Substitution

 When a player is injured on the football field or the basketball court, the coach or manager sends in a substitute, a healthy player who can take the place of the injured teammate. In the spiritual realm we need a substitute. We’ve been injured by sin, unable to participate in spiritual life with God. Even worse, our sin demands death, separation from God for all eternity. Thankfully, Jesus Christ came into this world to be our substitute. He took our place by dying on the cross.

The concept of ‘substitution' is foundation to the Christian faith. Because of the substitution art atonement of Jesus Christ we can experience the complete forgiveness of our sins.

Substitution first appears in the Old Testament sacrificial system. According to the ceremonial laws, if a man sinned he was to find an unblemished goat for a sin offering. Leviticus 4.27 says, “He is to lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the place of the burnt offering.” Laying hands on the animal symbolised a transfer of sin and guilt to the sacrificial animal. After the animal was slaughtered, a priest was to apply its blood to the altar. Leviticus 4.35 goes on to say, “In this way the priest will make atonement for him for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven.” The animal served as a substitute for the man's sins.

We don’t have to sacrifice animals on an altar today in order to receive forgiveness. God has provided a better way. His Son, Jesus Christ, became our perfect substitute for sin. Isaiah 53.5-6 says, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Jesus took our punishment by dying in our place.

The New Testament underscores the doctrine of Christ’s substitution atonement. It reminds us that Jesus Christ died ‘for’ us, Jesus, in John 10.11, said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Romans 5.8 tells us, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” First Peter 3.18 says, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” Clearly, Jesus became our substitute. Just try to imagine how horrible it would have been if you had been crucified on that cross. Instead, Jesus died for you.

Because Jesus died in your place, you can experience His forgiveness and receive eternal life. Don’t miss out on the greatest gift you’ll ever receive. Invite Jesus into your heart, and thank Him for being your substitute.