There have been no new worlds or planets created in the universe since God kept that first Sabbath. "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them," says Genesis 2:1. What has kept God busy since then? The answer: a work of reconciling heaven and earth, because "there was war in heaven: Michael and His angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels" (Rev. 12:7).
The great controversy has involved the universe as well as this fallen planet, for verse 12 says that because of the victory won in this reconciliation, "Rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them." Finally, it will be said: "The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation." (The Great Controversy, p. 678). This blessed harmony will be the result of God's work on His cosmic Day of Atonement--which means simply, His Day of Reconciliation, the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, the ending of alienation.
Is your human heart reconciled to God? Are you alert to realize that your natural human heart "is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (Rom. 8:7), except through the atonement of Christ? Do you still wrestle with a lingering sense that somehow you must make yourself good before He can be reconciled to you, and before He can really accept you and respect you? Do you have that nagging feeling that He cannot truly be your Friend until you are worthy? While you are sitting in the pigsty, do you wish you had a Father who would forgive and accept the prodigal? If so, you need to know about the Day of Atonement.
As never before in world history the world's attention is directed now to the atoning sacrifice of Christ where "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. ... We beseech you … in Christ's stead, be YE reconciled to God"! (2 Cor. 5:19, 20). But you CAN'T "be" unless you first believe He is reconciled to you! So, "spend a thoughtful hour" contemplating the cross where that reconciliation was accomplished.
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: January 28, 1998.Copyright © 2011 by Robert J. Wieland.
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