Seventh-day Adventists need not fear if they disagree with so-called "basic orthodoxy of the Christian tradition," for in the end it is this so-called "orthodoxy" of Babylon that proves to be counterfeit and eventually presumes to war against heaven.
The human race does not need a Saviour who conforms to the popular opinion of "basic orthodoxy," having a nature unlike those whom He came to save. It is a fallen race that needs to be saved by a Saviour who "was in all points tempted like as we are." Ultimately this subject becomes a theology of the most profound character which delineates truth from error, and determines the final verdict in the judgment. Until the theology of the remnant church is absolutely clear and devoid of pluralism, we will continue to ponder--"why the delay?"
The acceptance of the pre-Fall theory and the rejection of the need for spiritual character maturity/perfection in the end-time will not bear careful theological analysis. Here are three reasons:
(1) If Christ came in the nature of Adam before the Fall, He could not have died to redeem us. Adam was not subject to death until after sin was a fact. The pre-Fall theory logically makes the cross of Calvary an impossibility, hence the atonement is implicitly aborted.
(2) Christ suffered our second death. The atonement is always referred to as "the sacrifice of Christ." What was this sacrifice? Was it six hours on the cross-terrible, yes, and no one would want it for one minute--but was this the sacrifice? Was it the other ill treatment He received--scourging, spit upon, denial, rejection, all-possible inhuman assault smothered in envy, hate and malice--was this His sacrifice? Can any physical suffering, moral abuse, even 33 years of constant human rebuffs, constitute the sacrifice of Christ?
As terrible and unjust as were His whole life's experiences, none of this temporary agony and abuse in the light of eternity can begin to compare with His real sacrifice which is outside of time.
The supreme sacrifice for the Son of God was to become the Son of man, for the Word to become flesh, to be made lower than the angels, to empty Himself and "be made like his brethren," to condemn sin in the flesh, to relinquish forever His equality with God, to die the death of the lost, to endure the curse of God. God humbled Himself and became a man. Rejoined His divinity to our humanity for all eternity. Thus the record is manifest--unreservedly God "gave." Adam in his innocent pre-Fall nature could know nothing of this condescension, and a christ with such a pre-Fall nature could never reach a fallen race. When the "bride" of Christ understands the significance of the atonement and truly appreciates this sacrifice she will be ready to stand at His side for the marriage.
(3) The spiritual maturity, or the character perfection of the final generation, is inseparably joined to Christ taking the human nature of Adam after the Fall. As the Divine Bridegroom, He has a right to be married to a "bride" that is spiritually mature, grown up--perfect in the wedding garment that He has provided for "her." No previous generation has been faced with such eschatological opportunity.
Only a people confronted with the final events in the history of mankind, who see the simultaneous outworking of the mystery of godliness in contrast to the mystery of iniquity, only this "remnant" can with mature understanding appreciate the culmination of the plan of salvation. Christ's people will stand with Him in perfect union for He was chastened for our profit, "that we might be partakers of his holiness."
Never before in all history has a people been called to be translated without seeing death--to stand face to face in the presence of the living God. Except three individuals, all the worthies of past sacred history remain in the grave waiting on the final generation and the marriage of the Lamb, for "they without us should not be made perfect" (Heb. 11:40). Therefore, "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready" (Rev. 19:7). Abraham looked forward to this day, but only the remnant can bring his faith to fruition.