CHAPTER II. THE NATURE AND CLAIMS OF CHRISTIANITY. THE redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, originated in the spontaneous love of God. In order to meet the demands of justice, and place the human family in a salvable condition, it was essential for one who was under no personal obligation, to make an atonement for sin. But where could such an one be found? Alas! there was no one on earth; for all were under the guilt of sin, and, consequently, exposed to punishment. Angels were inadequate to the great undertaking, because they were all dependant; their happiness was suspended upon their obedience; and when the question was proposed, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?"* Gabriel, Michael, and all the angelic host, stood silent before the throne. * Revelation v. 2. Then Divine Justice appeared in all His terrific majesty, with the glittering sword unsheathed, peremptorily demanding satisfaction. It was at that awful crisis, when there was 66 no eye to pity, no arm to save," that Mercy, in the person of the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," interposed on man's behalf. He was received with the plaudits of the angelic throng, who instantly struck their golden lyres, which made the celestial arches ring with their melody: "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof."* Worthy, because of the dignity of His person; for He was co-equal and co-eternal with the Father in Him centred all the perfections and attributes of Deity. "Him the Father sanctified, and sent into the world." The Son readily acquiesced in the proposition of His Father, and came to be "The propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."+ : The Divine Being was perfectly, ineffably *Revelation v. 9. + John ii. 2. glorious in the possession of His own essential and eternal majesty; therefore, needed not the services of man to increase His happiness : neither would the annihilation of the universe have diminished a particle of His glory; for He who "spake and it was done, commanded and it stood fast," could have called millions of worlds into existence. But, oh! He beheld the human family under the influence of a Satanic power, chained to his wheels, and pleased with his vile service; and as he dragged immortal souls down to the caverns of eternal death, the awful scene arrested the Divine attention, and His compassion yearned over our guilty world. "He saw, and O, amazing love! He flew to our relief." And by giving unto man the greatest gift heaven could bestow, namely, His only begotten Son, "He seemed to be relieving His benevolent heart." The love of God is infinite and eternal. Before Gabriel existed, or Michael hymned the Divine praise-ere yonder sun diffused his rays, or time commenced its revolutionwhen there was no other being in existence, He loved man. Love is a Divine attribute, consequently it must be co-evual with Himself; for it could not unsearchable; its height, breadth, never was, nor prehended. be created: it is depth, length, and ever will be, com "In vain the first-born Seraph tries Love brought the Lord of Life from the highest glory to the lowest ignominy, and condescends to raise guilty men from the deepest degradation and misery, to the moral dignity of "Sons of God" on earth; and ultimately raises them to heaven, and there crowns them " Kings and priests unto God and His Father; to whom be glory and dominion, for ever and ever.”* HEREIN IS Love. * Revelation i. 6. "Angels assist our mighty joys, Strike all your harps of gold; But when you raise your highest notes, His love can ne'er be told." He who was enthroned with His Father from eternity, held in His hand the sceptre of universal dominion; but when He undertook the redemption of man, "did not abhor the virgin's womb." "Behold on earth the Man of sorrows, groaning beneath our curse, whom mercy sent; in heaven, the God omnipotent." On earth, He had not "where to lay His head," nor even so much as would pay the tribute money, without working a miracle. "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich."* He assumed human nature, with all its sinless infirmities, and thereby was fully qualified to offer unto God the Father an expiatory sacrifice for sin. In the person of Christ, there was a concentration of every excellence, which fully developed *2 Corinthians viii. 9. C |