BIG WORDS IN SALVATION
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# 2 Substitution
# 2 Substitution
The familiar word "substitute" simply means "a person or thing put in place of another," or "to exchange."
The familiar word "substitute" simply means "a person or thing put in place of another," or "to exchange."
It was quite a military term when a friend could enlist for military service in the place of a conscript or a drafted man.
It was quite a military term when a friend could enlist for military service in the place of a conscript or a drafted man.
Many years ago in the war between France and Germany, a summons went out to Germans residing in England to take their place with the troops at Paris.
Many years ago in the war between France and Germany, a summons went out to Germans residing in England to take their place with the troops at Paris.
At that time a man was walking along the streets of London, when he met a German friend.
At that time a man was walking along the streets of London, when he met a German friend.
Surprised to see him there, he asked why he was not in France.
Surprised to see him there, he asked why he was not in France.
"Oh, I am dead!" was his answer. "Dead! What do you mean?" asked his friend.
"Oh, I am dead!" was his answer. "Dead! What do you mean?" asked his friend.
"Let me explain," said the German. "My name was called among others and I thought I should have to leave England; but I had no wish to do so and I set to work to find some way by which I might escape.
"Let me explain," said the German. "My name was called among others and I thought I should have to leave England; but I had no wish to do so and I set to work to find some way by which I might escape.
The command was stringent, so that it was impossible to evade it, but at length I found a substitute, willing for a sum of money to take my place.
The command was stringent, so that it was impossible to evade it, but at length I found a substitute, willing for a sum of money to take my place.
I gladly paid the sum, and am thankful that I was free to remain in England.
I gladly paid the sum, and am thankful that I was free to remain in England.
My substitute, however, had not been many days with the German Anny when a French shell burst close to where he was standing, and he was killed.
My substitute, however, had not been many days with the German Anny when a French shell burst close to where he was standing, and he was killed.
He was there for me, his death was counted as mine, so in the eye of the law, I am dead, and the German nation has no further claim upon me:•
He was there for me, his death was counted as mine, so in the eye of the law, I am dead, and the German nation has no further claim upon me:•
Substitution, then, means one man taking the place of another and answering for him,giving his life to fight and die in the other man's stead.
Substitution, then, means one man taking the place of another and answering for him,giving his life to fight and die in the other man's stead.
Turning to Christ, we believe His substitutionary work to be the heart of the Gos pel.
Turning to Christ, we believe His substitutionary work to be the heart of the Gos pel.
In fact, it is a glorious Gospel in itself.
In fact, it is a glorious Gospel in itself.
While many theories of the cross have been advanced, the simplest unfolding of it is the truth of Christ dying in our room and stead.
While many theories of the cross have been advanced, the simplest unfolding of it is the truth of Christ dying in our room and stead.
C. H. Spurgeon was fond of saying that his theology could be summarized in the four words, "He died for me."
C. H. Spurgeon was fond of saying that his theology could be summarized in the four words, "He died for me."
Christ dying as our Substitute alone answers the question of God remaining just and yet becoming the Justifier of those who believe in Him. (Romans 3:26).
Christ dying as our Substitute alone answers the question of God remaining just and yet becoming the Justifier of those who believe in Him. (Romans 3:26).
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Ancient Types of Substitution
Ancient Types of Substitution
Israelites of old clearly understood the import of substitution. It was the basis of many of the Tabernacle offerings.
Israelites of old clearly understood the import of substitution. It was the basis of many of the Tabernacle offerings.
The creatures acceptable for sacrifice were the bullock or ox; the sheep or lamb; the goat; the turtle dove or pigeon, but running through all the sacrifices was the idea of substitution.
The creatures acceptable for sacrifice were the bullock or ox; the sheep or lamb; the goat; the turtle dove or pigeon, but running through all the sacrifices was the idea of substitution.
"It shall be accepted for Him ( in his stead) to make an atonement for him" (Leviticus 1:4).
"It shall be accepted for Him ( in his stead) to make an atonement for him" (Leviticus 1:4).
And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.
In a most impressive way the sweet savor offerings typify the substitutionary character of Christ's work at Calvary.
In a most impressive way the sweet savor offerings typify the substitutionary character of Christ's work at Calvary.
The offerer had to identify himself with his offering.
The offerer had to identify himself with his offering.
"He shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt-offering" ( Leviticus 1: 4).
"He shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt-offering" ( Leviticus 1: 4).
And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.
By so doing there was the transference of the offerer's guilt to the lamb, and also the transference of the virtues of the lamb to the offerer.
By so doing there was the transference of the offerer's guilt to the lamb, and also the transference of the virtues of the lamb to the offerer.
When the sinner lays the hand of faith upon the dear head of the Lamb of God, and accepts Christ as his Sin-Offering, his Substitute, then identification takes place and the same double transference is realized.
When the sinner lays the hand of faith upon the dear head of the Lamb of God, and accepts Christ as his Sin-Offering, his Substitute, then identification takes place and the same double transference is realized.
Trusting Him to remove our guilt, the Substitute makes us the recipients of His grace.
Trusting Him to remove our guilt, the Substitute makes us the recipients of His grace.
In the yearly return of that solemn and deeply impressive atonement day ( Leviticus 16) two goats were presented before the Lord, the one was Jehovah's lot, while the other was for the people.
In the yearly return of that solemn and deeply impressive atonement day ( Leviticus 16) two goats were presented before the Lord, the one was Jehovah's lot, while the other was for the people.
And the Lord spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the Lord, and died;
And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.
Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.
He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.
And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.
And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.
And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the Lord’s lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering.
But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.
And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself:
And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the Lord, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:
And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not:
And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.
Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:
And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness.
And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.
And he shall go out unto the altar that is before the Lord, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about.
And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.
And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat:
And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness:
And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.
And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there:
And he shall wash his flesh with water in the holy place, and put on his garments, and come forth, and offer his burnt offering, and the burnt offering of the people, and make an atonement for himself, and for the people.
And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar.
And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp.
And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung.
And he that burneth them shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.
And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:
For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord.
It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.
And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest’s office in his father’s stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments:
And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.
And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the Lord commanded Moses.
One goat was killed and its blood carried within the veil and sprinkled once upon the Mercy-Seat and seven times before it.
One goat was killed and its blood carried within the veil and sprinkled once upon the Mercy-Seat and seven times before it.
The other goat was presented alive before the Lord, and the sins of the people confessed over it by the high priest.
The other goat was presented alive before the Lord, and the sins of the people confessed over it by the high priest.
Here we have portrayed the two parts of Christ's work-glorifying God by the shed and sprinkled blood, and bearing away the sins of the people-when regarded as a whole, constitutes atonement.
Here we have portrayed the two parts of Christ's work-glorifying God by the shed and sprinkled blood, and bearing away the sins of the people-when regarded as a whole, constitutes atonement.
Propitiation and substitution are inseparable.
Propitiation and substitution are inseparable.
Propitiation answers to the blessed work done within the veil and before the eyes of God; substitution refers to the transference of sins to the head of the scapegoat and its dismissal to a land not inhabited.
Propitiation answers to the blessed work done within the veil and before the eyes of God; substitution refers to the transference of sins to the head of the scapegoat and its dismissal to a land not inhabited.
The offering of the two birds alive and clean (Leviticus 14:4) by a leper tells the same story.
The offering of the two birds alive and clean (Leviticus 14:4) by a leper tells the same story.
Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:
One bird was slain and the live bird then dipped in the blood of the slain bird and released, illustrating for us the two 'blessed aspects of our salvation.
One bird was slain and the live bird then dipped in the blood of the slain bird and released, illustrating for us the two 'blessed aspects of our salvation.
Christ "delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification" (Romans 4:25).
Christ "delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification" (Romans 4:25).
Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
For the most striking type of Christ's substitutionary work, we have to tum back to Abraham and his son Isaac on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22) .
For the most striking type of Christ's substitutionary work, we have to tum back to Abraham and his son Isaac on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22) .
And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.
Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.
And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.
And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.
And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,
And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beer-sheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beer-sheba.
And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she hath also born children unto thy brother Nahor;
Huz his firstborn, and Buz his brother, and Kemuel the father of Aram,
And Chesed, and Hazo, and Pildash, and Jidlaph, and Bethuel.
And Bethuel begat Rebekah: these eight Milcah did bear to Nahor, Abraham’s brother.
And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah.
In obedience to di vine command, Isaac was bound and placed upon the altar.
In obedience to di vine command, Isaac was bound and placed upon the altar.
Abraham, with raised knife ready to slay his son of promise, was halted by the angel of the Lord, and beheld a ram caught in a thicket by his thorns.
Abraham, with raised knife ready to slay his son of promise, was halted by the angel of the Lord, and beheld a ram caught in a thicket by his thorns.
Abraham took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son ( Genesis 22: 13) .
Abraham took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son ( Genesis 22: 13) .
And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
We speak of Isaac as a type of Christ, who as God's only begotten Son, was obedient unto death, and so He is.
We speak of Isaac as a type of Christ, who as God's only begotten Son, was obedient unto death, and so He is.
But Christ is also seen in the ram offered up as Isaac's substitute. As the consecrated Ram, Christ the Substitute was offered. up in our stead.
But Christ is also seen in the ram offered up as Isaac's substitute. As the consecrated Ram, Christ the Substitute was offered. up in our stead.
Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and.offering thou wouldst not, but a body hast thou pre pared me; in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and.offering thou wouldst not, but a body hast thou pre pared me; in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
Then said I, Lo, I come ( in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God.
Then said I, Lo, I come ( in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God.
Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, 0 God.
Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, 0 God.
He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (Hebrews 10:5-10).
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (Hebrews 10:5-10).
Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Caiaphas, the high priest, surely had an in sight into Christ's. substantiationary work when he said that it was expedient that one man should die for the people" (John 18:14).
Caiaphas, the high priest, surely had an in sight into Christ's. substantiationary work when he said that it was expedient that one man should die for the people" (John 18:14).
Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
Testified Truth of Substitution
Testified Truth of Substitution
The cardinal doctrine of substitution is woven into the texture of the Scriptures. Both Testaments are eloquent with the truth that several things happened to Christ which should have overtaken us.
The cardinal doctrine of substitution is woven into the texture of the Scriptures. Both Testaments are eloquent with the truth that several things happened to Christ which should have overtaken us.
Now, with Him as our personal Substitute, we are al together free from guilt. Having no debt of His own to pay, He voluntarily paid our debt.
Now, with Him as our personal Substitute, we are al together free from guilt. Having no debt of His own to pay, He voluntarily paid our debt.
The many claims of God against us Christ offered to make His own, and now by His finished work we are fully, freely, and finally justified from all that was against us (Acts 13:38,39).
The many claims of God against us Christ offered to make His own, and now by His finished work we are fully, freely, and finally justified from all that was against us (Acts 13:38,39).
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
The simple word "for" used so often in connection with Christ and ourselves means "in behalf of."
The simple word "for" used so often in connection with Christ and ourselves means "in behalf of."
In what ways did Jesus take our place?
In what ways did Jesus take our place?
Well, as H. S. Miller reminds us, the brazen altar placed in the outer court of the Tabernacle represents the substitutionary work of our Lord.
Well, as H. S. Miller reminds us, the brazen altar placed in the outer court of the Tabernacle represents the substitutionary work of our Lord.
The altar was foursquare ( Exodus 27:1), and God has at least four charges against the sinner, and by His death Christ met and settled every one of them.
The altar was foursquare ( Exodus 27:1), and God has at least four charges against the sinner, and by His death Christ met and settled every one of them.
And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.
The handwriting against us has been blotted out, and now with Christ as our Saviour-Substitute we are free.
The handwriting against us has been blotted out, and now with Christ as our Saviour-Substitute we are free.
We were sinners.
We were sinners.
None are excluded from the category for "all have sinned." Irrespective of who or what we were, the Scripture concluded us all under sin (Galatians 3: 22).
None are excluded from the category for "all have sinned." Irrespective of who or what we were, the Scripture concluded us all under sin (Galatians 3: 22).
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
But the glory of the Gospel is that Christ died for our sins.
But the glory of the Gospel is that Christ died for our sins.
He "suffered for sins, the just for ( instead of) the unjust, that He might bring us to God" ( I Peter 3:18).
He "suffered for sins, the just for ( instead of) the unjust, that He might bring us to God" ( I Peter 3:18).
He was made sin ( not a sinner) for (instead of) us ( II Corinthians 5: 21).
He was made sin ( not a sinner) for (instead of) us ( II Corinthians 5: 21).
At the cross, we see Jesus as the Lamb of God bearing away the sin of the world.
At the cross, we see Jesus as the Lamb of God bearing away the sin of the world.
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
He agonized upon the accursed tree in our room and stead.
He agonized upon the accursed tree in our room and stead.
He bore God's displeasure against sin, instead of us. He paid the wages of sin
He bore God's displeasure against sin, instead of us. He paid the wages of sin
(Hebrews 9:25).
(Hebrews 9:25).
Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
We were under sentence of death.
We were under sentence of death.
Among God's specific statements as to sin and its results, there is this one that the sinning soul shall die (Ezekiel 18:4).
Among God's specific statements as to sin and its results, there is this one that the sinning soul shall die (Ezekiel 18:4).
Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
Sin's wages is death-spiritual, physical and eternal death. Christ, however, died for (instead of) the ungodly.
Sin's wages is death-spiritual, physical and eternal death. Christ, however, died for (instead of) the ungodly.
He tasted death for every man (Romans 5:6-8; 6-23; Hebrews 2:9,14,15).
He tasted death for every man (Romans 5:6-8; 6-23; Hebrews 2:9,14,15).
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
We stood before the bar of God condemned justly for our sins, and awaiting the execution of the sentence of death.
We stood before the bar of God condemned justly for our sins, and awaiting the execution of the sentence of death.
But Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us and because He died for us and is alive for evermore, we share His life.
But Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us and because He died for us and is alive for evermore, we share His life.
"Because I live, ye shall live also"
"Because I live, ye shall live also"
(John 14:19) .
(John 14:19) .
Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
We were under a curse.
We were under a curse.
Inherent and persistent disobedience of God's law brought us under a curse. But as our Substitute, Christ became a curse for us (Galatians 3: 13).
Inherent and persistent disobedience of God's law brought us under a curse. But as our Substitute, Christ became a curse for us (Galatians 3: 13).
This is why the cross is referred to as "the accursed tree."
This is why the cross is referred to as "the accursed tree."
Offending even in one point of the law, we were guilty of all.
Offending even in one point of the law, we were guilty of all.
Christ, however, was the obedient Son.
Christ, however, was the obedient Son.
He met every demand of God's holy and just law.
He met every demand of God's holy and just law.
He magnified it, became the end of it, and was alone able to become our Substitute in curse-bearing.
He magnified it, became the end of it, and was alone able to become our Substitute in curse-bearing.
By His cross, Christ has turned the curse into a blessing.
By His cross, Christ has turned the curse into a blessing.
We were under wrath.
We were under wrath.
Sin occasioned the righteous wrath of God, and all sinners were under His wrath (Romans 1:18; Ephesians 2:3).
Sin occasioned the righteous wrath of God, and all sinners were under His wrath (Romans 1:18; Ephesians 2:3).
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
What we too often forget is the solemn truth that unsaved men and women are still under divine wrath (John 3:36).
What we too often forget is the solemn truth that unsaved men and women are still under divine wrath (John 3:36).
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
But Christ in His death became our propitiation, or wrath offering.
But Christ in His death became our propitiation, or wrath offering.
We have been saved from past and coming wrath ( I Thessalonians 1: 10) .
We have been saved from past and coming wrath ( I Thessalonians 1: 10) .
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
He bore the wrath due to our sins (Romans 3: 25; 5:9; I Corinthians 5:7; cf. Exodus 12: 3-14).
He bore the wrath due to our sins (Romans 3: 25; 5:9; I Corinthians 5:7; cf. Exodus 12: 3-14).
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.
And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.
And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.
Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.
And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.
And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord’s passover.
For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.
And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
In sight of God we have been punished for our sins, in the punishment His Son willingly endured.
In sight of God we have been punished for our sins, in the punishment His Son willingly endured.
Redeemed, we are now the special ob jects of the Father's love.
Redeemed, we are now the special ob jects of the Father's love.
Christ gave Himself for us (Galatians 2: 20) , and as one with Him we know that we have been crucified in the
Christ gave Himself for us (Galatians 2: 20) , and as one with Him we know that we have been crucified in the
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
person of our Substitute.
person of our Substitute.
Ours was the sin-His the penalty.
Ours was the sin-His the penalty.
His was the shame, ours the glory.
His was the shame, ours the glory.
His was the cross, ours the crown.
His was the cross, ours the crown.
When assailed by the devil for the past, we cry to our Substitute, "Answer for me, 0 Lord, our Righteousness!"
When assailed by the devil for the past, we cry to our Substitute, "Answer for me, 0 Lord, our Righteousness!"
In our place Christ stood condemned, outcast, forsaken of man and of God.
In our place Christ stood condemned, outcast, forsaken of man and of God.
Death and the curse were in our cup, but He drained it, and for us it is empty now.
Death and the curse were in our cup, but He drained it, and for us it is empty now.
"That bitter cup, Love drank it up."
"That bitter cup, Love drank it up."
But by His stripes and passion we are now healed.
But by His stripes and passion we are now healed.
There are other benefits accruing from Christ's substitutionary work at Calvary.
There are other benefits accruing from Christ's substitutionary work at Calvary.
Because He is our Substitute, we have-
Because He is our Substitute, we have-
1. His present, prevailing intercession in heaven (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7: 25)
1. His present, prevailing intercession in heaven (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7: 25)
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
2. The effective intercession of the Holy Spirit ( Romans 8: 26)
2. The effective intercession of the Holy Spirit ( Romans 8: 26)
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
3 The constant protection of God from all foes (Romans 8:31)
3 The constant protection of God from all foes (Romans 8:31)
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
4. Jesus within the Veil, pleading the efficacy of His blood ( Hebrews 6:20; 9: 24)
4. Jesus within the Veil, pleading the efficacy of His blood ( Hebrews 6:20; 9: 24)
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
5. An eternal redemption (Hebrews 9: 12)
5. An eternal redemption (Hebrews 9: 12)
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
6. Immediate access into the presence of God (Hebrews 10:19,20)
6. Immediate access into the presence of God (Hebrews 10:19,20)
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
7. A compensating glory for earth's afflictions ( 2 Corinthians 4:17)
7. A compensating glory for earth's afflictions ( 2 Corinthians 4:17)
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
Apostolic Teaching of Substitution
Apostolic Teaching of Substitution
Pentecost interpreted Calvary for the disciples.
Pentecost interpreted Calvary for the disciples.
While Christ was among His own He had to tell them that there were many things they could not understand, but that when the Spirit came, He would shew them all things.
While Christ was among His own He had to tell them that there were many things they could not understand, but that when the Spirit came, He would shew them all things.
"What I do thou knowest not, now, but thou shalt know hereafter."
"What I do thou knowest not, now, but thou shalt know hereafter."
One of the great truths the Spirit illuminated for the apostles was the inner significance of Christ's ministry as the Substitute.
One of the great truths the Spirit illuminated for the apostles was the inner significance of Christ's ministry as the Substitute.
Peter's message was vibrant with the truth that Christ "His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree" (I Peter 2:24).
Peter's message was vibrant with the truth that Christ "His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree" (I Peter 2:24).
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
"Christ also hath once suffered for sin" ( I Peter 3:18).
"Christ also hath once suffered for sin" ( I Peter 3:18).
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
John also caught and taught this aspect of Christ's death.
John also caught and taught this aspect of Christ's death.
God "sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sin" ( I John 4:10).
God "sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sin" ( I John 4:10).
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Christ died as the Saviour of the world (John 3:16; I John 4:14).
Christ died as the Saviour of the world (John 3:16; I John 4:14).
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
It would seem, however, that to Paul, more than to any other apostle, was given the most complete unfolding of all that was involved in Christ's voluntary death on our behalf.
It would seem, however, that to Paul, more than to any other apostle, was given the most complete unfolding of all that was involved in Christ's voluntary death on our behalf.
"Christ died for our sins" ( I Corinthians 15: 3).
"Christ died for our sins" ( I Corinthians 15: 3).
"He was made sin for (instead of) us" (II Corinthians 5:21).
"He was made sin for (instead of) us" (II Corinthians 5:21).
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
"He gave Himself for us" (Galatians 2:20).
"He gave Himself for us" (Galatians 2:20).
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
"Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6).
"Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6).
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Considering the teaching of the apostles, the question may arise, whose Substitute is Christ-the sinner's or the Christian's?
Considering the teaching of the apostles, the question may arise, whose Substitute is Christ-the sinner's or the Christian's?
Walter Scott remarks that "Universal bearing of sins by Christ
Walter Scott remarks that "Universal bearing of sins by Christ
necessarily involves the monstrous thought of universal salvation by Christ."
necessarily involves the monstrous thought of universal salvation by Christ."
In declaring the gospel of substitution, we must guard against Universalism and the denial of the justice of God.
In declaring the gospel of substitution, we must guard against Universalism and the denial of the justice of God.
Christ is the Substitute of the believer, and be comes the sinner's Substitute once He is received as Saviour.
Christ is the Substitute of the believer, and be comes the sinner's Substitute once He is received as Saviour.
Comparing the teaching of Peter and Paul, it would seem as if dying for sins and bearing sins are believers' truths.
Comparing the teaching of Peter and Paul, it would seem as if dying for sins and bearing sins are believers' truths.
Substitution is the actual bearing of the sins of all believers
Substitution is the actual bearing of the sins of all believers
( I Corinthians 15:3; I Peter 2:24).
( I Corinthians 15:3; I Peter 2:24).
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Further, substitution is not in another,but instead of another.
Further, substitution is not in another,but instead of another.
While we use the phrase, "We died in the Person of our Substitute," actually we did not die in Christ, else we must have shared in God's judgment on Christ on the cross.
While we use the phrase, "We died in the Person of our Substitute," actually we did not die in Christ, else we must have shared in God's judgment on Christ on the cross.
Because we are in Christ, we share in the benefits resulting from such a union.
Because we are in Christ, we share in the benefits resulting from such a union.
The condition of the Head of the race determines that of each member of it. Thus we are dead with Him to sin and to the law (Romans 6:7).
The condition of the Head of the race determines that of each member of it. Thus we are dead with Him to sin and to the law (Romans 6:7).
For he that is dead is freed from sin.
We have been quickened, raised and seated with Him (Ephesians 2:5,6; Colossians 3:1).
We have been quickened, raised and seated with Him (Ephesians 2:5,6; Colossians 3:1).
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
"It shall be accepted for him," not accepted in,but the reverse, "it for him" ( Leviticus 1: 4).
"It shall be accepted for him," not accepted in,but the reverse, "it for him" ( Leviticus 1: 4).
And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.
So we must "preach propitiation to sinners-the blood on the mercy seat, and God in righteousness and grace freely receiving all who will but come.
So we must "preach propitiation to sinners-the blood on the mercy seat, and God in righteousness and grace freely receiving all who will but come.
Teach substitution to believers-their sins confessed and borne by Christ and never to be remembered."
Teach substitution to believers-their sins confessed and borne by Christ and never to be remembered."
It is not Biblical to urge sinners to lay their sins on Jesus.
It is not Biblical to urge sinners to lay their sins on Jesus.
God accomplished this when He laid on Christ the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 51:6).
God accomplished this when He laid on Christ the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 51:6).
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, And look upon the earth beneath: For the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, And the earth shall wax old like a garment, And they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: But my salvation shall be for ever, And my righteousness shall not be abolished.
Faith appropriates all that He accomplished.
Faith appropriates all that He accomplished.
Strange though it may seem, the clearest and most appealing picture of Christ as our Substitute is found in the Old Testament, namely, in Isaiah 53, the chapter Philip used to lead the eunuch to accept Christ as his Substitute {Acts 8: 32-35).
Strange though it may seem, the clearest and most appealing picture of Christ as our Substitute is found in the Old Testament, namely, in Isaiah 53, the chapter Philip used to lead the eunuch to accept Christ as his Substitute {Acts 8: 32-35).
Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, And as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; And when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
He is despised and rejected of men; A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: And we hid as it were our faces from him; He was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, And carried our sorrows: Yet we did esteem him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; And with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, Yet he opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth.
He was taken from prison and from judgment: And who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living: For the transgression of my people was he stricken.
And he made his grave with the wicked, And with the rich in his death; Because he had done no violence, Neither was any deceit in his mouth.
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; For he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, And he shall divide the spoil with the strong; Because he hath poured out his soul unto death: And he was numbered with the transgressors; And he bare the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.
The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
Isaiah presented Christ as-
Isaiah presented Christ as-
A Bearing Substitute-"He hath borne our griefs" (Isaiah 53:4)
A Bearing Substitute-"He hath borne our griefs" (Isaiah 53:4)
Surely he hath borne our griefs, And carried our sorrows: Yet we did esteem him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted.
A Crushed Substitute - "Wounded" - "Bruised" (Isaiah 53:5)
A Crushed Substitute - "Wounded" - "Bruised" (Isaiah 53:5)
But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; And with his stripes we are healed.
A God-punished Substitute-"God laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6)
A God-punished Substitute-"God laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6)
All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
A Silent Substitute-"He opened not His mouth" (53:7)
A Silent Substitute-"He opened not His mouth" (53:7)
A Sinner's Substitute-"He was numbered with the transgressors" ( Isaiah 53: 12)
A Sinner's Substitute-"He was numbered with the transgressors" ( Isaiah 53: 12)
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, And he shall divide the spoil with the strong; Because he hath poured out his soul unto death: And he was numbered with the transgressors; And he bare the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.
A Sin-made Substitute-"He was made an offering for sin" (Isaiah 53: 10)
A Sin-made Substitute-"He was made an offering for sin" (Isaiah 53: 10)
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
A Rewarded Substitute-"He shall see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied" (Isaiah 53:11).
A Rewarded Substitute-"He shall see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied" (Isaiah 53:11).
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; For he shall bear their iniquities.
B. Substitution –
B. Substitution –
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God” (1 Pet. 3:18).
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God” (1 Pet. 3:18).
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Substitution refers to that act whereby someone or something replaces, or stands in the stead of someone else or something else.
Substitution refers to that act whereby someone or something replaces, or stands in the stead of someone else or something else.
The Scriptures present two kinds of substitution.
The Scriptures present two kinds of substitution.
1. Temporary substitution – In Old Testament times, prior to Calvary, the sheep died for the shepherd.
1. Temporary substitution – In Old Testament times, prior to Calvary, the sheep died for the shepherd.
a. As illustrated by a ram on a mountain – (Gen. 22:1-2, 10-13).
a. As illustrated by a ram on a mountain – (Gen. 22:1-2, 10-13).
And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
b. As illustrated by a lamb in Egypt – (Exod. 12:3, 6-7, 12-13).
b. As illustrated by a lamb in Egypt – (Exod. 12:3, 6-7, 12-13).
Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.
And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.
For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.
And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
2. Permanent substitution – (Heb. 10:4).
2. Permanent substitution – (Heb. 10:4).
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
In New Testament times, after Calvary, the Shepherd died for the sheep. (John 10:11).
In New Testament times, after Calvary, the Shepherd died for the sheep. (John 10:11).
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
Thus, Christ became on the cross what he was not – namely, sin – that we might become what we were not – namely, righteous.
Thus, Christ became on the cross what he was not – namely, sin – that we might become what we were not – namely, righteous.
The Son of God became the Son of man that sons of men might become the sons of God. (2 Cor. 5:21).
The Son of God became the Son of man that sons of men might become the sons of God. (2 Cor. 5:21).
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
(Also read carefully Isa. 53.)
(Also read carefully Isa. 53.)
Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, And as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; And when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
He is despised and rejected of men; A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: And we hid as it were our faces from him; He was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, And carried our sorrows: Yet we did esteem him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; And with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, Yet he opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth.
He was taken from prison and from judgment: And who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living: For the transgression of my people was he stricken.
And he made his grave with the wicked, And with the rich in his death; Because he had done no violence, Neither was any deceit in his mouth.
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; For he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, And he shall divide the spoil with the strong; Because he hath poured out his soul unto death: And he was numbered with the transgressors; And he bare the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.