Let us remember that He knew well the magnitude of the task He had
undertaken. Let us remember that He does nothing in vain. Let us
remember that His love, and power, and purpose have undergone no change.
And let us remember that this little span of time is but a passing epoch
in His administration. He can complete in a future age what He commenced
in this age. Nay, not commenced; for His purpose dates back from the
eternal past. He is "the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world."
When we take this larger view, it is not difficult to believe literally
that "His mercy endureth forever," and that it will find scope for its
operation so long as one soul remains in alienation from Him. If you
have been brought up to the narrower view, and if you have held that
view for long years, it may be enlarged in a moment. One flash of divine
illumination can reveal wonders of redeeming love.
We might go on at a great length in citing Scripture statements that
have really no meaning apart from God's gracious design to men in a
future age. Certainly Scripture is the paramount authority, and some
will take it as superior to all reason on a question like this. But
there are those who do not accord to Scripture the supreme authority;
they rely more on reason and common sense; and I am hopeful they will
read these remarks. For their sake I will submit some considerations
from reason that may come closer home.
* * * * *
One consideration is, that God made a sacrifice of unfathomable depth in
giving His Son for the redemption of the race. No one will ever know
what it cost the Father to make that sacrifice. Some theologians believe
that God cannot suffer. I wonder where they got that idea. I would ask
you: If you are a father and have an only son who has never given you
offense In thought, word, or deed, but has lived in the most cordial and
intimate terms with you for many years--could you give that son up to
untold agony and death without making a sacrifice?
Now this is what the Father did when He gave up the Son to suffering and
death; only the cordial feeling between the Father and the Son was far
more intimate than in our case, and had lasted through a past eternity,
whereas ours has endured but a few years.