January 12 – The Revelation of God’s Character

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8 (KJV)

The fall of humanity and its far-reaching consequences were fully known to the Omnipotent. Redemption was not an afterthought devised in response to Adam’s sin but an eternal plan, conceived for the benefit not only of this small world but also for the good of the entire universe that God had created.

When humanity sinned, all of heaven grieved. Out of harmony with God’s nature and defying the claims of His law, humanity faced inevitable destruction. The divine law, as unchanging as God Himself, offered no hope unless a plan could be devised to pardon transgressions, renew the human heart, and restore the divine image within. Such a plan was born out of God’s infinite love.

In the work of creation, Christ stood with God, equal and united with Him. Only He, the Creator of humanity, could become its Savior. No angel, regardless of their purity, could adequately reveal the Father’s heart to fallen humanity or reconcile humanity to God. Christ alone could manifest the depths of the Father’s love, for “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19, KJV). Christ became the mediator between a holy God and lost humanity, fulfilling the role described by Job: “Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both” (Job 9:33, KJV).

No one but Christ could redeem humanity from the curse of the law. He willingly took upon Himself the guilt and shame of sin, which was so abhorrent to God that it necessitated separation from the Father. Christ descended to the depths of human degradation and suffering, all to restore repentant sinners to harmony with God. He, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, offered Himself as a substitute and sacrifice for the fallen children of Adam.

Through both creation and redemption, through the natural world and through Christ, the glories of God’s character are revealed. In the extraordinary demonstration of His love—in giving “His only begotten Son” (John 3:16, KJV)—the character of God is made known to the universe. Through Christ, our heavenly Father is shown to be the God of infinite love.