Look at some
statements of Scripture concerning it, and you will see that it was
chiefly of that quality. It is said that "the Lord laid on him the
iniquity of us all." That is, He took our place so intimately that He
actually bore the punishment due to us. In another place it is said
that "He was made a curse for us." The curse that was originally
intended for us alighted upon Him. It is said that "He is the
propitiation for our sins." It is said that "Christ died for us." It is
said that we are "justified by His blood." It is said that "by the
obedience of One"--that is obedience unto death, "shall many be made
righteous." These are only a few of many passages of similar import.
I do not overlook the fact that Christ's life and death had a moral
effect as well. Certainly His life and death are the greatest example in
the world; and that example has done far more to uplift the character of
the world than any force brought to bear upon mankind. At the same time,
the supreme meaning of His suffering is that it was punitive. He
actually bore the curse for us. And we have the glorious fact repeated
again and again that He did it for every soul of man. He really
"satisfied divine justice."
* * * * *
Then what further claim can God rightfully make in the way of
punishment? The penalty has been paid.
Pages:
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90