April 6 – Through Christ Alone

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." – 2 Corinthians 5:19 (KJV)

Throughout the sacred history of Scripture—through every account of God’s dealings with His chosen people—there are unmistakable signs of the presence of the great “I AM.” From Genesis to the time of Christ’s earthly ministry, one truth shines clearly: the glory of God was revealed through Christ.

God has always worked through His Son. Not only at the time of the Savior’s incarnation, but from the very moment of the fall, “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19, KJV). Christ was the foundation and central figure of the sacrificial system—both in the patriarchal age and under the law given through Moses. Since the fall of Adam and Eve, there has been no direct communication between the Father and fallen humanity apart from Christ. The Father placed the work of redemption entirely in His hands, that through Christ’s mediating role, mankind might be restored and God’s law fully vindicated.

All communion between Heaven and earth has come through Christ. It was the Son of God who gave the promise of redemption to Adam and Eve. He revealed Himself to the patriarchs—to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses. They all understood the gospel and placed their hope in the promised Substitute and Surety. Their faith looked forward to the Messiah who would come to save.

The entire service of the earthly sanctuary was rich with meaning. Each part pointed forward to the grand truths that would unfold through the plan of redemption. The cloud of incense, rising with the prayers of Israel, symbolized the righteousness of Christ, which alone can make the prayers of sinners acceptable before God. The bleeding sacrifice on the altar testified of a coming Redeemer. The shining glory in the Most Holy Place declared the divine presence that would one day dwell in human form.

Through centuries of darkness and apostasy, faith in the Redeemer never entirely died. It was preserved in the hearts of those who believed, until the fullness of time came and the promised Messiah appeared.

Jesus has always been the light of His people—indeed, the light of the world—long before He walked among us in human flesh. Every ray of heavenly light that has ever reached earth has come through Him. In the plan of salvation, Christ is the Alpha and the Omega—the First and the Last. He is the beginning of hope and the final fulfillment of all God’s promises.