Christ the Substitute
Horatius Bonar emphasizes the essential role of Christ as our Substitute, highlighting the depth of His sacrifice for our redemption.
Horatius Bonar emphasizes that Christ's role as the Substitute is essential for understanding His sacrifice for sinners. He argues that if Christ did not die as the Sin-bearer, then His death is meaningless. Bonar clarifies that Christ's deliverance is not merely a risk or a small sacrifice; rather, it is a complete substitution of His life for ours. He highlights that true redemption comes through Christ's blood, which cleanses us from sin and brings us into a relationship with God. This profound act of love is what inspires our worship and gratitude.
Text
If Christ is not the Substitute, He is nothing to the sinner. If He did not die as the Sin-bearer, He has died in vain. Let us not be deceived on this point nor mislead by those who, when they announce Christ as the Deliverer, think they have preached the gospel. If I throw a rope to a drowning man, I am a deliverer. But is Christ no more than that? If I cast myself into the sea and risk myself to save another, I am a deliverer. But is Christ no more? Did He risk His life? The very essence of Christ's deliverance is THE SUBSTITUTION OF HIMSELF FOR US-HIS LIFE FOR OURS! He did not come. to risk His life; He came to die!
He did not redeem. us by a little loss, a little sacrifice, a little labor, a little suffering; "He redeemed us to God by His blood" (I Peter 1:18,19).
He gave all He had, even His life, for us. This is the kind of deliverance that awakens the happy song, "To Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood" (Rev. l:5).
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The necessity of Christ as the Substitute - Understanding the concept of substitution - The implications of Christ's sacrifice
- II points: - The difference between deliverance and substitution - Christ's role as the Sin-bearer - The completeness of His sacrifice
- III points: - The significance of Christ's blood - Redemption through His death - The response of believers to His love
- IV points: - The joy of salvation - Living in light of Christ's sacrifice - Proclaiming the message of substitution
Key Quotes
“If Christ is not the Substitute, He is nothing to the sinner.” — Horatius Bonar
“He redeemed us to God by His blood.” — Horatius Bonar
“To Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” — Horatius Bonar
Application Points
- Recognize the depth of Christ's sacrifice and its personal significance in your life.
- Share the message of Christ's substitution with others to spread the joy of salvation.
- Live in gratitude for the redemption provided through His blood, reflecting His love in your actions.