Bulletin Articles
THE NATURE OF SUBSTITUTIONARY ATONEMENT
THE NATURE OF SUBSTITUTIONARY ATONEMENT
The Scriptures clearly teach that Christ offered His own life in our stead (cf. Mt.20:28). But there is a great deal of misunderstanding as to the nature of this substitution. In this article, I will attempt to show what the Bible actually teaches about this important matter. I shall begin by showing what “substitution” does NOT mean; and proceed to what it DOES mean.
Substitution does not mean that Christ bore the guilt of my sins. Instead, He “offered Himself without spot to God” (Hb.9:14). Substitution does not mean that Christ endured my punishment for sin. I say this because my punishment is eternal Hell. Whatever Jesus endured on the cross, it clearly was not “everlasting punishment” (Mt.25:46). Finally, substitution does not mean that Christ obeyed the law of God in my stead – i.e. that His righteousness is somehow transferred to me. I am made righteous because my sins are “forgiven” (Rm.4:6-8).
Now that we know what substitution does not mean, what does it mean? I suggest there was a fourfold substitution: First, there was a substitution of the person – Christ for sinners (Mt.20:28; 1Pt.3:18). There was a substitution of the punishment – the sufferings of the crucifixion for the agonies of Hell. Isaiah 53:5 says, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was on Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” There was a substitution of the period – six hours for an eternity (Mk.15:25,33,37). And, there was a substitution of the place – Mount Calvary for Hell (Lk.23:33).
These facts help us to understand “how” the atonement works. Albert Barnes said that the atonement was “an arrangement by which the literal infliction of the penalty due to sin may be avoided; it is something which may be substituted in the place of punishment; it is that which will answer the same end which would be secured by the literal infliction of the penalty of the law.” Simply put, what Jesus accomplished on the cross can help man to avoid Hell. It substitutes for our punishment in Hell. And, it accomplishes the very same thing that our punishment in Hell would accomplish: to uphold law (Rm.3:24-26), to condemn sin (Rm.8:3), and to discourage further sin (2Cor.5:14-15). It’s the perfect solution!
The atonement was necessary to uphold the authority of the Lord – to maintain respect for His kingdom, authority, sovereignty, or government. Think about this: God, as King, can do anything He wants! However, if He simply forgives vast multitudes of people, it would send a clear message that God does not really mean what He says (cf. Eccl.8:11). This, in turn, would encourage lawlessness. Therefore, something must “replace” our punishment, in order to show that God is still the just governor of the universe. That something is nothing short of a personal sacrifice on the part of God. Think of it! Jesus (who is God, Jn.1:1) endured great suffering in order to demonstrate His desire to uphold law, and yet forgive those who violate it! To further safeguard His authority, He also requires a real change in those who have transgressed before He will extend forgiveness (Lk.13:3; Ac.2:38; 17:30-31).
The value of the atonement is seen in three ways. First, there is the dignity of His person. The fact that Jesus is God (the offended party), gives value to His sacrifice (Rm.5:8). The One who has been wronged endures great suffering in order to save us from Hell. What magnificent grace and dignity! Second, there is the sinlessness of His character. The fact that Jesus is sinless gives great value to His sacrifice as a “substitute” for sinners (1Pt.3:18). Third, there is voluntariness of His sacrifice (Jn.15:13). No one made Jesus do this! Everyone understands the value of a voluntary sacrifice. We honor our soldiers, policemen, and first responders, who voluntarily give their lives for us. And if the value of their sacrifice is great, how much more is the value of the sinless Son of God giving Himself for our selfish, sinful lives? “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!”
--Lanny Smith
