Last week we studied that substitution means to take the place of another but it also means to exchange. Jesus took our place so we could take His place or rather, He became what we were so we could become what He is.
For example He took our place of sin so we might take His place of righteousness. He become the curse so we might be the blessed.
He was once for all offered as a sacrifice and as a ransom to set us free. These Scriptures in Hebrews show us that His one offering was enough to perfect everyone who accepts His sacrifice and confesses Him as Lord.
Heb. 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. KJV
Heb. 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. KJV
Heb. 10:12-14 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. KJV
Neither penance nor keeping the law of Moses is necessary to justify anyone.
Acts 13:37-39 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness (remission) of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. NKJV
When we learn about substitution, we need to ask ourselves, what does God want? He’s already done His part by taking our place. God wants you and me to take His place or our place in Him. Taking our place in Christ is what Christianity is all about. He took your place, now you’ve got to take His place. Otherwise you’re not appreciating His sacrifice. Substitution is not complete until you take your place in Christ.
For example: 2 Cor. 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. NKJV
For your sakes He became poor. But it doesn’t end there. It shows us that we have a place to take. So we through His poverty might become rich. As much as you take your righteous place, you need to take your rich place. Poverty is a choice as much as remaining in the sin nature is a choice. God never forces anyone to be well and to receive his/her’ healing, righteousness or riches. It’s a free choice to accept His sacrifice or not to accept it. The good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ
is that it is available and it is free for the taking.
Look at Eph. 2:1,2,4-6 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, … 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead
in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…, NKJV
Through substitution, when He died we died in Him, when He was buried we were buried together with Him, when He rose from the dead, we were raised together with Him. That’s how you paid for your sins through Christ. Substitution is the awesome divine exchange that brings you into the place called Christ. Brethren, take your place of privilege and authority in Christ.
