When I was a boy I saw a sight I can never forget—a man tied to a cart and dragged through the streets of my native town, his back torn and bleeding from the lash. It was a shameful punishment. For many offenses? No; for ONE offense. Did any of the townsmen offer to divide the lashes with him? NO; he who committed the offense bore the penalty alone.
When I was a student in college I saw another sight I can never forget—a man brought out to die. His arms were pinioned, his face was pale as death. Thousands of eyes were upon him as he came into view from the jail. Did any man ask to die in his place? Did any friend loose the rope and say, "Put it round my neck and I will die in his stead"? No; he underwent the sentence of the law. For many offenses? No; for ONE offense.
I saw another sight—it matters not when—myself a sinner, standing on the brink of ruin, deserving naught but hell. For one sin? No; for MANY. Many sins committed against the unchanging laws of God. But again I looked, and saw JESUS, my Substitute, scourged in my stead, and dying on the cross for me. I looked, and cried to Him. I claimed Him as my Savior, and was forgiven. He had taken my place, and I was saved forever.
How simple it all becomes when God opens our eyes! The law demands justice: the Gospel delights in mercy, through satisfied justice. The law came by Moses; but grace and truth subsist through Jesus Christ. Moses' heart was toward the law-keeper; but Jesus pardons the law-breaker, guilty though he be, and saves the lost.