But as the Scriptures do not decide this point, let it be assumed that
redemption is the greater. Who knows that a day should be set apart for
its commemoration? The Bible says nothing on the point. But granting
that a day should be set apart for this purpose, what day should have
the preference? Is it said, That day on which redemption was finished?
It is not true that redemption is finished; the resurrection of the
saints and the redemption of our earth from the curse are included in
that work.[326] But granting that redemption should be commemorated
before it is finished, by setting apart a day in its honor, the question
again arises, What day shall it be? The Bible is silent in reply. If
the most memorable day in the history of redemption should be selected,
undoubtedly the day of the crucifixion, on which the price of human
redemption was paid, must have the preference. Which is the more
memorable day, that on which the infinite Law-giver gave up his only and
well-beloved Son to die an ignominious death for a race of rebels who
had broken his law, or that day on which he restored that beloved Son to
life? The latter event, though of thrilling interest, is the most natural
thing in the world; the crucifixion of the Son of God for sinful men may
be safely pronounced the most wonderful event in the annals of eternity.
The crucifixion day is therefore beyond all comparison the more memorable
day. And that redemption itself is asserted of the crucifixion rather
than of the resurrection is an undoubted fact. Thus it is written:—
“In whom we have redemption through his blood;” “Christ hath
redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for
us, for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a
tree;” “Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy
blood.”[327]
If, therefore, any day should be observed in memory of redemption,
unquestionably the day of the crucifixion should have the preference.
But it is needless to pursue this point further. Whether the day of the
crucifixion or the day of the resurrection should be preferred is quite
immaterial. The Holy Spirit has said nothing in behalf of either of these
days, but it has taken care that the _event_ in each case should have
its own appropriate memorial. Would you commemorate the crucifixion of
the Redeemer? You need not change the Sabbath to the crucifixion day.
It would be a presumptuous sin in you to do this. Here is the divinely
appointed memorial of the crucifixion:—
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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