Christ the Way Back to Paradise

The answer is Christ, “the light of the world.” “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. Again: “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” Galatians 1:3, 4.AGP 20.3

These statements are a revelation of God’s marvelous plan for the salvation of the sinner from his sins, and his restoration to the Paradise home that had been lost through sin. God gave His Son. The Son gave Himself. God “hath made Him [the Son] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.AGP 20.4

Thus was provided for sinners, restoration full and complete. The atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross not only made the sinner’s reconciliation with God possible, but it also made possible, for every sinner who might choose to accept the offer, restoration to Adam’s glorious state before he sinned.AGP 20.5

The great gulf made by sin that separates man from God and heaven has been spanned by the cross of Calvary. Christ became our substitute. He took our place, that He might deliver us from condemnation and death. What cause for adoration!AGP 20.6

But another baffling question requires an answer. It is this: How can this marvelous provision for man’s redemption be communicated to him? By what process, in what way, can God nowAGP 20.7

talk to and instruct those who can no longer see Him or have direct converse with Him? This problem could never have been solved by man. Its solution belonged to Him whose wisdom and whose provisions are infinite. He alone knew how to make Himself, together with His divine purposes, known to man separated from Him by sin. Here is the method that was devised:AGP 21.1

“If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make Myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” Numbers 12:6.AGP 21.2

This is a divine method of communication,—a method chosen and declared and used by the Lord Himself. It is a vital, inseparable part of the plan of redemption. It is a divinely designated means by which God’s messages are to come to the human family. Through all time the Lord would, in this way, communicate with men. It was an abiding provision. What amazing condescension! He who was so grievously wronged by man established a plan for a clear, reliable revelation of Himself to a world in active, determined rebellion against Him!AGP 21.3