The Great Substitute
Preacher's Magazine
Romans 4:23-25
Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;…


During the Reign of Terror in trance, when many persons every day were being executed by the guillotine, a young man was led to the foot of the scaffold among others to die. His father stood by him, and when the son's name was called the father stepped forward, ascended the scaffold, and died in his place. Here Christ is said to have died for us. Let us look at —

I. THE CAUSE of Christ's death.

1. "Offences." Sins. Transgressions. Sin is not a trifle to be forgotten. It is seed that bears terrible fruit. Someone is injured by every sin we commit. Sin harms ourselves and offends God.

2. "Our offences." Christ Himself was without sin, but our sin was laid upon Him (Isaiah 23:6). Our sins are not one, but many. (Romans 5:16).

II. THE MANNER of it.

1. "He was delivered," that is, handed over like a criminal to the executioner. "Between two thieves."

2. It was voluntary.

3. Preceded by great sufferings.

4. Painful beyond expression.

III. THE VIRTUE of it. It was a sufficient atonement. Christ did not fail in redeeming us. He was "raised again for our justification."

IV. THE CLAIMS of it. Such love claims our love and service.

(Preacher's Magazine.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

WEB: Now it was not written that it was accounted to him for his sake alone,




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