The Faith I Live By

Bright Beams of Glory, December 21

A New Heaven and a New Earth

And his brightness was as the light; he had bright beams out of his side: and there was the hiding of his power. Habakkuk 3:4, margin. FLB 361.1

Satan, by means of his success in turning man aside from the path of obedience, became “the god of this world.” 2 Corinthians 4:4. The dominion that once was Adam's, passed to the usurper. But the Son of God proposed to come to this earth to pay the penalty of sin, and thus not only redeem man, but recover the dominion forfeited.... The apostle Paul has referred to it [the restoration of the lost dominion] as “the redemption of the purchased possession.” Ephesians 1:14.^{44Prophets and Kings, 682.} FLB 361.2

Not only man but the earth had by sin come under the power of the wicked one, and was to be restored by the plan of redemption.^{45Patriarchs and Prophets, 67.} FLB 361.3

The cross of Calvary, while it declares the law immutable, proclaims to the universe that the wages of sin is death. In the Saviour's expiring cry, “It is finished,” the death knell of Satan was rung. The great controversy which had been so long in progress was then decided, and the final eradication of evil was made certain. The Son of God passed through the portals of the tomb, that “through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14. Lucifer's desire for self-exaltation had led him to say, “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: ... I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:13, 14. God declares, “I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth.... And never shalt thou be any more.” Ezekiel 28:18, 19. FLB 361.4

“I saw a new heaven and a new earth....” Revelation 21:1.... Every trace of the curse is swept away.... FLB 361.5

One reminder alone remains: our Redeemer will ever bear the marks of His crucifixion. Upon His wounded head, upon His side, His hands and feet, are the only traces of the cruel work that sin has wrought. Says the prophet, beholding Christ in His glory, “He had bright beams coming out of his side: and there was the hiding of his power.” ^{46The Great Controversy, 503, 504, 674.} FLB 361.6

The cross of Christ will be the science and the song of the redeemed through all eternity.^{47The Great Controversy, 651.} FLB 361.7