The Switch - Embracing the Transformative Power of ChristExemplo

The Satisfactory Excess Payment

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” - 1 John 2:1-2 KJV

Here, "advocate" refers to Jesus acting as a defense attorney or mediator on behalf of believers before God. Additionally, John emphasizes that Jesus is the propitiation for our sins, meaning He is the atoning sacrifice that satisfies God's wrath and reconciles us to Him. This applies not only to believers but to the sins of the whole world, highlighting the universal scope of Christ's sacrifice and offer of forgiveness. Jesus paid the full price for our sins (past, present, and future).

Let me illustrate it this way: imagine you own a grocery store and someone comes in attempting to steal a bag of rice worth $200. Fortunately, they're caught in the act. Then, unexpectedly, a stranger enters and not only reimburses you for the stolen item but also entrusts you with a million dollars to hold in case the person ever returns to steal. Additionally, this stranger generously provides the thief with a truckload of rice bags and a billion dollars, ensuring they never have to resort to stealing again. This scenario mirrors what Jesus accomplished when He sacrificed Himself for us. He became the satisfactory excess payment for all our sins—past, present, and future—leaving us eternally forgiven.

As believers, it is expected that we remain in the consciousness that our sins are forgiven and not continue to dwell in sin. "So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we’ve left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn’t you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land!" - Romans 6:1-3 MSG

Matthew 27 explains how the crowd chose a prisoner named Barabbas to be released from prison instead of Jesus Christ and left Jesus to die in his place. Interestingly, the name ‘Barabbas’ translates to ‘son of God,’ which shows that Jesus Christ served as the ultimate substitute, allowing Barabbas to go free. This profound exchange highlights the central message of the gospel: the Son of God became the Son of Man so that the sons of men could become sons of God. Jesus did not only pay the full price for your sin, He took your place. It's crucial to understand that the believer's judgment isn't looming ahead; it's already been settled by Jesus. He bore our sins and iniquities, and God remembers them no more. Hallelujah!

Pray:

Thank you Abba for the incredible sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who took my place and bore my sins on the cross. Help me to remain steadfast in the knowledge of His atoning sacrifice and the forgiveness it brings.

Grant me the wisdom and diligence to continually grow in faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity.

Help me to always remain conscious of your love and the redemption I have received through Christ.

Amen.