Monday, March 10, 2014

In what sense did Jesus take away "the sin of the world” (Gospel of John 1:29)



When Jesus died on the cross He took away the sin of the world. But what is the “sin of the world”? Why not the “sins” (plural) of the world?
 
First of all, the Bible makes a distinction between “sin” and “sins.” Sins concern things that we do (lying, stealing etc.). “Sin” concerns why we do what we do. One is a cause the other is a result. One is a root the other is a fruit. Man’s real problem is sin or, his sin nature.

I recently found myself in the A&E with a sharp pain right under my rib cage. We presumed a heart issue but it turned out to be pleurisy. Medication was administered and the pain quickly subsided. The doctor dealt with the root pleurisy problem and the pain eventually disappeared. In a similar fashion, When Jesus died on the cross He dealt with the man’s root problem, sin. Consider what the apostle Paul  wrote, “For He (God the Father) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor 5:21)
 
Christ was made “sin” and the judgment of a Holy God fell upon Him. He did so as man’s substitute in dealing with man’s root problem. He died to address our greatest need. This is how He made salvation possible. This is why salvation is ONLY possible THROUGH Christ. This is why He is the only way to God.

Do you wish to come to God through Christ? God’s salvation in only through Him.