The Bronze Serpent a Symbol of the Savior

The lifting up of the bronze serpent was to teach Israel an important lesson—they could not save themselves from the poison in their wounds. God alone was able to heal, yet they were required to show their faith in the provision He had made. They must look in order to live. By looking at the serpent they showed their faith. They knew that there was no strength in the serpent itself, but it was a symbol of Christ.BOE 211.6

Before this, many had brought offerings to God and felt that doing this made enough atonement for their sins. The Lord wanted to teach them that their sacrifices had no more power than the serpent of bronze, but were to lead their minds to Christ, the great sin offering.BOE 212.1

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,” even so was the Son of man “lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:14, 15). All who have lived on earth have felt the deadly sting of “that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan” (Revelation 12:9). The fatal effects of sin can be removed only by the provision that God has made. The Israelites saved their lives because they believed God’s word and trusted in the way provided for their recovery. So the sinner may look to Christ and live, receiving forgiveness through faith in the atoning sacrifice. Christ has power and strength to heal the repenting sinner.BOE 212.2

While sinners cannot save themselves, they still have something to do to obtain salvation. “The one who comes to Me,” says Christ, “I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37). We must come to Him, and when we repent we must believe that He accepts and forgives us. Faith is the gift of God, but the power to exercise it is ours. Faith is the hand by which the sinner takes hold of the divine offers of grace and mercy.BOE 212.3

Many have clung to the idea that they could do something to make themselves worthy. They have not looked away from self, believing that Jesus is an all-sufficient Savior. We must not think that our own merits will save us. Christ is our only hope of salvation.BOE 212.4

When we see our sinfulness, we should not fear that we have no Savior or that He has no thoughts of mercy toward us. At this very time He is inviting us to come to Him and be saved.BOE 212.5

Many of the Israelites saw no help in the remedy that Heaven had appointed. They knew that without God’s help their own fate was certain, but they continued to bemoan their sure death until their eyes were glazed. They could have had instant healing. As we look at our helpless condition without Christ, we are not to yield to discouragement, but rely on the merits of a crucified and risen Savior. Look and live. Jesus will save all who come to Him. Not one who trusts in His merits will be lost.BOE 212.6

Many wander in the mazes of philosophy in search of reasons they will never find, while they reject the evidence that God has been pleased to give. God gives sufficient evidence on which to base faith; and if this evidence is not accepted, the mind is left in darkness. If those who were bitten by the serpents had stopped to doubt and question before they agreed to look, they would have died. It is our duty to look, and the look of faith will give life.BOE 212.7