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The Justice and Grace of Redemption Through Jesus Christ
Why Should Somebody Be Slaughtered by God or God Kill Himself to Wipe Out Our Sins? Isn’t It Easier for Him to Do That Without This Injustice?
The question often arises about the nature of redemptive justice. It is a complex and deeply thought-provoking query, especially within the Christian doctrine of salvation. The Bible provides us with profound insights to understand this mystery. Let's delve into the concepts of sin, redemption, and grace.
The Terrible Consequences of Sin
The wages of sin is death. This is a statement that encompasses both spiritual and physical consequences. Sin not only means separation from God but also the eternal separation from Him. The concept of death in this context is not merely physical, but it is also spiritual and eternal. It speaks of the ultimate curse of sin: eternal punishment and separation from a perfect and holy God.
The Reality of Human Iniquity
The Bible in 1 John 1:8 states, 'If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.' This powerful declaration points to the reality that we all fall short of God's glorious standard. We are sinners not because we sin, but because we were born with a sin nature inherited from Adam, our first parent. Our bloodline carries the sin nature, and thus, we are born sinners. This inherent sin nature leads us to be under the curse of sin, poverty, and death.
From Sinners to Saints: The Role of Jesus Christ
Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin, according to the Bible. This is why Jesus Christ, the spotless and sinless Son of God, came into the world. He lived amongst us as a man, but never sinned. He willingly and obediently gave Himself that He might atone for our sins. In obedience to God's will, He became sin on our behalf and became cursed by hanging on a tree—'Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree'
Jesus shed His Blood to atone for our sins, restoring us to God in full and final forgiveness. He became the way, the truth, and the life, and no one can come to the Father except through Him. He is the gate of the sheep, the only path to eternal life.
Grace and Justification
Justification is not achieved by our own works, no matter how good they may be. It is by grace alone, through faith in Christ alone. We are made righteous in Christ, by His grace and unmerited favor. We do not earn righteousness by our goodness or our works; we are justified through faith in Jesus. The shed blood of Christ broke the curse of sin and death.
Choosing not to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour means you remain under the curse and separate from God. Jesus clearly states, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. And I am the door; if anyone enter by Me, he will be saved, and will come in and go out, and find pasture.'
Conclusion
The question of why God must resort to such an extreme measure to cleanse us from sin is a profound one. It highlights the depth of God's love and the incredible sacrifice He made to restore us to a relationship with Him. Understanding these truths can bring comfort, hope, and a deeper appreciation for the grace of Jesus Christ.