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  THE MESSIAH SHALL BE CUT OFF, BUT NOT FOR HIMSELF
  by C.H. Spurgeon
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Summary: The Messiah's death was a substitute for sinners, satisfying
justice and removing the cause of wrath against humanity.

Topics: "Atonement", "Sacrifice of Christ"
Scripture References: Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 26:28, John 3:16, Romans 5:8, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14, Hebrews 9:22, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 John 1:7

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DESCRIPTION
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C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound truth that Jesus, the Messiah, was
cut off not for Himself but for the sins of humanity, highlighting His
innocence and the unjust nature of His death. He explains that no sin
could be found in Christ, yet He willingly bore the punishment for our
transgressions, fulfilling the demands of justice and offering atonement
through His sacrifice. Spurgeon urges believers to ensure their personal
connection to this sacrifice, reflecting on the importance of
recognizing Jesus as their representative and Savior. He reassures that
for those who believe, the blood of Christ brings reconciliation and
joy, calling for a response of gratitude and dedication to His cause.
The sermon ultimately celebrates the love and condescension of Christ in
His redemptive work.

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CONTENT
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Blessed be His name, there was no cause of death in Him. Neither
original nor actual sin had defiled Him, and therefore death had no
claim upon Him. No man could have taken His life from Him justly, for He
had done no man wrong, and no man could even have lain Him by force
unless He had been pleased to yield Himself to die. But lo, one sins and
another suffers. Justice was offended by us, but found its satisfaction
in Him. Rivers of tears, mountains of offerings, seas of the blood of
bullocks, and hills of frankincense, could not have availed for the
removal of sin; but Jesus was cut off for us, and the cause of wrath was
cut off at once, for sin was put away for ever. Herein is wisdom,
whereby substitution, the sure and speedy way of atonement, was devised!

Herein is condescension, which brought Messiah, the Prince, to wear a
crown of thorns, and die upon the cross! Herein is love, which led the
Redeemer to lay down His life for His enemies!

It is not enough, however, to admire the spectacle of the innocent
bleeding for the guilty, we must make sure of our interest therein. The
special object of the Messiah's death was the salvation of His church;
have we a part and a lot among those for whom He gave His life a ransom?
Did the Lord Jesus stand as our representative? Are we healed by His
stripes? It will be a terrible thing indeed if we should come short of a
portion in His sacrifice; it were better for us that we had never been
born.

Solemn as the question is, it is a joyful circumstance that it is one
which may be answered clearly and without mistake. To all who believe on
Him the Lord Jesus is a present Saviour, and upon them all the blood of
reconciliation has been sprinkled. Let all who trust in the merit of
Messiah's death be joyful at every remembrance of Him, and let their
holy gratitude lead them to the fullest consecration to His cause.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ch-spurgeon/the-messiah-shall-be-cut-off-but-not-for-himself/
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