The World's Redeemer Rejected by His Own People

Christ Triumphant - A Devotional by E.G. White

The World's Redeemer Rejected by His Own People

Today's Text: Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? Matthew 27:17

The Message:      One other course suggested itself to Pilate whereby he might save Him whom he dared not give up to that maddened power, knowing that for envy they had brought Jesus to the judgment hall. Pagan invention, without one particle of justice in it, had made a custom that at the great national festival there should be set at liberty one prisoner who had been condemned to death. Could the convicted Pilate make use of this subterfuge and bring about that which he desired-save an innocent man, whose power, even while bound and under accusation, he knew to be the power of no common man, but of God? His soul was in terrible conflict. He would present the true and innocent Christ side by side with the notable Barabbas, and he flattered himself that the contrast between innocence and guilt would be so convincing that Jesus of Nazareth would be their choice.      Barabbas had pretended to be Christ and had done great wickedness. Under satanic delusion he claimed that whatever he could obtain by theft and robbery and murder was his own. A most striking contrast was presented between the two. Barabbas was a notorious character who had done wonderful things through satanic agencies. He claimed to have religious power, a right to establish a different order of things....      This false Christ was claiming what Satan claimed in heaven-a right to all things. Christ in His humiliation was possessor of all things. In Him was no darkness at all....      Barabbas and Christ stood side by side, and the whole heavenly universe beheld them. The people looked upon the two. Where now were the voices that a few days before were loud in proclaiming the wonderful works that Christ had done? ... Then the fickle multitude had been imbued with the enthusiasm of heavenly impulse to pour forth in sacred song their praise and hosannas as Christ rode into Jerusalem. Now the choice was given them. Pilate asks, "Whom will ye that I release unto you, Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?"...      There arose to heaven a cry of tremendous significance to all the world. All heaven heard that cry in which all seemed to join with a zeal and desperation born of their choice. "Not this man," they said, pointing to Jesus, "but Barabbas."... The world's Redeemer was rejected, the guilty murderer spared.-Manuscript 112, 1897.

Commentary: My friend, as it was in the days of Christ, so shall it be just before the second coming of Jesus.  The rejection of the Son of God for Barabbas, one who was a counterfeit Christ, shows to what depth the Scribes and Pharisees would stoop to crucify the world's Redeemer. Today the world's Redeemer is being rejected by His people and a counterfeit is being accepted in His place.  Through the churches adoption of the trinity, it has rejected the Only begotten Son of God for a counterfeit called "God the Son", who is not truly the Son of God.  The doctrine teaches that the Son is not truly a son as you and I, but is only a title, or position that one of the god-beings has assumed for the redemption of man. All throughout the Scriptures Jesus is referred to as the Son of God, and the Father Himself has declared "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17).  In denying that Jesus is truly the Son of God, the only begotten of the Father, it makes Him out to be a liar.  Of this the Apostle John said "Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son." (1 John 2:22). The Seventh-day Adventist Church by its adoption of the trinity have as surly chosen Barabbas over the only begotten Son of God as the Jews of old.  Though the times and circumstances are different, the result is the same; Jesus is being rejected by His people. For the most part the people have been deceived and do not know that they have accepted a counterfeit.  To them He sends a special message saying "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:" (Revelation 3:15-17). To each has been given the opportunity to see their true condition before Him, that they may turn from their waywardness.  He says "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." (Revelation 3:18).  Only through the fires of affliction can their faith be tested and be seen for what it truly is, a counterfeit righteousness.  Therefore He offers to clothe them in His true righteousness.  To all that will, He anoints their eyes with the eyesalve of truth; the Word of God, for He declares "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6). The church has been deceived into accepting a counterfeit in place of the true Son of God.  To His people the Faithful and true witness says "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:19, 20). My friend, Jesus is standing at the door of your heart, seeking to gain entrance.  He is on the outside because you have accepted a counterfeit in place of the real.  He knows that you have been deceived, and is offering you an opportunity to see the truth and accept Him as your Savior.  But the doors of mercy will not be open forever.  The time is short and you must make your decision quickly, for He says "... be zealous therefore and repent." (Revelation 3:19).  "Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your heart." (Psalms 95:7, 8). God bless,

Video of the Week The Godhead by Pastor Bill Taitague Retired pastor Bill Taitague presents a important message for our time.  This message was presented in June to a group of people in California.