(54) SUBSTITUTION

FOCUS ON FUNDAMENTALS

by J. B.HEWITT.

(54) SUBSTITUTION

Substitution is not a scriptural expression, but has been deducted from the phraseology found there. Substitution means "one man taking the place of another, and answering for him". The death of the Lord Jesus was not only redemptive (Eph. 1.7) and thus delivering (Rom. 4.25 RV), but reconciling (Col. 1.21,22 RV) and substitutionary (1 Tim. 2.6). Christ died on "BEHALF" of all, making salvation available for all mankind (Heb. 2.9; 2 Cor. 5.15), and for our sins (1 Cor. 15.3; Gal. 1.4). We proclaim this in the Gospel to the unsaved.

We do not proclaim that Christ died "INSTEAD" of all, because this would at once cancel all individual decision and the response of faith. On the two occasions the Lord spoke of the substitutionary aspect of His death it was to His disciples (Matt. 20.28; Mark 10.45). "A ransom FOR many" in both passages, the preposition "ANTI" is used and expresses the idea of substitution. Its meaning is "in exchange for" as the equivalent of "instead of. This can only apply to those who accept the Lord Jesus as Saviour. He is the Substitute of the believer, and becomes the sinners Substitute once He is received as Saviour.

ILLUSTRATIONS. The earliest record is Genesis 22, where Abraham is tested by God and told to offer his only son on Mount Moriah. A ram was provided in his stead. This foreshadowed Calvary (John 8.56). Peter’s message contains this truth (1 Pet. 2.24; 3.18). In Exodus 13.13 the firstborn of an ass was redeemed with a lamb.

The Israelites of old were taught the truth of substitution in the Levitical offerings. "It shall be accepted for him" (in his stead); to make an atonement for him". (Lev. 1.4). The offering was accepted for the offerer (v.4). He was accepted in his representative and so are we (Eph. 1.6). The day of atonement (Lev. 16) impresses this truth upon us. Two goats were presented before the Lord, the one was Jehovah’s but the other was for the people. The goat that was killed and its blood sprinkled upon and before the mercy seat makes propitiation before the eyes of God (Lev 16.15). The transference of the sins to the head of the scapegoat illustrates substitution (Lev 16.21-22).

Isaiah ch.53 is one of the clearest portions on substitution where the Lord Jesus is the suffering Substitute (Acts 8.32-35). The language used is very impressive, "wounded, bruised", our iniquities upon Him, silent in suffering, "an offering for sin". "He bare the sin of many", and "numbered with the transgressors".

IMPORTANCE. Substitution in relation to other aspects of the death of Christ holds a prominent place in N.T. teaching. Apostolic teaching stresses this aspect of His death. It is attested in the preaching of Peter and Paul. The glory of the Gospel is that Christ died for our sins (1 Cor. 15.3). He was made sin for us (instead of us) (2 Cor. 5.21).

Philip made clear to the Eunuch the meaning of the death of Christ (Acts 8.32,37). Substitution is the actual bearing of the sins of all who believe (1 Cor. 15.3; Gal. 1.4; Heb. 10.12). Paul taught it was for all (2 Cor. 5.15; 1 Tim. 2.6). The Hebrew letter similarly (ch. Heb 2.9,14,15). He was the substitute for all believers (Rom. 5.8; Gal. 2.20). He bore the judgement due to our sins (Rom. 3.25; 5.9; 1 Cor. 5.7).

Think of some of the many blessings procured for us because He is our Substitute "Justified from all things" (Acts 13.38,39), "redemption" and "the forgiveness of sins" (Eph. 1.7). An eternal .redemption and inheritance (Heb. 9.12,15). His priestly work in heaven for us (Heb. 2.17; 4.14-16; 7.26; 8.2; 9.24). We have access to God (Eph. 2.18; Heb. 10.19,20). A living hope and an inheritance (1 Peter 1.3,4).

Thus we preach propitiation to sinners (Rom. 3.25) and TEACH substitution to believers (1 Cor. 15.3; 2Cor. 5.15; Gal. 2.20).

https://assemblytestimony.org/issues/1990s/september-october-1990/?highlight=substitution

E. W. ROGERS

LORD JESUS WAS SUBSTITUTIONARY

This is so well known that it is hardly necessary to emphasise it, but perhaps the eye of an unsaved person will peruse this page, and in case it should be so we may be permitted to emphasise it: the fact is that Christ died, and the explanation of the fact is that it was for the good and eternal blessing of sinners. "Christ died for the ungodly" said the evangelist. "Christ died for our sins" explains the teacher. "Christ loved me and gave HIMSELF for me" says the individual believer. The word "for" is the keyword of all.

This is not the place to speak at length of the various Greek prepositions which are used to denote specific aspects of the death of the Lord Jesus as a substitutionary sacrifice, but the reader may examine Romans 8. 32; Matt. 20. 28; 1 John 2. 2, and Rom. 4. 25 to discover there are in each of these verses different prepositions employed, each with its own distinctive shade of meaning, a careful study of which will be well repaid.

Remark further that the death of Christ is …