C. T. Russell On the Necessity for the Curse

C. T. Russell, The At-onement Between God and Man

(Brooklyn; IBSA; 1913), p. 412.

‘The fall of mankind under the just penalty of death, destruction, was indirectly the result of Eve's lack of knowledge and her consequent deception, and involves, through heredity, many who have not wilfully and intelligently violated the divine law.

This fact left the opportunity open for the exercise of divine love and clemency, and incidentally gave an illustration of the operation and coordination of the divine attributes, which could not have been so thoroughly manifested and exemplified in any other manner of which we can conceive.

‘It was, therefore, a part of the original design of the Creator to reveal himself, the attributes of his character, to his creatures not only to mankind, but also to the angelic hosts.

Unquestionably, when the great plan of salvation shall be fully consummated, the heavenly angels as well as the reconciled of the world shall know of the divine character wisdom, justice, love and power in a much larger degree than was ever before appreciated, or than could have been appreciated, without the great lessons now being taught through the permission of sin, and the redemption promised under the divine plan, through Christ.

This is intimated by the Apostle Peter, who assures us that “the angels desired to look into” these things are deeply interested in them. —

1 Peter 1: 12.’

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