第04章 救赎的计划
§1
第04章 救赎的计划
§2
Chap. 4 - The Plan of Redemption
§3
人类的堕落使全天庭充满了悲伤。上帝所创造的世界既被罪的咒诅所摧残，则其上的居民就注定要遭受困苦和死亡了了违犯律法的人似乎没有什么逃脱之路，于是众天使停止他们赞美的歌声；全天庭因罪所造成的破坏而哀恸了。[1]{PP 63.1}
§4
The fall of man filled all heaven with sorrow. The world that God had made was blighted with the curse of sin and inhabited by beings doomed to misery and death. There appeared no escape for those who had transgressed the law. Angels ceased their songs of praise. Throughout the heavenly courts there was mourning for the ruin that sin had wrought.{PP 63.1}[1]
§5
天庭荣耀的元帅——上帝的儿子，为堕落的人类动了恻隐之心。当他看到将亡之世界的灾祸时，心中不禁动了无限的怜惜之情。但上帝因着他的爱，已经拟定一个使人类得蒙救赎的计划。违犯上帝律法的就当治死，但在全宇宙中，只有一位能代替人类来满足这律法的条款。上帝的律法既与上帝自己同样的神圣，所以只有那与上帝同等的一位，才能为违犯律法的人类赎罪。除了基督之外，没有人能救赎堕落的人类脱离律法的咒诅，并使他们重新与上天和好。基督愿意把犯罪之过失和耻辱归到自己身上，这罪在圣洁的上帝看来是那么可憎，甚至圣父与圣子必须分离。然而基督却愿意下到祸患的深渊来拯救败亡的人类。[2]{PP 63.2}
§6
The Son of God, heavens glorious Commander, was touched with pity for the fallen race. His heart was moved with infinite compassion as the woes of the lost world rose up before Him. But divine love had conceived a plan whereby man might be redeemed. The broken law of God demanded the life of the sinner. In all the universe there was but one who could, in behalf of man, satisfy its claims. Since the divine law is as sacred as God Himself, only one equal with God could make atonement for its transgression. None but Christ could redeem fallen man from the curse of the law and bring him again into harmony with Heaven. Christ would take upon Himself the guilt and shame of sin--sin so offensive to a holy God that it must separate the Father and His Son. Christ would reach to the depths of misery to rescue the ruined race.{PP 63.2}[2]
§7
于是基督在父面前为罪人代求，天上的全军以言语所不能形容的深切关怀，来等待它的结果。父子之间的神秘交谈继续了很久——为堕落的世人“筹定和平。”（亚6:13）救恩的计划在创造天地之前就已经设立；因为基督是“创世以来”“被杀之羔羊；”（启13:8）虽然如此，但全宇宙之王为犯罪的人类来牺牲爱子，还是经过一番相当挣扎的。但是“上帝爱世人，甚至将他的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信他的，不至灭亡，反得永生。”（约3:16）奇哉，这救赎的奥秘！上帝竟爱一个不爱他的世界！谁能明白那“过于人所能测度的”爱是何等的长阔高深？在将来无穷尽的世代中，当天地之间一切的生灵要求明白那不可思议之爱的奥秘时，他们必要大大惊奇，在上帝面前俯伏敬拜了。[3]{PP 63.3}
§8
Before the Father He pleaded in the sinners behalf, while the host of heaven awaited the result with an intensity of interest that words cannot express. Long continued was that mysterious communing--the counsel of peace (Zechariah 6:13) for the fallen sons of men. The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth; for Christ is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8); yet it was a struggle, even with the King of the universe, to yield up His Son to die for the guilty race. But God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16. Oh, the mystery of redemption! the love of God for a world that did not love Him! Who can know the depths of that love which passeth knowledge? Through endless ages immortal minds, seeking to comprehend the mystery of that incomprehensible love, will wonder and adore.{PP 63.3}[3]
§9
上帝要在基督里显现，“叫世人与自己和好。”（林后5:19）人类已经因罪而败坏堕落，以至靠自己就不可能与圣洁良善的上帝和好。但是基督既救赎人类免去律法的刑罚，就能将上帝的能力赐给人，与人的力量联合。这样，亚当堕落的儿女就能借以向上帝悔改，并信靠基督，再成为“上帝的儿女。”（约一3:2）[4]{PP 64.1}
§10
God was to be manifest in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself. 2 Corinthians 5:19. Man had become so degraded by sin that it was impossible for him, in himself, to come into harmony with Him whose nature is purity and goodness. But Christ, after having redeemed man from the condemnation of the law, could impart divine power to unite with human effort. Thus by repentance toward God and faith in Christ the fallen children of Adam might once more become sons of God. 1 John 3:2.{PP 64.1}[4]
§11
人类所借以得救的唯一计划，把全天庭都包括在其无限的牺牲之中。当基督把救赎的计划向众天使说明时，他们是不会快乐的；因为他们看出为了要拯救人类，必须由他们所爱戴的元帅遭受言语所不能形容的患难。众天使又忧伤、又惊异地听着基督告诉他们，他必须离开天庭的纯洁与平安，放弃天庭的喜乐、荣耀和永生，而与堕落的世界接触，忍受忧愁、耻辱和死亡。他必须立在罪人和罪的刑罚之间；然而只有很少的人肯接受他为上帝的儿子。他愿意离开天上之君的崇高地位，自己卑微，在地上取了人的样式，借着他亲身的体验来熟悉人类所忍受的忧患和试探。为了“搭救被试探的人，”（来2:18）这一切都是他所必需忍受的。当他作教师的任务完成之后，他必须被交在恶人手中，受他们因被撒但所鼓动而加在他身上的各种侮辱和酷刑。他必须作一个罪人，在天地之间被举起来，受最残酷的死。他必须经受长期可怕的苦痛，甚至连天使也掩面不忍观看。当违犯律法的罪——全世界罪恶的重担——都压在他身上的时候，他心灵上必须忍受天父向他掩面的惨痛。[5]{PP 64.2}
§12
The plan by which alone mans salvation could be secured, involved all heaven in its infinite sacrifice. The angels could not rejoice as Christ opened before them the plan of redemption, for they saw that mans salvation must cost their loved Commander unutterable woe. In grief and wonder they listened to His words as He told them how He must descend from heavens purity and peace, its joy and glory and immortal life, and come in contact with the degradation of earth, to endure its sorrow, shame, and death. He was to stand between the sinner and the penalty of sin; yet few would receive Him as the Son of God. He would leave His high position as the Majesty of heaven, appear upon earth and humble Himself as a man, and by His own experience become acquainted with the sorrows and temptations which man would have to endure. All this would be necessary in order that He might be able to succor them that should be tempted. Hebrews 2:18. When His mission as a teacher should be ended, He must be delivered into the hands of wicked men and be subjected to every insult and torture that Satan could inspire them to inflict. He must die the cruelest of deaths, lifted up between the heavens and the earth as a guilty sinner. He must pass long hours of agony so terrible that angels could not look upon it, but would veil their faces from the sight. He must endure anguish of soul, the hiding of His Fathers face, while the guilt of transgression--the weight of the sins of the whole world--should be upon Him.{PP 64.2}[5]
§13
于是众天使俯伏在他们元帅的脚前，都愿意献上自己为人类牺牲。但是一个天使的生命并不足以偿付人类的罪债，唯有创造人类的主才有力量救赎人类。然而天使在救赎的计划中也有他们的一份工作。基督为了“受死的苦”，竟“成为比天使小一点”的人。在他取了人性之后，他的力量就不如天使，所以在他受苦的时候要天使伺候他、鼓励他、安慰他。天使也是服役的灵，奉差遣为那将要承受救恩的人效力。（来2:9；1:14）他们要保护那些承受神恩的人脱离恶天使的权势，脱离撒但所经常笼罩在他们周围的黑暗。[6]{PP 64.3}
§14
The angels prostrated themselves at the feet of their Commander and offered to become a sacrifice for man. But an angels life could not pay the debt; only He who created man had power to redeem him. Yet the angels were to have a part to act in the plan of redemption. Christ was to be made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death. Hebrews 2:9. As He should take human nature upon Him, His strength would not be equal to theirs, and they were to minister to Him, to strengthen and soothe Him under His sufferings. They were also to be ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who should be heirs of salvation. Hebrews 1:14. They would guard the subjects of grace from the power of evil angels and from the darkness constantly thrown around them by Satan.{PP 64.3}[6]
§15
当众天使看到他们的主受痛苦和耻辱时，心中充满了忧伤和愤慨，希冀能救他脱离杀害他之人的手；然而他们不能出来干涉，虽然看见也不能加以阻止。因为基督受恶人的侮辱和虐待乃是救赎计划的一部分；当他成为人类的救赎主时，他早已同意遭受这一切了。[7]{PP 65.1}
§16
When the angels should witness the agony and humiliation of their Lord, they would be filled with grief and indignation and would wish to deliver Him from His murderers; but they were not to interpose in order to prevent anything which they should behold. It was a part of the plan of redemption that Christ should suffer the scorn and abuse of wicked men, and He consented to all this when He became the Redeemer of man.{PP 65.1}[7]
§17
基督向众天使保证说，借着他的死，他必要救赎多人，并要败坏那掌死权的。他也要恢复人类因犯罪而丧失的国，赎民必要与他一同承受地土，永远居在其中。罪与罪人必被涂抹剪除，永不再扰乱天上和地上的安宁。他嘱咐全体天使要与他父所赞许的计划协和一致，并为堕落的人类因他的死得与上帝和好而喜乐。[8]{PP 65.2}
§18
Christ assured the angels that by His death He would ransom many, and would destroy him who had the power of death. He would recover the kingdom which man had lost by transgression, and the redeemed were to inherit it with Him, and dwell therein forever. Sin and sinners would be blotted out, nevermore to disturb the peace of heaven or earth. He bade the angelic host to be in accord with the plan that His Father had accepted, and rejoice that, through His death, fallen man could be reconciled to God.{PP 65.2}[8]
§19
于是有无法形容的喜乐充满天庭。一个世界得蒙救赎，其荣耀和喜乐超过了生命之君的痛苦和牺牲。全天庭首次洋溢着后来天军在伯利恒山上所要唱出的歌声：“在至高之处荣耀归于上帝，在地上平安归于他所喜悦的人。”（路2:14）这时“晨星一同歌唱，神的众子也都欢呼”的声音（伯38:7）比当初创造的时候更为热烈。[9]{PP 65.3}
§20
Then joy, inexpressible joy, filled heaven. The glory and blessedness of a world redeemed, outmeasured even the anguish and sacrifice of the Prince of life. Through the celestial courts echoed the first strains of that song which was to ring out above the hills of Bethlehem--Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14. With a deeper gladness now than in the rapture of the new creation, the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. Job 38:7.{PP 65.3}[9]
§21
第一次向人类所发救赎的宣告，乃是在伊甸园内对撒但的判辞中宣布出来的。耶和华宣布说：“我又要叫你和女人彼此为仇，你的后裔和女人的后裔，也彼此为仇；女人的后裔要伤你的头，你要伤他的脚跟。”（创3:15）这判辞在我们始祖听来，乃是一个应许。其中虽然预先说明世人与撒但之间的战争，但也声明这大仇敌的势力最后必被击破。亚当与夏娃站在公义的审判者面前，静候违犯律法的判决；但是他们在还未听到辛劳忧患的人生必要作他们的命运，以及他们必要归回尘土的判决之前，竟已先听到了那不能不使他们生出希望的话，他们虽然必须在大有能力的仇敌手中受苦，但仍能指望最后的胜利。[10]{PP 65.4}
§22
To man the first intimation of redemption was communicated in the sentence pronounced upon Satan in the garden. The Lord declared, I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15. This sentence, uttered in the hearing of our first parents, was to them a promise. While it foretold war between man and Satan, it declared that the power of the great adversary would finally be broken. Adam and Eve stood as criminals before the righteous Judge, awaiting the sentence which transgression had incurred; but before they heard of the life of toil and sorrow which must be their portion, or of the decree that they must return to dust, they listened to words that could not fail to give them hope. Though they must suffer from the power of their mighty foe, they could look forward to final victory.{PP 65.4}[10]
§23
当撒但听见他和女人，以及他的后裔和女人的后裔之间必有仇恨的时候，就准知道败坏人类的工作必要受到阻碍；并知道人类总有方法能以抵挡他的权势。但当救恩的计划更充分地阐明时，撒但和他的天使就欢乐起来了，因为他们已经使人类堕落，并且使上帝的儿子从他崇高的地位上下来。他声称，此时他的计划已经在地上得到成功；及至基督取了人性的时候，他或许也能胜过他，这样，就可以阻止堕落的人类得蒙救赎了。[11]{PP 66.1}
§24
When Satan heard that enmity should exist between himself and the woman, and between his seed and her seed, he knew that his work of depraving human nature would be interrupted; that by some means man would be enabled to resist his power. Yet as the plan of salvation was more fully unfolded, Satan rejoiced with his angels that, having caused mans fall, he could bring down the Son of God from His exalted position. He declared that his plans had thus far been successful upon the earth, and that when Christ should take upon Himself human nature, He also might be overcome, and thus the redemption of the fallen race might be prevented.{PP 66.1}[11]
§25
天上的使者向我们的始祖更充分地说明，为了拯救他们所设的计划。亚当和他的同伴虽然犯了大罪，但他们得到保证，并没有被抛弃在撒但的控制之下。上帝的儿子愿意出来舍弃自己的生命，为他们的罪作挽回祭。而且上帝要赐给他们一段试验的时期，借着悔改和信靠基督，使他们可以再成为上帝的儿女。[12]{PP 66.2}
§26
Heavenly angels more fully opened to our first parents the plan that had been devised for their salvation. Adam and his companion were assured that notwithstanding their great sin, they were not to be abandoned to the control of Satan. The Son of God had offered to atone, with His own life, for their transgression. A period of probation would be granted them, and through repentance and faith in Christ they might again become the children of God.{PP 66.2}[12]
§27
由于亚当夏娃犯罪所必需付出的牺牲，就向他们显明了上帝律法的神圣性质；因此他们从前所未曾看出罪的真相及其严重的后果，此时就看到了。他们在悔恨和惨痛交织之下，恳求上帝宁可让这个刑罚落在他们和他们的子孙身上，而不要落在基督的身上，因为基督的爱是他们一切快乐的泉源。[13]{PP 66.3}
§28
The sacrifice demanded by their transgression revealed to Adam and Eve the sacred character of the law of God; and they saw, as they had never seen before, the guilt of sin and its dire results. In their remorse and anguish they pleaded that the penalty might not fall upon Him whose love had been the source of all their joy; rather let it descend upon them and their posterity.{PP 66.3}[13]
§29
他们蒙指示耶和华的律法既是他天上和地下政权的基础，一个天使的生命自不足以作干犯这律法的挽回祭。这律法的任何一条都不能作废或改变，来迎合人堕落以后的状况；但上帝的儿子既造了人，就能为人赎罪。亚当的过犯怎样带来灾祸和死亡，照样，基督的牺牲必要带来不能坏的生命。[14]{PP 66.4}
§30
They were told that since the law of Jehovah is the foundation of His government in heaven as well as upon the earth, even the life of an angel could not be accepted as a sacrifice for its transgression. Not one of its precepts could be abrogated or changed to meet man in his fallen condition; but the Son of God, who had created man, could make an atonement for him. As Adams transgression had brought wretchedness and death, so the sacrifice of Christ would bring life and immortality.{PP 66.4}[14]
§31
救赎的计划不但要恢复人类，也要恢复因罪而处在那恶者权势之下的大地。在亚当受造的时候，上帝曾派他管理全地。但他既屈服于试探，就落在撒但的权下了。“因为人被谁制服就是谁的奴仆。”（彼后2:19）人既作了撒但的俘虏，则他原来的管理权就落到征服者的手中了。于是撒但便成了“这世界的神。”（林后4:4）他夺取了原来赐给亚当管理全地的治权。但是基督既借着他的牺牲付了罪的赎价，就不单要救赎人类，也要恢复由人手所丧失的治权。凡是第一个亚当所丧失的，第二个亚当都要恢复。先知曾说：“你这羊群的高台，锡安城的山哪，从前的权柄，就是耶路撒冷民的国权，必归与你。”（弥4:8）使徒保罗也曾预言到“上帝之产业被赎”的日子（弗1:14）。上帝创造大地，原本是为圣洁幸福的人类居住的。上帝“创造坚定大地，并非使地荒凉，是要给人居住。”（赛45:18）这旨意仍必实现，当大地被上帝的能力更新，脱离罪恶和忧患时，地就要成为赎民永远居住的所在。“义人必承受地土，永居其上。”“以后再没有咒诅；在城里有上帝和羔羊的宝座；他的仆人都要侍奉他。”（诗37:29；启22:3）[15]{PP 67.1}
§32
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. At his creation Adam was placed in dominion over the earth. But by yielding to temptation, he was brought under the power of Satan. Of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 2 Peter 2:19. When man became Satans captive, the dominion which he held, passed to his conqueror. Thus Satan became the god of this world. 2 Corinthians 4:4. He had usurped that dominion over the earth which had been originally given to Adam. But Christ, by His sacrifice paying the penalty of sin, would not only redeem man, but recover the dominion which he had forfeited. All that was lost by the first Adam will be restored by the second. Says the prophet, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion. Micah 4:8. And the apostle Paul points forward to the redemption of the purchased possession. Ephesians 1:14. God created the earth to be the abode of holy, happy beings. The Lord formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited. Isaiah 45:18. That purpose will be fulfilled, when, renewed by the power of God, and freed from sin and sorrow, it shall become the eternal abode of the redeemed. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him. Psalm 37:29; Revelation 22:3.{PP 67.1}[15]
§33
亚当在没有犯罪前，曾与造他的主面对面谈话；但罪使人与上帝隔绝了，唯有基督的救赎，才能跨过这个隔离的深渊，将天上的救恩与福气赐给世人。人虽然仍不能与他的创造主直接亲近，但上帝却要借着基督和天使与人来往。[16]{PP 67.2}
§34
Adam, in his innocence, had enjoyed open communion with his Maker; but sin brought separation between God and man, and the atonement of Christ alone could span the abyss and make possible the communication of blessing or salvation from heaven to earth. Man was still cut off from direct approach to his Creator, but God would communicate with him through Christ and angels.{PP 67.2}[16]
§35
这样，上帝便将人类史上重要的大事启示了亚当，从他在伊甸园中宣布判词的时候起，经过洪水时代，一直到上帝的儿子第一次显现的日子为止。亚当又蒙指示，虽然基督的牺牲足以拯救全世界，但许多人宁愿在罪中生活，而不肯悔改顺从。罪恶要一代一代地增多，所以罪的咒诅也要越来越重地压在人类、走兽和全地之上。人类的寿命要因他自己所犯的罪而缩短；他的身量和体力，以及心智和道德的力量，也都要退化，直到全世界充满了各样的灾祸和痛苦。人类因为放纵食欲和情欲，就不能领略救赎计划的伟大真理。然而基督既忠于他离开天庭的宗旨，就要不断地关心人类的利益，仍然邀请他们将软弱和缺点隐蔽在他里面。凡凭着信心到他面前来的人，他都要供给他们的需要。在各世代中，总有少数的人保守认识上帝的知识，在罪孽的洪流中保持自己的纯洁。[17]{PP 67.3}
§36
Thus were revealed to Adam important events in the history of mankind, from the time when the divine sentence was pronounced in Eden, to the Flood, and onward to the first advent of the Son of God. He was shown that while the sacrifice of Christ would be of sufficient value to save the whole world, many would choose a life of sin rather than of repentance and obedience. Crime would increase through successive generations, and the curse of sin would rest more and more heavily upon the human race, upon the beasts, and upon the earth. The days of man would be shortened by his own course of sin; he would deteriorate in physical stature and endurance and in moral and intellectual power, until the world would be filled with misery of every type. Through the indulgence of appetite and passion men would become incapable of appreciating the great truths of the plan of redemption. Yet Christ, true to the purpose for which He left heaven, would continue His interest in men, and still invite them to hide their weakness and deficiencies in Him. He would supply the needs of all who would come unto Him in faith. And there would ever be a few who would preserve the knowledge of God and would remain unsullied amid the prevailing iniquity.{PP 67.3}[17]
§37
上帝制定献祭的供物是要经常提醒世人，使他们不至于忘记自己是罪人，并使他们痛悔地承认自己的罪，借以表示对所应许之救赎主的信心。而且也是要在堕落的人类心中留下深刻的印象，使他们永远不忘死亡是罪恶的结果这一严肃的真理。第一次的献祭对亚当的确是一个最痛苦的礼节。他必须举手杀那唯独上帝所能赐予的生命。这是他第一次看见死亡，而且他知道如果他以前顺服了上帝，人或牲畜就不至于死了。当他宰杀那无辜的牺牲时，一想到自己的罪必使上帝无瑕疵的羔羊流血，心中不禁战栗不已。这个景象使他更深刻更明晰地感到他所犯的罪是多么大，甚至于除了上帝的爱子舍命流血之外，别无救赎之方。而且他一想起无穷仁慈的上帝愿意亲自付出这样的赎价来拯救犯罪的人，就不胜惊奇。于是一颗希望的星就照亮了那幽暗可怕的前途，将凄凉的空气一扫而空。[18]{PP 68.1}
§38
The sacrificial offerings were ordained by God to be to man a perpetual reminder and a penitential acknowledgment of his sin and a confession of his faith in the promised Redeemer. They were intended to impress upon the fallen race the solemn truth that it was sin that caused death. To Adam, the offering of the first sacrifice was a most painful ceremony. His hand must be raised to take life, which only God could give. It was the first time he had ever witnessed death, and he knew that had he been obedient to God, there would have been no death of man or beast. As he slew the innocent victim, he trembled at the thought that his sin must shed the blood of the spotless Lamb of God. This scene gave him a deeper and more vivid sense of the greatness of his transgression, which nothing but the death of Gods dear Son could expiate. And he marveled at the infinite goodness that would give such a ransom to save the guilty. A star of hope illumined the dark and terrible future and relieved it of its utter desolation.{PP 68.1}[18]
§39
救赎的计划除了拯救人类之外，还有更宽大，更深远的宗旨。基督来到世上，不单是为要拯救人类；也不单是为要叫这微小世界上的居民对上帝的律法有正确的认识；也是为要在全宇宙之前证明上帝的品德。当救主在被钉之前，展望他伟大牺牲的效果，就是这牺牲在世人身上，以及在其他诸世界的居民身上的影响时，便这样说：“现在这世界受审判；这世界的王要被赶出去。我若从地上被举起来，就要吸引万人来归我。”（约12:31-32）基督为拯救人类而死之举，不单要使世人得以与上天接近，也要在全宇宙之前，证明上帝和他的儿子对撒但背叛的处理乃是公正的。而且也要坚定上帝律法的永久性，并显明罪的性质及其结果。[19]{PP 68.2}
§40
But the plan of redemption had a yet broader and deeper purpose than the salvation of man. It was not for this alone that Christ came to the earth; it was not merely that the inhabitants of this little world might regard the law of God as it should be regarded; but it was to vindicate the character of God before the universe. To this result of His great sacrifice--its influence upon the intelligences of other worlds, as well as upon man--the Saviour looked forward when just before His crucifixion He said: Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all unto Me. John 12:31, 32. The act of Christ in dying for the salvation of man would not only make heaven accessible to men, but before all the universe it would justify God and His Son in their dealing with the rebellion of Satan. It would establish the perpetuity of the law of God and would reveal the nature and the results of sin.{PP 68.2}[19]
§41
善恶之争的焦点从起初就集中在上帝的律法上。撒但曾设法证明上帝是不公的，他的律法是有缺点的，而且为了全宇宙的利益，这律法必须改变。他攻击律法，目的乃在于推翻设立法之主的威权。在这个战争中，就可以显明上帝的律法是否有缺点而需要改变的，或者是完全而永不能变更的。[20]{PP 69.1}
§42
From the first the great controversy had been upon the law of God. Satan had sought to prove that God was unjust, that His law was faulty, and that the good of the universe required it to be changed. In attacking the law he aimed to overthrow the authority of its Author. In the controversy it was to be shown whether the divine statutes were defective and subject to change, or perfect and immutable.{PP 69.1}[20]
§43
撒但被赶出天庭之后，就决意要在地上建立他的国。当他于试探亚当夏娃得手之后，他以为自己已经取得这个世界的所有权，他说：“因为他们已经拣选我作他们的王。”他声称罪人得蒙饶恕是不可能的，所以堕落的人类乃是他合法的子民，而这个世界也就属于他了。但是上帝赐下他自己的爱子——与父同等的一位——来担当人类违犯律法的刑罚，这样就开辟了一条道路，使他们可以复得上帝的恩眷，而能回到他们伊甸的家乡。基督已经负起救赎人类的工作，决定要从撒但的掌握中把世界抢救回来。那在天上所开始的大战争，要在这世界——就是撒但所声明属于他的领域上，决定胜负。[21]{PP 69.2}
§44
When Satan was thrust out of heaven, he determined to make the earth his kingdom. When he tempted and overcame Adam and Eve, he thought that he had gained possession of this world; because, said he, they have chosen me as their ruler. He claimed that it was impossible that forgiveness should be granted to the sinner, and therefore the fallen race were his rightful subjects, and the world was his. But God gave His own dear Son--one equal with Himself--to bear the penalty of transgression, and thus He provided a way by which they might be restored to His favor, and brought back to their Eden home. Christ undertook to redeem man and to rescue the world from the grasp of Satan. The great controversy begun in heaven was to be decided in the very world, on the very same field, that Satan claimed as his.{PP 69.2}[21]
§45
基督自己降卑来拯救堕落的人类，这是使全宇宙大为惊奇的事。那巡视各星球，周游诸世界，管理万有，在广大的宇宙中，照着自己的美意供给各类生物之需要的主，竟愿放弃他的荣耀，而取了人的性质，这乃是诸世界无罪的生灵所要明白的奥秘。当基督取了人的样式来到我们这个世界，从马槽到髑髅地，一步一步地在血染的道路上前进时，他们都深切地关心着他。全天庭都注意他所受的侮辱和戏弄，并知道这全是出于撒但的鼓动。他们注意着这两个相对的势力在进行争战；撒但经常把黑暗、忧愁和痛苦加在人的身上，基督则将这一切都替人消除了。他们注视着那光明与黑暗之间越来越厉害的搏斗。当基督在十字架上临死惨痛呼喊“成了”的时候，就有胜利的欢呼传遍整个天庭和诸世界。那在世上进行这么长久的大争战至此已经决定，基督乃是胜利者。圣父和圣子是否对人类有充足的爱心，是否有克己和牺牲的精神，这个问题已经由基督的死证明了。撒但说谎和残杀的真面目业已暴露无遗。同时也可以看出，如果准许撒但管理天上的众生，他必要表现管理他权下之世人的同样精神。因此全宇宙就同声赞美上帝的作为。[22]{PP 69.3}
§46
It was the marvel of all the universe that Christ should humble Himself to save fallen man. That He who had passed from star to star, from world to world, superintending all, by His providence supplying the needs of every order of being in His vast creation--that He should consent to leave His glory and take upon Himself human nature, was a mystery which the sinless intelligences of other worlds desired to understand. When Christ came to our world in the form of humanity, all were intensely interested in following Him as He traversed, step by step, the bloodstained path from the manger to Calvary. Heaven marked the insult and mockery that He received, and knew that it was at Satans instigation. They marked the work of counteragencies going forward; Satan constantly pressing darkness, sorrow, and suffering upon the race, and Christ counteracting it. They watched the battle between light and darkness as it waxed stronger. And as Christ in His expiring agony upon the cross cried out, It is finished (John 19:30), a shout of triumph rang through every world and through heaven itself. The great contest that had been so long in progress in this world was now decided, and Christ was conqueror. His death had answered the question whether the Father and the Son had sufficient love for man to exercise self-denial and a spirit of sacrifice. Satan had revealed his true character as a liar and a murderer. It was seen that the very same spirit with which he had ruled the children of men who were under his power, he would have manifested if permitted to control the intelligences of heaven. With one voice the loyal universe united in extolling the divine administration.{PP 69.3}[22]
§47
如果律法真能更改的话，人类就可以不靠基督的牺牲而得救了；但基督必须为堕落的人类舍命；这一个事实足以证明，上帝不能取消他律法对人类的条款，并且证明罪的工价乃是死。在基督受死的时候，撒但的灭亡就已经确定了。但若是像许多人所说的，上帝的律法已经在十字架上废掉了，那么，上帝爱子所忍受的痛苦和死亡，只是使撒但称心满意而已；这样，那邪恶之君就要得胜，他对上帝政权的攻击也得以成立了。可是基督担当人类违犯律法的刑罚这一事，乃是对一切受造之生灵说明律法不能改变的有力证明，上帝是公义、慈悲、舍己的；又说明在他的政权之下，无限的公正和慈悲是不能分开的。[23]{PP 70.1}
§48
If the law could be changed, man might have been saved without the sacrifice of Christ; but the fact that it was necessary for Christ to give His life for the fallen race, proves that the law of God will not release the sinner from its claims upon him. It is demonstrated that the wages of sin is death. When Christ died, the destruction of Satan was made certain. But if the law was abolished at the cross, as many claim, then the agony and death of Gods dear Son were endured only to give to Satan just what he asked; then the prince of evil triumphed, his charges against the divine government were sustained. The very fact that Christ bore the penalty of mans transgression is a mighty argument to all created intelligences that the law is changeless; that God is righteous, merciful, and self-denying; and that infinite justice and mercy unite in the administration of His government.{PP 70.1}[23]