My Journey to Life, Step 15—The Great Controversy

5. What is the “rescue plan” that God devised before sin’s introduction into our world?

The Godhead determined together that, should Their created beings be seduced into sin, forgiveness would be extended to all who would repent. However, this reconciliation would cost the terrible death of the Son of God and cause great suffering to all three members of the Godhead. When Jesus became the Sin-bearer, it fractured Their precious union. But the atoning, substitutionary death of Jesus Christ would satisfy divine justice and make it possible for God to adopt into His family everyone who would enter into union with Him, through repentance and submission to God’s benevolent authority. JTL15 8.1

This plan “laid from the foundation of the world” would meet two great needs of fallen humanity. First, death, the penalty for sin, would be canceled by the atoning sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Second, sin’s power in the human heart would be replaced by Christ’s indwelling power in our heart through the changing work of the Holy Spirit. JTL15 8.2

Scriptures treat the first advent of Christ, including His incarnation at Bethlehem, life of self-sacrificing service, and death and resurrection as the climax of the great controversy. Satan is judged at the cross, the plan of salvation is confirmed, atonement for sin made, and the moral law and character of God upheld. God won at Calvary! Satan is a defeated foe! JTL15 8.3