Present Truth - Substitution - Forgiveness

From: The Christian Shepherd: 1997

• 2 min. read • grade level: 8

Substitution

Substitution is always spoken of in the Word in connection with the family of faith. It is never spoken of in any other way. The Word of God never says Christ bore the sins of the whole world.

Propitiation is for the whole world (1 John 2:2²And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)). That is, Christ has met the claims of God’s holy nature and borne the full judgment of sin at the cross, so that God can in righteousness forgive any poor sinner who will accept the message of His grace.

Scripture says, “He bare the sin of many” (Isa. 53:12¹²Therefore 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. (Isaiah 53:12)). Hebrews 9:28²⁸So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:28) confirms the passage in Isaiah 53¹⁶Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. (Isaiah 54:16).

Peter says, “Who... bare our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24²⁴Who 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. (1 Peter 2:24)).

Christianity brings the blessed truth that every believer stands at all times before God as forgiven (Heb. 10:17¹⁷And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Hebrews 10:17); 1 John 2:12¹²I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. (1 John 2:12)). Let us praise Him for such grace!

Forgiveness

Previous to the first advent of Christ, the truth of eternal forgiveness of sin was not made known. Generally speaking, forgiveness, as referred to in the Old Testament, was governmental, that is, it had to do with this life not eternity.

The whole teaching of the Epistle to the Hebrews was to bring those who believed to the blessedness of chapter 10:14: “For by one offering He hath perfected forever [uninterrupted continuance] them that are sanctified.” This is the present blessedness of Christianity: no more offering for sin. See verse 18 of that same chapter.

That is now the believer’s standing before God. Peter preached it in Acts 10:43⁴³To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43). Paul preached it in Acts 13:38-39³⁸Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: ³⁹And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:38‑39), adding the blessed fact of justification, and Romans 8:1¹There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1) sums up the work of God in grace with those who believed the glad tidings. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.”

Let no teaching ever cloud the blessed, precious and glorious fruit that flows from the work of God’s Son at the cross! Let us rejoice in it and praise Him now and forever!

H. E. Hayhoe (Present Truth for Christians)

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