The transgression of Adam,
together with all of its consequences, was foreseen and the expiation provided
for before the foundations of the world were laid. In that primeval council, of
which the scriptures speak, when "all the sons of God shouted for
joy" (see Job 38:7), Christ offered himself as a ransom. He was not
coerced or required to make this sacrifice. His free agency was in no way
infringed or trammeled. It was a freewill, love-inspired offer, which could
have been withdrawn at any time. It was optional until the very time of his
crucifixion. He gently rebuked Peter, you remember, who would have defended
him with a sword at the time of the betrayal, and Jesus said: "Thinkest
thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more
than twelve legions of angels?" (Matthew 26:53.) (Hugh B. Brown, Conference
Report [April 1962], 108)
