The Life and Sacrifice of Jesus in Desire of Ages

Jesus Christ is the divine revelation of God’s love, whose life was lived to satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart and transform believers into His own imageDA 17.6+1. He was treated as we deserve so that we might receive the life and righteousness that is His by rightDA 25.2.

The Purpose of His Life

• A Divine Transformation: The goal of His life was to draw people to Himself through the beauty of His character, changing them from selfish and earthly to sacrificing and heavenlyDA 17.6.

• The Bread of Life: Jesus is the true manna from heaven who gives life to the world, providing spiritual sustenance to all who come to Him in faith John 6:33DA 385.5.

• Healing and Deliverance: He was anointed to preach the gospel to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and set at liberty those who are bruised by the power of sin Luke 4:16-17DA 236.4.

The Path of Suffering and Sacrifice

• The Cup of Woe: Jesus endured the bitterness of unbelief even from His own family members, who judged His divine mission from a human perspectiveDA 325.3+1.

• The Ultimate Sacrifice: In the spring of A.D. 31, Christ was offered as the true sacrifice on Calvary, ending the significance of the earthly sacrificial system Daniel 9:27DA 233.2.

• The Substitution: He suffered the death that was ours, being condemned for sins in which He had no share, so that we might be justified by His righteousnessDA 25.2.

Principles of His Kingdom

• Character over Profession: Standing before God is decided by character and life rather than mere name or religious professionDA 107.1.

• Self-Surrender: The substance of His teaching is self-surrender, requiring followers to build their characters upon the rock of His words rather than human theories Matthew 7:24-25DA 314.3+1.

• Ministry to Others: Following Christ means revealing His love through social relations and ministering to the needs and woes of othersDA 152.3+1.

The Promise of His Return

• Triumphant Glory: When Christ returns, He will not be a prisoner but the King of heaven, escorted by millions of angels and wearing a crown of glory Revelation 19:16DA 739.3.

• The Reward of Overcomers: To those who overcome through the fellowship of His sufferings, Christ promises a seat upon His throne and a permanent place in the temple of God Revelation 3:12-21DA 548.7.

• The End of Sin: At the close of the great controversy, the plan of redemption will be complete, and the character of God will be vindicated before the entire universeDA 764.3.

It is highly recommended to spend a thoughtful hour each day contemplating the life of Christ, especially His closing scenes, to quicken our love for Him and deepen our confidence in His sacrificeDA 83.4. All who repent and believe in Him have the absolute assurance of forgiving mercy and the subduing of their iniquities Micah 7:19DA 806.1.