Book of John

ILLUSTRATION:

The concept of substitution lies at the heart of both sin and salvation. For the essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man.—John Stott

1. JESUS WAS THE GOD-PROVIDED SUBSTITUTE

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Mrs. Colleen Evans, wife of the pastor of National Presbyterian Church, Washington, D. C:, has a book called Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread. In it she shares the story of a friend in California called Bill, who was rather late affiliating with the church. He had been an alcoholic.

After identifying with Christ, he began studying the Bible in earnest. He recognized the tithe as a basic right of the Lord. Gradually he began to adjust his life-style, and eventually altered the accepted biblical standard of tithing, the giving of a tenth to God and operating on the 90 percent left, into operating on 10 percent and giving away 90 percent! Not everyone could do this, of course, but what a marvelous answer to Malachi’s query, “Will a man rob God?” (3:8); and to Paul’s declaration—“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15).

2. JESUS WAS THE SIN-MADE SUBSTITUTE

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.—2 Cor. 5:21

3. JESUS WAS THE CURSE-BEARING SUBSTITUTE

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.—Gal. 3:13

4. JESUS WAS THE LIFE-SACRIFICED SUBSTITUTE

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.—1 Cor. 5:7

5. JESUS WAS THE GRACE-IMPARTING SUBSTITUTE

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 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.—Romans 8:31–34

6. JESUS WAS THE HOLY-INSPIRING SUBSTITUTE

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.—1 John 3:16

7. JESUS WAS THE GLORY-SECURING SUBSTITUTE

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.—1 Thess. 4:14