The cross of Calvary is a "standing pledge" of both the boundless love and the measureless mercy of the Father1SM 156.2+1.

• Attributes of God's Character: When the Lord revealed His glory to Moses, He proclaimed Himself as "merciful and gracious," showing that these attributes are the very foundation of His throne and His lawCOL 285.3+1.

• Practical Religion: Pure religion is not merely a sentiment but the "doing of works of love and mercy" through the "sanctifying influence" of the grace of God16MR 72.1+1.

Ultimately, we are saved by a miracle of God's mercy, but we are perfected and fitted for heaven through the transformative work of His graceTSDF 180.2+1.

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" Hebrews 4:16. 🕊️✨