Calvary…
*Adult Maturity Only (Graphic Pictures & Descriptives)
A vast multitude followed JESUS from the judgement hall to Calvary. The news of His condemnation had spread speedily throughout Jerusalem, and peoples of all faucets of lifestyles and ranks flocked toward the place of the upcoming crucifixion. The priests and officials had been bound by a promise not to harm or persecute His Followers. His Disciples and readied followers were mingled within the quickening throng. As JESUS passed the gate of Pilate’s court, the cross which had been prepared for Barabas was laid upon Christ’s bleeding back and shoulders. Two companions of Barabbas were to suffer death at the same time with JESUS, and upon them also crosses were placed. The Saviour’s burden was too heavy for Him, in His weakened and suffering condition. Since the Passover supper with His Disciples, He had not taken neither food nor drink. HE had agonized in the garden of Gethsemane in conflict with the opposing satanic agencies. HE had endured the anduish of the betrayal, and had seen His Own Disciples forsake Him and flee. HE had been taken to Annas, then to Caiaphas, and then to Pilate. From insult to renewed insult, from mockery to violent acqusations, twice tortured by scourging(whipped continuosly with cords of barbed hooks at ends), they rib into the skin and pull through the flesh. (example; like if getting a fish hook caught in your finger, and then ripping it totally out.) Sorry, but this is true.. of what was done to JESUS–numerous times! All throughout that night, JESUS was tried to the uttermost. Christ had not failed. HE had spoken only when He; glorified His Father. All throughout the capture and torture arena, Christ bore Himself with dignity and humility. But, after the second scourging, the cross was laid upon HIM, His human strength could not carry this weight. JESUS fell fainting beneath this burdened weight. The crowd that followed JESUS saw His weakened and staggering steps, but they mostly did not manifest any displayed compassion. There were many in the crowd who taunted and reviled Him because He could not carry the cross, being GOD’s SON. Again and again He dropped with this extreme burden He carried. The persecutors saw that it was impossible for Him to carry the cross farther. They were puzzled to find anyone who would bear such humiliation. The Jews themselves could not do this, because the defilement would keep them from keeping the Passover. None that observed would further themselves to assist JESUS, in stooping to this humiliation, of bearing the cross.
At this time a stranger to Jerusalem, Simon, a Cyrenian, comes upon the road to the city. He hears the taunts and rivalry of the crowd. He hears the crowds words ringing through the dirt passage. Crowd shouting, “Make way for the King!” As Simon stopped in astonishment and expresses compassion, the soldiers grab him and place the cross upon his shoulders. Simon had heard of JESUS. His sons were believers of this Christ. Simon, himself, was not a follower. The bearing of the cross to Calvary; became a blessing upon him. Simon was ever grateful for this providence(GOD’s intervening act). It led him to take upon himself, the cross Christ carried, and ever stand beneath its burdened weight. There were many women witnesses. They wailed in heartbrokeness of Christ’s afflictions. Many who had seen His Miracles of healing. Some previously, even had their love ones or themselves; as receipients, of His Merciful Touch. Some of these women from Jerusalem did not forsee Him as The Saviour. Their pitying cries were humanly sympathetic. It touch Christ’s compassion for them. “Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for Me, but for yourselves, and for your children.” JESUS knew of the future destruction of Jerusalem. It was a horrific scene, many of these women and children would perish. From the fall of Jerusalem, as to the future… HE saw the final days of judgement falling upon Jerusalem as of the world. “For if they do those things in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” By the green tree, Christ represented Himself, the innocent Redeemer. GOD suffered His Wrath against transgression to fall on His Beloved SON. JESUS was to be crucified for the sins of men. What suffering then, would the sinner bear who continued to sin? All the impenitent(failure or refusal to repent) and unbelieving would know a sorrow and misery that language would fail to express. Of the multitude that followed The Saviour to Calvary, many had attended Him with joyful hosannas and the waiving of palm leaves as He rode triumphantly into Jerusalem. Now most of them had joined the angered mob, in shouting, Crucify Him, crucify Him!” When JESUS rode the white colt into the city gate, the hopes of the disciples had been raised to the highesat pitch. Pressing close to their Master and their honored position amongst His Side. Now in JESUS’s humilation they followed at a distance. They were filled with grief, and bowed down with disappointment. How were the words of JESUS verified: “All ye shall be offended because of Me, this night: for it is written, I will smite The Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.” Matthew 26:31.
Arriving at the place upon the hill, the prisioners were bound to the instruments of their torture. The two thieves wrestled in the hands of the executioners, but, JESUS made no resistance. The mother of JESUS, supported by John, the beloved disciple, had followed the steps of her Son to Calvary. She had witnessed His struggle carrying the burden of weight of the cross, she had wished to place her hand under his head to offer support, to give Him water for His Strength, and to tend to His wounds for comfort. Mary had not been permitted this mournful priveledge. With the disciples she did hope that He would manifest His Power and deliver Himself from the hand of His enemies. Again, her heart would sink in the reflection of His Spoken Words to her. Fortelling these very scenes. As the thieves were bound to the cross, she looked on in agonizing suspense. Would He who had given life to the dead suffer Himself to be crucified? Would The SON Of GOD suffer Himself to be so cruely slain? Must she give up her faith that JESUS was the Messiah? Must she witness His shame and sorrow, without even the priveledge of ministering to Him in His Distress? She saw His Hands stretched upon the cross; the hammer and spikes were brought, and as they were driven through His tender flesh, the heart-strickened disciples bore away from this cruel scene; the fainting form of the mother of JESUS.
*Adult Maturity Only (Graphic Pictures & Descriptives)
The Saviour made no words of displeasure towards their actions. His Face remained serene, but, great drops of sweat, was upon His Brow. There were no words heard of remorse from the crowd, directed towards Him. While the soldiers were hanging Him, JESUS asked His Father, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” HIS Mind past from His suffering to His Persecutors, and the terrible retribution(returned penalty of punishment) that would be theirs. No curses or vengence was bestowed upon those who sentenced and tortured Him. JESUS asked for the forgiveness, in pleading to His Father, “for they know not what they do.” Had they known that they were putting to torture One who had come to save the sinful race from eternal ruin, they would have been seized with remorse and horror. But, their ignorance did not remove their quilt; for it was their priveledge to know and accept JESUS as their Saviour. Some would repent and be converted. GOD’s purpose was reaching its fulfillment. JESUS was earning the right to become an advocate of men in The Father’s Presence.
That prayer of Christ for His enemies embraced the world. It took in every sinner that had lived or should live, from the beginning of the earth, to the end of time. Upon all rests the guilt of crucifying The SON Of GOD. To all, forgiveness is freely offered. “Whosoever will” may have peace with GOD, and inherit eternal life. As soon as JESUS was nailed upon the cross, it was lifted by strong men, and with a great violent thrust it dropped into the earthened hole. This caused the most intense agony to The SON Of GOD. Pilate then wrote an inscription in Hebrew, Greek and Latin, and had it placed above the head of JESUS. It read, “JESUS of Nazareth; The King of the Jews.” This inscription angered the Jewish officials and priests. It was a virtual acknowledgement of the allegiance of the Jews to the Roman power. In their outlandished plans of deception. This all backfired and fell heavily upon them. They had declared that one man should be killed to save the nation of Israel. Now, their hypocrisy was revealed. In order to destroy Christ, they had been ready to sacrifice even their national existence.GOD had instilled the recognition of the words inscribed: The KING Of The Jews…The place were Christ was crucified was near to Jerusalem’s City Gate. Thousands of people attended the Passover would see the sign and remember The Prophecy, which declared JESUS of Nazareth. The Messiah would come to their notice. In the sufferings upon the cross, prophecy was fulfilled.
To those who suffered death by the cross, it was permitted to give a potion, to deaden the senses of pain. This was offered to JESUS; but, when He had tasted it, He refused it. HE would not accept anything that would cloud His Mind. HIS Faith must hold fast upon GOD. This was His only strength. To numb His senses would give satan an advantage. The enemies of JESUS vented their rage upon Him as He hung upon the cross. Priests, rulers, and scribes joined with the angered mob, in mocking the dying Saviour. At the Baptism and at The Transfiguration, The Voice Of GOD had been heard proclaiming Christ as His SON. again, just before Christ’s betrayal, The Father had spoken, witnessing to His Divinity. But, now The Voice From Heaven was silent. No testimony in Christ’s Favor was heard. Alone He suffered abuse and mockery from wicked men.
“If Thou be The SON Of GOD,” they said, “come down from the cross.” “Let Him save Himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of GOD.” satan and his fallen angels were present at the cross. They were co-operating with the priests and religious officials. These teachers of the people had stirred up the ignorant mob to pronounce judgement against The One, whom some had never seen before. They were urged to bear false witness against The Saviour. In JESUS’s suffering, He had heard every word of hatred. They would declare, “HE saved others; Himself He cannot save, Let Christ The King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Christ could of came down. But, it is because of this sacrifice, that us sinners have hope of pardon and favor with GOD. In their mockery of The Saviour, the men who professed to be the expounders(interpretors) of prophecy were repeating the very words which Inspiration had foretold they would utter upon this occasion. Yet, in their blindness they did not see that they themselves were fulfilling the prophecy. Those who in derision uttered the words, “HE trusted in GOD; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him: for He said, I am The SON Of GOD.” These words have gone through the ages. But, although spoken in mockery, these words have lead many men to research The Scriptures. Wise men have heard, searched, studied and prayed. They found the meaning of Christ’s Mission; by their steadfast research studying the verses among the most profound writings, ever written… As JESUS hung upon the cross… It reached the hearts of many onlookers. In the scene of Christ’s Sacrifice; as The Lamb Of GOD, His Light Of Truth was shining…
To JESUS in His agony on the cross there came a gleam of comfort. It was the prayer of the penitent thief. Both men who were hung beside Him, were followers of Barabbas. One thief had seen a Miracle and heard of His Teaching. This criminal had done numerous acts, in his following of unworthy influences. He had not a hardened heart, but, was caught up in his prior sins, becoming more deepened, in their effect. He was less guilty, in many ways from the crowd, that stood before the cross, reviling The Saviour. He became arrested, and had stood among JESUS, in the judgement hall, judged to die upon the cross, as JESUS. The thief had heard the words of Pilate, “I find no fault in Him.” John 19:4. On the cross, he sees the many religionists shooting remarks with scorn and ridicule towards JESUS. Among the passerbyers, he hears some defending Him. The conviction reaches this thief’s heart that; He is The Christ. Turning to the other sentenced criminal, “Do you not fear GOD? seeing that you are in the same condition?” The dying thieves have no more to fear from man’s doing. The cross was their death sentencing. But, there is Almighty GOD to face, causing him to tremble. And now, with his former sin-polluted life, ready to be expelled. “And we indeed are justly due to receive this punishment; but, this Man has not done any crime, to deserve this.” There is no doubts to or reproaches now. The Holy Spirit illuminates his mind, he becomes grieved in heart, at The Saviour’s torture. The thief sees JESUS, as He truly is: The Lamb Of GOD; that taketh away the sin of the world. Hope is mixed with an anguished voice, as the helpless dying soul casts himself upon a dying Saviour. “LORD, remember me,” he cries, “when Thou comest into Thy Kingdom.” Quickly the answer came. Soft and melodious the tone, filled with love, compassion and power, His Words; “Verily, I say unto you this day, you shall be with Me in Paradise.”
For the long hours of this unbearable torment, there still is the sound of rivals and hatred jeerings. He hears the mourning cries from His followers; of His mother and of His disciples. With longing heart, He desires for their strength to renew. As, the thief showed graditude and faith; calling Him: LORD. JESUS sought to receive that recognition, in faith, from His Close Followers. Many people were easily influenced to call Him: LORD, when a miracle was perceived, and when JESUS did rise from the borrowed tomb; soon to be. He was not acknowledged while He hung upon the cross, only by the penitent thief, who was saved, in the eleventh hour. As Our time here, upon this earth is now; in the last final hour…
Many bystanders caught the words as the thief called JESUS; LORD. The tone of this repentant man arrested their attention. Those who, at the foot of the cross, had been quarreling over JESUS garment, they stopped to listen. Their angry tones were hushed. With bated(lessened/held) breath they look upon JESUS, waiting for a response from Him. As, JESUS spoke the words of Promise, a heavily darkened cloud covered across the daylite sky. To this penitent thief came the perfect peace of acceptance with GOD. Crist in His humiliation was glorified. HE in whom appeared to be beatened and conquered. Was the Conqueror; Victory was to be proclaimed… HE was acknowledged as the Sin-Bearer. Men may had exercised power over His human form. They pierced His Holy temples with the crown of thorns. They stripped Him from His Raiment, and quarreled over its division. But, men could not rob JESUS from His Power; to forgive sins… In dying Christ bears testimony to His own Divinity and to The Glory Of His Father. It is His Royal Right to save unto the uttermost; All who come unto GOD by Him.
Christ did not speak, as if the thief would join Him in Paradise, that day. JESUS did not ascend unto Heaven, immediately after death. It was upon the third day after burial, that Christ was seen upon the earth amongst His Chosen. The Promise was given on that day; directly to that thief. When, the dead in Christ will arise first, at JESUS’s Soon Advent(return). The thief will be among those…
With amazement the angels beheld The Infinite Love Of JESUS, who, suffering the most intense agony. He thought of others… HE encouraged the thief to believe. In His humiliation He had addressed the daughters of Jerusalem, in their sorrow, as He carried His Cross. as Priest and Advocate; He had pleaded with His Father to forgive His torturers and murderers. As a Loving Saviour; He had forgiven… As His eyes wandered over the multitude about Him, one figure arrested His attention. At the foot of the cross stood John supporting His Dear Mother. In this dying hour, Christ looked into her grief-strickened face and then, upon John. JESUS spoke to her, “Woman, behold thy son!”(naming John), then to John, “Behold thy mother!” John understood Christ’s words, and accepted this trusted position. At once, John took her to his home and cared for her tenderly. O how unbearable to a son, not being able to continue His Sonship with her. This act was a precious legacy. HE had provided the most important care, she would be in needing of. A most sacred blessing. This perfect example of His Love shines forth throughout the ages. For His former younger years, He had help toil the burdens of the family’s needs. His mother had been widowed with Joseph’s children to raise for many years. Those who follow JESUS, will find a placement within their own hearts to express a compassion and caring, towards their parents.
The LORD Of Glory was dying, a ransom for the human race. In yielding up His Precious Tide; Christ was not uplifted in triumphant joy. All was an oppressive gloom. It was not the dread of death that weighed upon Him. It was not in the pain and ignominy(disgrace) of the cross that caused His Inexpressible agony. Christ was the prince of sufferers. This suffering He withstood; was from the malignity(state/event) of sin, the knowledge that through familiarity with evil, man had become blinded from its enormity. Christ saw how deepened is the hold of sin, upon the human heart. How few would be willing to break from its deception and power. HE knew that without the help from GOD’s transforming grace, that multitudes would perish, within reach of His abundance. Upon Christ as our substitute and surity was laid the iniquity(heinous/gross injustice) of us all. HE was counted a transgressor(law breaker/sinner), that He might redeem us from the condemnation of the law. The quilt of every descendant of Adam was pressing upon His heart. The wrath of GOD against sin, the terrible manifestation of His Displeasure because of iniquity, filled the soul of His SON with consternation(overcomed terror). All His Life Christ had been publishing to a fallen world, The Good News; Of The Father’s Mercy and pardoning Love… The terrible quilt that transpired from humanity’s sinning, weighted Him down. JESUS could not feel The Father’s Presence. The withdrawal of The Divine Countenance from The Saviour, in this hour of supreme anguish pierced His Heart with sorrows, beyond all sorrows… So great was this agony, that Christ’s bodily tortured state, was not felt. It was a soul filled with unbearing pain. satan with his fierce tempting, wrung the heart of JESUS. The Saviour could not see through the portals of the tomb. Hope did not reassure Him of His Ressurection to be. HE temporarily became lost in His emotions. HE feared GOD’s separation was to be eternal. That the weight of mankind’s sins would separate His Communing with His Father. It was the sense of sin, bringing The Father’s Wrath upon Him, as man will face, if not repented of, on Christ’s returning. This cup of wrath, He drank for us, was bitter to His Tasting. This agony; broke JESUS’s Heart. JESUS died of a broken heart, not from the actual crucifiction, itself.
With amazement the Holy angels witnessed the Saviour’s despairement. The hosts of heaven veiled their faces from this fearful sight. Nature’s creation expressed sympathy with its insulted and dying Creator. The sun refused to lighten its rays. Complete darkness overtook the skies, unto the ninth hour. There was no eclipse.The sky lost its guides(sun, moon, and stars), in the heaven. There was a total darkness. A Miraculous Testimony given by GOD; that the faith of generations, may be confirmed. In the total darkness, GOD veiled humanity’s pain within JESUS’s final agony. All who had seen Christ upon the cross were convicted of His Divinity. The face of Christ revealed His Innocence; Serenity; and Benevolence–The Image Of GOD. But, His accusers still did not give heed to The Signet Of Heaven… Now, Christ was mercifully hidden by The Mantle Of GOD.
The silence of the grave seemed to have fallen upon Calvary. A nameless terror held the throng gathered around the cross. The voices fell silenced. All fell prostrated upon the earth. Lightenings and rumblings were surrounding the hillside and all areas around Jerusalem. Most thought, that their time of retribution(judgement against) had arrived. Some whispered that JESUS might come down from the cross. Some in fear attempted their way back into the city gate.
At the ninth hour the darkness lifted; except from above JESUS. It enveloped The Saviour. A symbol of the horror that laid upon His Broken Heart. No eye could pierce the gloom that surrounded Him. Then, JESUS cried in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” meaning.. “MY GOD, MY GOD, why hast Thou forsaken ME?” HE heard various voices stating from those viewing, “The vengence of heaven is upon Him. The bolts of GOD’s Wrath are hurled at Him, because He claimed to be The SON Of GOD.” Many who had heard His Cry, hope had left them. They questioned if GOD had forsaken Him, then what trust did they have to impart? When the darkness lifted from the oppressed spirit of Christ. HE revived to a sense of extreme physical suffering, and said, “I thirst.” One of the Roman soldiers, was touched with pity as he looked upon This man. Taking a sponge on a stalk of hyssop, and dipping it in a vessel of vinegar, offered it to JESUS. But, the priests mocked at His Suffering. They had misunderstood JESUS’s words to His Father. They thought He had called for Elias to come and save Him. In this last opportunity for them to relieve His Suffering, they continued to degrade Him.
It is for us; that The SON Of GOD consents to bear this burden of mankind’s sins. For us; He spoils the domain of death, and opens the gates of Paradise. HE who stilled the billowing waves, admidst the violent storm; He who made devils tremble and disease flee; who opened the eyes of the blind; who raised those who were pronounced dead by man.. offers Himself upon the cross, as The Sacrifice. This from His Love for us; is The Sin Bearer. And for our sakes, He endures the wrath of Divine Justice, for Our sakes, becomes sin, itself…
*Parent Approval Needed (Graphic Pictures & Descriptives)
The Sun Of Righteousness; The Light of the world cried, in trumpet- like tones, “It is finished.” “Father, into Thy Hands, I commend My Spirit.” A light totaly encircled the cross, and The Face Of The Saviour shone with a glory as the sun. HE then, bowed His Head upon His Chest and then..He died…
Never before, had the earth witnessed such a scene. The multitude stood totally paralized, gazing upon The Saviour. Again, darkness overtook the skies. The earth rumbled with an approaching earthquake. The people were shakened and tossed throughout . Mountains threw boulders down through the valley floors. Graves were broken open, and the dead were cast out of their tombs. Creation was responding to it’s Creator. The temple shook. The inner veil of the sacred temple was torn from top to bottom. GOD made the humanly high priest’s offering of no purpose. Having been symbolic of the heavenly temple. The priests would go into the innermost chamber, once a year to speak with GOD directly, before The Mercy Seat. This attonement by man, was made unsacred, now, by GOD. The sacrificial offerings from man, are done away. The Great Sacrifice has been made. The way into The Holiest, is laid opened. A new and living way is prepared for All… The Saviour was to officiate as priest and advocate in The Heaven of heavens. The SON Of GOD Is Come; according to His Word, “Lo, I come (in the volume of The Book, It Is Written Of ME,) to do Thy Will, O GOD.” ” By His Own Blood” HE entereth “in once into The Holy Place, having obtained Eternal Redemption For Us.” Hebrews 10:7; 9:12. Christ JESUS; being The Sacrificial Lamb Of GOD; is The True Sacrifice for Us ALL…. Matthew 27:31-53; Mark 15:20-38; Luke 23:26-46; John 19:16-30.
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“IT IS FINISHED”…
*Parent Approval Needed (Graphic Pictures & Descriptives)
Christ did not yield up His Life, till He had accomplished His Work. With His parting breath, He exclaimed, “It is finished.” John 19:30. The battle had been won. HIS Right Hand and His Holy Arm, hath(has) gotten Him The Victory. As The Conqueror, He planted His Banner on the eternal hights. Was there not joy amplified among the angels? All Heaven triumphed in The Saviour’s Victory. satan was/is defeated, and he knew that his kingdom was lost. To the angels and the unfallen world, the cry, “It is finished”, had a deep significance. It was for them as well as for us, that the great work of redemption, had been accomplished. They, with us share the fruits of Christ’s Victory.
Not, until the death of Christ was the character of satan clearly revealed to all. The archapostate(arch-means the titled position as; the chief & apostate= is the one who forsakes his allegiance to his formr party or faith.). satan had so clothed himself, with deception, that even holy beings did not perceive his principles. They had not realized the nature of his rebellion. It was a being of wonderful power and glory, which set himself against GOD, turning the loyalness of a third of the angels, along in his plan. Of Lucifer, The LORD speaks, “Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.” Ezek. 28:12. Lucifer had been the covering cherub(angel). he had stood in the light of GOD’s Presence. he had been the highest of all created beings, and had been foremost in revealing GOD’s purposes to the universe. After he had sinned, his power to deceive was of more deceptive capabilities. Because of the exalted position he had being close to Almighty GOD, it was more difficult to unveil his deceptive character.
GOD could have destroyed satan and his sympathizers, as easily, but his rebellion was not to be controled by force. Compeling power is only found under satan’s government and those who follow under him. The LORD’s principles are not of this order. HIS Authority rests upon goodness, mercy, and love. GOD’s government is moral, just and of truth and love.
Placing things upon eternal truth, is judgement upon its standard kept. Time was given to satan and his followers to develop his own principles, to verify his independant ruling, separate to GOD’s Sacred Government Of Love. satan had led Adam and Eve into sin; degrading the wholeness of humanity. The plan of redemption was then, put into operation. For four thousand years, Christ was working towards man’s uplifting. satan worked for ruin and degradation. And the universe has watch this, all throughout the centuries. When Christ came into this world, satan was using his power against JESUS. First major attack; with King Herod, having his soldiers slay all those young children. Herod hoped to have killed, The Newborn KING, amoung those babes. In every possible way he sought to prevent JESUS from developing a perfect childhood; a faultless manhood; a holy ministry; and an unblemished sacrifice. But satan was defeated. he could not lead JESUS into sin. he could not discourage Him, or drive Him from The Work, He had come to do. From the desert to Calvary, the storm of satan;s wrath beat upon Him, but the more merciful it fell, the more firmly did The SON Of GOD cling to The Holy Hand of His Father. Pressing onward upon the bloodstained path. All the efforts of satan to oppress and overcome Him, only brought out in a purer light His Spotless Character. All heaven had been witnesses to this controversy. With this intensity did they follow the closing scenes of this conflict. They beheld The Saviour entering the garden of Gethsemane, His Soul bowed in horror of a great darkness. They heard His Bitter Cry, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me.” Matthew 26:39. As The Father’s Presence was withdrawn, they saw JESUS sorrowful with a bitterness of sorrow exceeding that of the last great struggle with death. The bloody sweat was forced from His Pores, and feel in drops upon the ground. Thrice(3xs) the prayer was wrung from His Lips. Heaven could no longer endure this sight, and a Messenger of comfort was sent to The SON Of GOD.
Heaven beheld the Victim betrayed into the hands of the murderous mob, and with mokery and violence hurried from one tribunal to another. It heard the sneers of His Persecutors because of His lowly birth. It held the denial with cursing and swearing by one of Christ Beloved Disciples(Peter). Heaven saw the frenzied work of satan, and his power over the hearts of men. The Saviour seized at midnight in Gethsemane, dragged to and from palance to the judgement hall; arraigned twice before the priests, twice before the Sanhedrin, twice before Pilate, and once before Herod, mocked, scourged, condemned, and led out to be crucified, bearing the heavy burden of the cross, amid the wailing of the daughters of Jerusalem and His family and followers, and those jeering on His Death sentence. Heaven viewed with grief and amazement Christ hanging upon the cross, blood flowing from His wounded temples, and sweat tinged with blood, upon His Brow. The blood from His Wounds fell from His Hands and Feet. The pounded nails had no mercy, upon His fastened Body. HIS labored breath grew quickened and deepened, as His Soul(being) panted under the burden of the sins of the world. All heaven was filled with wonder when The Prayer Of Christ, was offered, in the midst of His Terrible Suffering,–“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34. Yet, there stood men(humans), formed in the image of GOD, joining to crush out the life of The Only Begotten SON.
The principalities and powers of darkness were assembled around the cross, casting unbelief into the hearts of men. When GOD had created these unfallen angels, they stood glorious before His Throne. Their once-held lovely holiness; was in accordance to their beheld position and exalted station amongst The Heavenly Host. They had been enriched with The Wisdom Of GOD, and were Ministers Of GOD. But, now they were darkened and repulsive, shattered in appearance, in their true reality. Upon the earth, are seen, being cloaked, resembling a human being. These agencies mingled with leading the people to believe Christ to be the chief of sinners, as blasheming, making Him the object of much detestment and violent hatred. Even, among all this rebellion, satan gained nothing. If, one sin could of been found upon The Spotless Lamb(Christ JESUS), than satan would of triumphed. Christ bowed His Head and died, but He held fast His Faith and His Submission to GOD. “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now is come salvation, and strength, and The Kingdom of Our GOD, and The Power Of His Christ; for the accuser(satan) of our brethern is cast down, which accused them before GOD day and night.” Revelation 12:10. satan saw that his disguise was torn away. his administration was laid open before The Holy Angels and before The Heavenly Universe. he had revealed himself as that murderer. By shedding the blood of The SON Of GOD, he had uprooted himself from the sympathies of the heavenly beings. Yet, he was not destroyed by GOD. The principles between the great controversy were to be more fully revealed. For the sake of man’s freedom of choice of whom he chooses to serve-GOD or satan? Also, for man’s understanding and learning, satan was permitted to still exist. The contrast of The Prince Of Light(JESUS) and the prince of darkness(satan) must be played out and seen, for humanity’s freedom in Life or in death…
In the opening of this great controversy, satan had declared that The Law Of GOD could not be obeyed, that justice was inconsistent with mercy, and that, should The Law be broken, that it would be impossible for the sinner to be pardoned(forgiven). Because, satan, after his rebellion, had been banished from heaven, satan claims that the human race, must be forever shut out from GOD’s favor. Not True! Man, even as a sinner, is in a different position than satan. Lucifer, in heaven had sinned in The Light Of GOD’s Glory. To him, as no other, had there been given such knowledge of GOD. satan still chose to follow his own selfish and independant willful heart. This choice became his final one. GOD left this total choice to satan. Man’s insightedness to GOD’s Love, is not as high as satan’s was. Man having been deceived and darkened by satan. By beholding JESUS’s True Loving Way, we then..can be drawn to GOD. Through JESUS, GOD’s Mercy was manifested to humanity. But Justice is still the deciding established factor. The Law decides the arributes Of GOD’s Character. It is His Law Of living LOVE; which governs ALL THINGS… GOD sacrificed Himself, in Christ, for mans redemption. “GOD was in Christ, reconcilind the world unto Himself.” 2Cor. 5:19. The Law requires righteousness,– a righteous life, a perfect character, which mankind does not behold within its capabilities. Man cannot meet, within his own self, the requirement to sustain GOD’s Law. BUT, Christ coming to this earth as man, living a holy life, and developed a perfect character through abiding within HIS Father’s Will. JESUS offers to mankind, these perfect gifts to claim; through a committed relationship through Him. HE teaches and guides; His Faithful Students. Christ imbues(lays upon) humans with The Attributes Of GOD. HE builds up the human character after the similitude of The Divine Character. The very righteousness of The Law is fulfilled in The Believer of Christ. GOD can “be just, and the justifier of him, which believeth in JESUS.” Romans 3:26. GOD’s Love has been expressed in His Justice no less than in His Mercy. Justice is The Foundation Of His Throne, and The Fruit Of His Love. It has been satan’s purpose to divorce mercy from truth and from justice. he sought to prove that righteousness of GOD’s Law is an enemy to peace. But, Christ shows that in GOD’s Plan, they are indissolubly joined together. One cannot exist without the other. “Mercy and Truth are met together; Righteousness and Peace have kissed each other.” Psalm 85:10. Hy His Life and death, Christ proved that GOD’s Justice did not destroy Mercy, but that sin could be forgiven, and that The Law is Righteous, and can be perfectly obeyed. satan’s charges were thrown out. GOD has given mankind, unmistakeable evidence of His Love…
Another deception was now to be brought forward. satan declaring that Mercy destroyed Justice, that the death of Christ abrogated(dismissed) The Father’s Law. Had it been possible for The Law to be abrogated or changed, then Christ needed not to die. But, to dismiss The Law would be to immortalize transgression(sinning against GOD) and would be placing the world completely under satan’s reign of rulership. It as that The Law was changeless, that man could be saved through obedience of GOD’s Government Of Love. When JESUS was lifted upon the cross, this signified man’s redemption through Him. The very means which Christ JESUS was submitting Himself through; is the very means which satan tries to destroy among mankind’s allegiance to GOD’s Will(His Law/Commandments Of LOVE). This is the last conflict in earth’s final hours; the contoversy of man’s acceptance of satan’s deception or GOD’s Truth… “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” James 2:10. By consenting to break or disreguard GOD’s Government, men are brought under satan’s plan. satan will seek to control the world by man’s governing laws. Having changed; The Ten Commandments and the days of the week, from Monday becing the first day of the week, instead of Sunday. It has changed GOD’s calendar and appointed times. Daniel 7:25. Every man will be tested to their allegiance. To Man or to GOD’s Law. The dividing line will be drawn. There will become two classes; of loyalty or rebellion. GOD is The Fountain Of Life; when one chooses a different living of sinning. They themselves separate from GOD, becoming in themself of a death decreed. Christ states, “All they that hate ME love death.” Eph. 4:18, Proverbs 8:36. satan and all who choose to follow his ways, place themselves totally out of harmony with GOD. that HIS very presence will be as a consuming fire that destroys them. HIS Light Of LOVE will reveal their wicked hearts, that their soul cannot bear. The Glory Of Him who is Love; will destroy them. When this great controversy shall be ended. The plan of redemption, having been completed, The character of GOD will be revealed to All… The Law will be seen in its Perfect Loving Form. then, sin will be seen as its true nature; the character of satan. then the final extermination of sin will vindicate GOD’s Honor and Love throughout the universes and for all whom have their heart upon His Law Of Perfection… Christ’s Sacrifice assured man’s redemption; and that the power of sin was removed(through Christ); that the destruction of sin and satan was forever made certain(in Christ), and that the universe was eternally secured. As when JESUS cried out…“It Is Finished.”….
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Joseph’s Tomb…
At last JESUS was at rest. The long day of shame and torture was ended. As the last rays of the setting sun ushered in The Sabbath, The SON Of GOD lay in quietude in Joseph’s tomb. HIS Work completed, His Hands folded in peace, He rested through The Sacred hours of The Sabbath Day. In the closing events of the crucifixion day, fresh evidence was given of the fulfillment of prophecy, and new witness borne to Christ’s Divinity. When the darkness had lifted from the cross, and The Saviour’s dying cry had been uttered, immediately another voice was heard, saying, “Truly this was The SON Of GOD.” Matthew 27:54. These words were spoken in profoundness. All eyes turned towards the Roman soldier; The centurion. The divine patience of The Saviour, and His sudden death, with His cry upon His Lips, had impressed this heathen. In the bruised, broken body hanging upon the cross, this soldier saw the SON Of GOD. He could not restrain from confessing his faith. Thus evidence was given, even upon JESUS’s death.
As, the evening drew near, an unearthly stillness hung over Calvary. The crowd dispersed, and many returned to Jerusalem. Many of the onlookers were curious, not His Haters. Though there were a multitude who had accepted the priests’s false acquisations. and had looked upon Christ, as the malefactor. There became a silence among them. Under the blackened clouds, their conscience bore the shame of their hearts and actions against Him. They headed home in a solemn silence. They then, were convinced that the former charges were false, that JESUS was The SON Of GOD. A few weeks later, Peter preaches upon the day of Pentecost, they were among the thousands who became converts to Christ. The Jewish leaders were unchanged in heart. Their hatred still overtook them. The darkness which covered the earth upon Christ’s crucifixion, was just as heavily engrossed in their minds. The priests and rulers of Israel, knew not their Saviour. Even after their plan was completed in JESUS’s crucifixion, they were still restless in spirit. The blackened skies, the rumbling earthquakes, the cries from The Saviour’s Lips proclaimed His Position as GOD’s SON. They became fearful. They had been jealous of Christ’s influence with the people, when He was living. Now, they still feared His Influence. They even were dreading the events attending His crucifixion. They could not allow for Him to remain upon the cross, during The Sabbath. It was a violation to have death seen. They went to Pilate, asking to have the two thiefs immediately put to death. To dispose of these victims bodies, before the sun set and The Sabbath began. Pilate was agreeable to this, especially for JESUS to be seen, as to his consent to His death. The legs of the thieves were broken to hasten their death. But, JESUS had already died. They had a soldier pierce JESUS’s side with a spear to His Side. From the wound came two distinct flowings. One of blood, and one of water. This is noted by all of the onlookers. John states, “One of the soldiers with a spear pierced His Side, and forewith came there out blood and water. and he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth what he says is true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of Him shall not be broken. and again, another scripture saith, They shall look on Him whom they pierced.” John 19:34-37.
After the resurrection the priests and rulers circulated the report that Christ did not die upon the cross, that He merely fainted, and was afterward revived. Another report affirmed that it was not a real body of flesh and bone, but the likeness of a body being laid in the tomb. The actions of the Roman soldiers disproves these falsehoods. They broke not His Legs, because He was already dead. To satisfy the priests, they pierced His Side. Had not death would not of been current. The wound would have caused His death immediately. JESUS death was not from the actual crucifixion. It was from His Broken Heart. The separation of Him from His Father was the division of sin against The Father. JESUS heart was broken from the mental anguish. Slain by the sins of the world.
With the death of Christ, His Disciples hope were failing them. His closed eyelids and the dropping of His Head, upon His Chest. His Hair matted with blood. His Hands and Feet pierced. HIS anguish was unbearable. They could not perceive their Saviour’s death. Overwhelmed with sorrow, they foregot His foretelling of this event. Nothing made sense. They saw His Lifeless blood-covered body upon the cross. A Victim, that was now lifeless. Their Master was gone. They needed Him more than ever before. Their hearts were filled with a voidness of worth, in total desparation. Even, in death Christ’s body, was very precious to the disciples. They longed to give Him an honored burial. They did not know of this proceedure. The Roman government issued a crime of Treason, against immediate burial of those condemned. The disciple John and the women stayed close to the cross. They feared the unjustness of the soldiers and them burying Him in a criminal gravesite. They would not obtain any favors from the Jewish authorities, and they had not influence with Pilate.
In this emergency, Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus came to help the disciples with JESUS. Both these men were members of the Sanhedrin, and were acquainted with Pilate. Both were men of wealth and influence. They were determined that the body of JESUS should have an honorable burial. Joseph went boldly before Pilate, and begged from him, the body of JESUS. For the first time Pilate learned of Christ’s death. Other stories of falsehood had reached Pilate. Pilate called upon the Roman centurian for his testimony of events to Christ’s death. This request was granted. While John was troubled about his Master’s burial, Joseph came with the orders from Pilate. Nicodemus brought a costly mixture of myrrh and aloes, of about a hundred pounds’ weight, for His embalming. This was an honored preparation for those most-honored. The disciples were astonished as these two wealthly men paying such high reguard in JESUS’s burial. Neither of these two elders were previous followers of The Saviour. They would be excluded from their position from The Sanhedrin Council. They had tried to save the life of JESUS, but were overturned and ignored in the hearings. The disciples were not openly exposing themself as His Followers, but these two new followers were boldly proclaiming, their decision, to accept JESUS; as The SON Of GOD.
Gently and reverently they removed JESUS from the cross. Their tears fell like rivers viewing His bruised and lacerated form. Joseph owned a new tomb, hewn in rock. This, he was reserving for his own death. It was near Calvary, so it was now, to be prepared for JESUS. HIS Body was carefully wrapped in linen and brought to the tomb. The men placed Him upon the rock carved shelf and rolled the rock covering the entrance. The Galilean women arrived after the stone was rolled in place. They were the last to the cross and last to the tomb. While the evening tide came in; The Sabbath was beginning. Mary Magdalene and the other Marys lingered about the resting place of their Lord, shedding tears of sorrow over the fate of Him, whom they loved. “And they returned,…and rested The Sabbath Day according to The Commandment.” Luke 23:56.
That this Sabbath was proclaimed throughout history. At the setting of the sun on the evening of The Preparation Day(Friday), the trumpets sounded, signifying that The Sabbath had begun. The Passover had been observed as; it had been for centuries. But, now there was an uncertainty felt among all those attending. The news of the man JESUS upon the cross, was becoming a news topic. The rented curtain was seen; where GOD, once resided. The sacrifices that were being offered, were not being offered on the zeal of hope. There was a questioning aire of lacking. These all pointing to The True Saviour and Redeemer; for Israel and earth’s humanity throughout the ages. Never had Christ attracted the attention of the multitude, as now, as He was laid in the tomb.
Nicodemus, when he saw Christ upon the cross, he remembered JESUS’s Words spoken by night at the Mount of Olives: “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so, must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:14,15. On that Sabbath, Nicodemus had a clearer insight to JESUS’s Purpose. He knew that he had lost much, by not connecting himself with The Saviour, while He was living. Then, his faith was forever established. The very event that destroyed the hope of the disciples convinced Joseph and Nicodemus. of The Divinity of JESUS.
During this Passover many suffering from illnessses or dying came searching for The One who performed healing. Multitudes showed before the temple courts seeking Him. The priests became nervous at this, placing guards at the temple gates. They had these growing persistant seekers removed. They were so afraid for the crowd to become angered at their action against JESUS. They now saw that their criminal fate was turning against themselves. They were meeting the severe censure of the people; they saw that the very ones whom they had influenced were now horrified by their shamed actions. In image of Christ and His Words and the prophesies were intruding upon their thoughts. The scenes were being replayed in their minds. Being sore afraid of Christ coming back to condemn them, as The SON Of GOD. They shook in fear; from the multitudes and a course, at the very thought of JESUS to return to convict them. During the Passover Sabbath, they came to Pilate. They remembered JESUS’s Promise,”After three days, I will rise again.” They commanding Pilate to place Roman solders in front of the gravesite to guard JESUS’s Body for those three days. Telling Pilate that the disciples would come to steal His body to fulfill that prophecy. Pilate said unto them, “Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.” Matthew 27:62-65. The priests gave directions for securing the sepulcher(grave). A giant stone had been placed before the opening. Across the stone they placed cords, securing the ends to the solid rock, and sealing them with the Roman seal. The stone could not be moved, except by breaking the seal. A guard of one hundred soldiers was then stationed around the sepulcher to prevent its violation. The priests did all they could do to keep JESUS’s body inside. HE was sealed within, as if it was for all time.
In man’s weakness; they glorified GOD’s Purpose. The very attempts made to cease Christ’s resurrection, are the most convincing elements of proof. The greater number of Roman guards; the stronger the testimony, of HIS Rising… Hundreds of years before Christ’s death, the psalmnist declared, “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against The LORD, and against His Annointed….HE(GOD) that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: The LORD shall have them in derision(the object of scorn).”Psalms 2:1-4. Roman guards were powerless to confine The LORD Of LIFE, within the tomb. The hour of His release was near…
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The night of the first day of the week(Sunday) had worn slowly away. The darkest hour,
Earth's Closing Hours 