VICARIOUS ATONEMENT

Today's subject ... 'Done on behalf of another' (i.e. vicarious) and 'Sacrificial reparation' (i.e. atonement). 

Believers understand the concept of 'vicarious atonement' intimately. We saw ourselves as reprobates in the eyes of a holy God and that there was no way to escape sin's consequences. Calvary's cross then came into view. We who have received Christ as Lord, know Him as the sinless Lamb who bore our sin ... forever reconciling us to God. 

But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

'Vicarious Atonement' accurately describes Jesus' role in our salvation. 

Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring you to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18

A 'great exchange' took place. Our sin was transferred to Jesus, and the suffering we deserve became His suffering. He was condemned and we were set free. 

For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Human beings are hopelessly lost and unable to extricate themselves from sin's curse. No amount of 'good works' can satisfy the debt we owe. Your reparation can only come through Jesus Christ. He voluntarily became the vicarious object of God’s wrath. 

By 'grace through faith', you receive this amazing gift ...  

To the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. Romans 4:5

Vicarious Atonement ... let it be the foundation upon which your faith is established. The peace your heart longs for is found there.