The Faith I Live By

A Glorious Substitution, April 8

Washed in the Blood of the Lamb

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. Galatians 3:13. FLB 104.1

It is the province of the law to condemn, but there is in it no power to pardon or to redeem.^{30SDA Bible Commentary 6:1094.} FLB 104.2

Without Christ the law of itself was only condemnation and death to the transgressor. It has no saving quality—no power to shield the transgressor from its penalty.... FLB 104.3

The transgression of God's law made the death of Christ essential to save man and yet maintain the dignity and honor of the law. Christ took upon Himself the condemnation of sin. He opened His bosom to the woes of man. He who knew no sin became sin for us.^{31Manuscript 58, 1900.} FLB 104.4

As man's substitute and surety, the iniquity of men was laid upon Christ; He was counted a transgressor that He might redeem them from the curse of the law.... He, the Sin-Bearer, endures judicial punishment for iniquity and becomes sin itself for man.^{32The Story of Redemption, 225.} FLB 104.5

Sin, so hateful to His sight, was heaped upon Him till He groaned beneath its weight. The despairing agony of the Son of God was so much greater than His physical pain, that the latter was hardly felt by Him.^{33The Signs of the Times, November 25, 1889.} FLB 104.6

God permits His Son to be delivered up for our offenses. He Himself assumes toward the Sin-Bearer the character of a judge, divesting Himself of the endearing qualities of a father. FLB 104.7

Herein His love commends itself in the most marvelous manner to the rebellious race.^{34Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 246.} FLB 104.8

The sin of the whole world was laid upon Jesus, and divinity gave its highest value to the suffering of humanity in Jesus, that the whole world might be pardoned through faith in the Substitute. The most guilty need have no fear that God will not pardon, for because of the efficacy of the divine sacrifice the penalty of the law will be remitted. Through Christ the sinner may return to allegiance to God.^{35The Review and Herald, November 28, 1912.} FLB 104.9