Thinking about redemption by wrath versus redemption by mercy and its corresponding effect on the order of resurrection, makes me wonder about the relationship of redemption by wrath to what the Savior suffered in the Atonement.
Clearly we are saved from our own personal redemption by wrath as discussed in the First Resurrection idea. Another supporting scripture from the New Testament. Romans 5:8,9
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."
If 'wrath' is the price to satisfy justice, then did Jesus receive the wrath of His Father?
The obvious example that He did is the story of Isaaac and Abraham. Abraham, although significantly advanced in years compared to the youthful Issaac, is commanded to inflict the sacrifice himself. It is one of the few insights to the perspective of the Father in the Atonement.
In Isaiah, the Lord uses interesting words, "In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer." Isa 54:8. There may be a connection between wrath and God hiding His presence. It makes me think of the crucifiction. Matt. 27:46, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Is this where Christ suffered redemption by wrath, if at all?
In Isaiah 53:1o, "Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief" More evidence that a source of His suffering was direct from the Father.
I'll keep looking, I really like the 55th chapter of Isaiah. The imagery of the rain falling and not returning is very comforting. I love the phrase 'abundantly pardon'.
"Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater"
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
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