Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
[The Desire Of Ages. pp 686] In the wilderness of temptation the destiny of the human race had been at stake. Christ was then conqueror. Now the tempter had come for the last fearful struggle. For this he had been preparing during the three years of Christ's ministry. Everything was at stake with him. If he failed here, his hope of mastery was lost; the kingdoms of the world would finally become Christ's; he himself would be overthrown and cast out.
Therefore, as we reminisce on what Christ has done for the human family, and as folks fellowship with friends and family over the holiday season, let us be mindful of this one thing, that Jesus is the reason for the season, for it is Christ alone who has made a better way and a better day available to all who so desire.
Let us then give our lives entirely to Him, so that He may do unto us the good He has promised, for it is only those who respond in the positive to God’s gift in Christ, that the abundant life will ever become a reality. We’ll end with a passage of scripture which sums up the matter so that all may understand.
1st John 5: 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!