Before the Father He pleaded in the sinner's behalf, while the host of heaven awaited the result with an intensity of interest that words cannot express. Long continued was that mysterious communing--"the counsel of peace" (Zechariah 6:13) for the fallen sons of men. The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth; for Christ is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8); yet it was a struggle, even with the King of the universe, to yield up His Son to die for the guilty race. But "God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. Oh, the mystery of 64 redemption! the love of God for a world that did not love Him! Who can know the depths of that love which "passeth knowledge"? Through endless ages immortal minds, seeking to comprehend the mystery of that incomprehensible love, will wonder and adore.

Hos Faderen bad han på synderens vegne, mens Himmelens hærskarer afventede resultatet med så intens interesse, at ord ikke kan udtrykke det. Den hemmelige fortrolige samtale varede længe - "fredsrådet" for de faldne menneskebørn. (Zak. 6, 13.) Frelsesplanen var blevet lagt før jordens skabelse; for Kristus har været "det slagtede Lam" fra verdens grundlæggelse (Åb. 13, 8); og dog var det en kamp, selv for universets Konge, at lade sin Søn dø for den skyldige menneskehed. Men "såedes elskede Gud verden, at han gav sin Søn den enbårne, for at enhver, som tror på ham, ikke skal fortabes, men have evigt liv". Joh. 3, 16. Hvor er forløsningens hemmelighed dog stor! Og Guds kærlighed til en verden, som ikke elskede ham! Hvem kan fatte den kærligheds dybder, som "overgår al forstand"? Gennem evige tider vil udødelige væsener undres og tilbede, idet de søger at forstå den ufattelige kærligheds mysterium.