March 16 – The Mystery of Godliness

"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" – Romans 8:32 (KJV)

Before this wondrous and immeasurable gift was given, all of Heaven was stirred in an effort to comprehend the unfathomable love of God. The heavenly hosts worked to awaken in human hearts a recognition worthy of such a sacrifice. Shall we, for whom Christ laid down His life, hesitate between two opinions? Will we give God only the remnants of our abilities? Will we return to Him only a small portion of the talents and energy that He has entrusted to us? How can we, knowing that He who was the Commander of all Heaven, seeing the helplessness of mankind, came to this earth in human form to make it possible for us to unite our humanity with His divinity?

He became poor so that we might inherit the heavenly treasure—a glory beyond all comparison, an eternal weight of splendor. To save the fallen race, He descended from one depth of humiliation to another, until the suffering Son of God was lifted up on the cross, drawing all men unto Himself. The Son of God could not have shown greater condescension; He could not have stooped to a lower depth.

This is the mystery of godliness—the mystery that has inspired heavenly beings to minister in such a way that the world might awaken to a deeper interest in the plan of salvation. This is the mystery that moved all of Heaven to unite with humanity in carrying out the divine plan for the redemption of a ruined world, so that men and women, seeing the signs in heaven and earth, might prepare for the second coming of our Lord.

As the Head of the church, Christ calls with authority to every person who professes His name, bidding them to follow His example of self-denial and sacrifice. He calls His followers to rally without delay under His bloodstained banner. Holding nothing back, they must make a complete surrender to the work of eternal consequence—the salvation of souls. Let us give all, that we may be partakers in the great and glorious work of redemption.