The Perfect Substitute

I love to cook. I have some recipes that call for buttermilk. I don’t usually have that on hand, but I there are things that can be mixed together to create a similar flavor and consistency. There are some recipes that I rather enjoy the substitute over the real thing. There are many other substitutes that can be made, but most of them don’t really compete with the real thing. Some off-brand items don’t offer the same quality as the original. I was listening to a conversation about a substitute... Jesus on the cross for us. An interesting question was asked that I hadn’t contemplated in that way, but I liked the question and the answer. The question started with the premise that in order for Jesus to be able to take our place on the cross, He must be perfect in every way. This is both logical and true. If he was a cat or just a divine being, what is He substituting for. With this truth understood, the man asking the question continued, “Since humans have a fallen nature, everything that is brought into this world is touched by that fallen nature which produces sin, disease, weeds, carnivores, more pain in childbirth, etc. If Jesus was human, how could He be without sin. It is a good question. The problem with the thinking is that God created Adam and Eve, fully human, to be without sin. Being human doesn’t determine the sinfulness, but inheriting the fallen nature. Jesus was not just 100% human but was also 100% God. The Holy Spirit caused Mary to become pregnant, guaranteeing Jesus' absolute humanity. The Holy Spirit was able to ensure that Jesus was born without sin. Now he was tempted, just as Adam and Eve were, but was without sin. Because of our sin, God’s word tells us that we are deserving of death. The only way I could be assured of life is if the Father’s wrath (against sin) is satisfied through One who is perfect taking my place... and yours. Jesus was that substitute. Unlike cooking, this substitute, Jesus, didn’t just mimic (a flavor or texture), but replaced the imperfect with the real thing. By faith, my sin was nailed to the cross and my life is made new through what Christ did. Father, thank You for rescuing us from a permanent separation from You by giving us new life in Christ. Amen