Dying In The Place Of ...

Good News –November 2016 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Dying In The Place Of ...

Throughout the Old Testament, each altar and each animal that was killed for sacrifice pointed to God’s beloved Son; to how, one day, He would come to earth to suffer and die on that awful cross.

In those days, outside of God’s dwelling place, the tabernacle, one may have overheard a conversation such as this:

“I notice that you brought an animal for sacrifice!” said the priest to the man of Israel with the sheep.

“Yes, I knew I must. But must that animal really die?”

“Certainly, for without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness possible” (Heb. 9:22).

“But this animal is innocent! And my children are so fond of it. This sheep didn’t do any wrong.”

“That is just the point. One that is guilty can never take the place of another guilty person. You have forfeited your life through your sin. Now you must die, or a guiltless one must die in your place. Lay your hand on the head of this lamb; for in doing so, you admit you are guilty and the lamb is guiltless. God views this act as your making yourself one with the lamb for sacrifice. Your guilt is transferred to the lamb. When the lamb dies, you will be free and guiltless as was the lamb before.”

Quietly, the man put his hand on the head of the lamb. There were still a few preparations ... the knife ... and then, the blood of the lamb flowed in the sand of the desert. It was a horrible sight. Yet, while the man sighed deeply, lifting his eyes momentarily to heaven, he felt as if a great burden slipped from his shoulders. The lamb died in his stead; “and it shall be forgiven him” (Lev. 4:20 KJV). “Oh, God, I thank Thee.”

What About You?
Have you ever drawn near to the cross with thoughts in just this manner? He – the Holy One, the Guiltless One – suffered beyond description. He died. This was the suffering of Christ as a substitute. But for whom did He die?

Not for all men. Thousands are indifferent to the cross. They merely continue to live – either in sinful sprees or in a very dignified manner, but nevertheless, without Someone who died for them – until they die and are lost forever. Others have looked, enchanted and touched, but they have never come to God as came that Israelite in our story: as sinners.

Christ died for all who have laid their hand on the lamb – the Lamb of God. You may do this too. You may do it with folded hands, saying softly to Him that hung on the cross, “I have sinned, I deserve the cross. Lord Jesus, did You die in my place?”

And then – then you may lift those folded hands up to heaven and say, “God, Father, I thank You, I believe You, I trust the work of Your Son that He has accomplished on the cross. Thank You, Lord Jesus.”

At that moment, God has dealt with all your guilt through the blood of Christ. You are free, eternally free! We can tell you more.

In the cross I glory ever,
Can the law condemn me? Never!
Christ became a curse for me.
Christ has died for me on Calv’ry,
From both sin and death I am free,
Christ has purchased life for me!

By J. Rouw, adapted from “House Of Gold,” Believers Bookshelf Canada.