Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
What Angels Saw at the Cross

What Angels Saw at the Cross

Revelation 12:10-12 says, “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.‘” From this I gather the heavenly beings were able to cast out Satan by what they saw at the cross of Calvary. My question to you is “What did they see at the cross that made them once and for all times cast Satan out of their heart and minds. And does mankind need to see the same thing so they too can cast the devil out too? Is the casting out of the devil what is needed so that Christ can restore us to His image?

DF


Great questions, thanks!

The unfallen angels in heaven stood in relationship to Satan in a different position than that of sinful humankind. Angelic beings in heaven had experienced Satan before his apostasy and it is likely that many of them had memories, emotions and even affection for the once great light bearer and covering cherub. Many of these beings knew Satan personally and had developed a level of trust for him. We can surmise that those with the greatest confidence followed him in his rebellion and were cast out with him (Rev 12:9). But, even those who chose loyalty to God had questions that needed answers, and still retained levels of respect and perhaps love for Lucifer, until the cross where he stood exposed. It was at the cross that all affection for Satan was finally severed from the intelligences in heaven.

Jesus referenced the drawing power of the cross when he said, “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to me.” (Jn 12:32) Some translations use the word “men” as in, “I will draw all men” but the Greek does not contain the word men. Thus a translation that says, “I will draw all” or “I will draw everyone” is more accurate, as Jesus was not only drawing fallen human beings to him but also solidifying the loyalty of the unfallen beings in the universe.

Paul confirms this when he says, “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Col 1:19,20) Notice that things in heaven were reconciled to Christ at the cross. Not in the sense that they were sinful needing to be cleansed, but in the sense that they had doubts, questions, uncertainties that needed to be addressed and resolved. This Christ did.

So what did the angels see and understand at the cross that led to the casting out of Satan from their affections and the solidification of their hearts to Christ?

At the cross of Christ the two antagonistic principles stood face to face. God’s character and methods of selfless love stood opposed to Satan’s character and methods of selfishness. Use your imagination and contrast the two sides – Jesus in humble, loving, dignity, self-composure, calm grace and gentle forgiveness, looking upon the mob with compassion, longing for their healing. Though all-powerful, Jesus didn’t even have a thought to injure them. He demonstrated that though possessing all power he would rather allow his creatures to kill him than use his power to protect himself or injure them.

By sharp contrast, the mob, incited and inflamed by satanic agencies, lost self-control, and was wild, abusive, deceitful, destructive, hateful, slanderous, murderous, vile, animalistic, and grotesque. Before the entire universe the evidence of God’s character, methods and principles stood in contrast to Satan’s character, methods and principles. Satan stood exposed for all to see – a liar and fraud.

Mankind was created in the image of God to reveal God’s true nature. In the humanity of Christ, God stood in his true character of love, as Jesus, God in human flesh, revealed him, “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do…I have revealed you.” (Jn 17:4,6) What do God’s methods result in – look to Jesus and you will see what humankind becomes when filled with God’s presence. Then turn to the mob and see what Satan’s methods result in – humanity debased, devoid of love, bereft of compassion, hardened of heart, and denuded of goodness, stripped down to the vile, grotesque, and evil likeness of Satan.

At the cross, the kingdom of love faced down and overcame the kingdom of selfishness. Every question was answered, and a healing remedy for humankind was achieved. In summary, what Christ achieved at the cross:

  1. Revealed the truth about the nature of the Father and himself
  2. Exposed Satan as a liar and fraud
  3. Revealed what humanity is designed by God to be
  4. Christ’s victory in humanity proved that there was no “manufacturer’s defect” in Adam, i.e. Adam’s fall was not because God created Adam defectively
  5. Revealed what humanity becomes when severed from God and God’s methods
  6. Revealed what obedience to the “rules” results in when the heart is not renewed in love (they wanted Christ down by sunset to keep the Sabbath rules)
  7. Revealed that power does not corrupt God and thus God is safe with all power
  8. Revealed that God and Christ are truly selfless
  9. Revealed that God does not execute and kill the sinner, but sin severs from God (the source of life) and results in death.
  10. By the exercise of his human brain Christ overcame the temptation to “save self” and restored God’s “law of love” into the human species. In Christ, humanity became what God originally designed it, in Adam, to be.
  11. Christ developed a perfect human nature/character and offers this perfection to all who will accept it. “once he was made perfect he became the source of salvation for all who obey him. (Heb 5:8) Christ thus becomes the remedy for us. As we see the truth, we surrender in trust and the Holy Spirit takes what Christ achieved and reproduces it in us. (Jn 16:14)  Thus we become partakers of the divine nature and it is no longer “I” but Christ lives in us. (2Pet 1:4, Gal 2:20) He actually writes his law of love, his character of love, upon our hearts and minds. (Heb 8:10, 10:16) This is how we are reconciled to God. All through the achievements of Christ!
Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA

 

Testimony 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY

Testimony 9

I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

Testimony 18

The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

Testimony 35

I am so pleased with the response your message is receiving at my church from the middle-aged to the young adults. I have given out 100 copies of the first two seminars and there are more request every week. One of my [class members] came to me after viewing the series, grateful and impressed with how easy the message was retained. He had been a Seventh-day Adventist in fear all his life, and felt like the scales were removed from his eyes after viewing the seminars. I am so impressed by the change I see in members who have received this message, we are in one accord. However, I am sadden by the negative response of the older people. I am verbally attacked anytime I talk about imposed laws, but I believe my mission is to enlightened everyone I can. I watch your Bible Study Class on YouTube every Friday night and I feel like I am apart of the class. All of you are in one accord and I am so blessed to have found you. I pray that all of you continue to spread this message and I am committed to doing my part.

Clara S., Westfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 15

I have been sharing Come And Reason Ministries Bible study lessons with several folk. You have such a beautiful view of the plan of salvation. If we had this message preached when I was young, my generation would still all be in church.

H. R., New Zealand

Testimony 1

Thank you! I love listening to the Come And Reason Ministries Bible study classes and am using some of your notes to get the lessons together that I will be teaching. You always have such good quotes and Bible texts and pull things together to make good sense.

T. C., IN, USA

 

Testimony 44

We were given a gift of the DVD set, “God and Your Brain,” and we just finished watching it. The truths in this are so powerful and truly an answer to a prayer. We’re seeing hope where once we thought God wasn’t answering our prayers to be free of certain mindsets. He answered with these DVDs and we are hungry for more. Thank you!

Daniel T., Easley, SC, USA

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

God bless you so much and your ministry.

Michael A., Ghana

 

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA