23). For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24). Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ. 25). Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26). To declare, I say , at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27). Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: But by the law of faith.
ROMANS 3:23-27
The cross of Christ presents a dilemma. But by looking past the obvious, though, we see an amazing demonstration of love.
To grasp what took place at the cross, we first need to understand that God is righteous and just. He does what’s right and never acts contrary to His nature or Word. On the other hand, mankind is sinful. God’s justice requires that a penalty be paid for sin. However, God is also merciful. So how could He exercise both justice and great mercy?
Before the foundation of the world, He already had the plan in place. So when the time was right, His sinless Son came to earth in human flesh to bear our sins (SEE 1 PETER 1:18-20). The Father placed on Him all our guilt and punishment. Since the Savior’s payment fully satisfied divine justice, sinful man could now be declared righteous. Justice punished sin, and mercy rescued sinners.
No matter who you are or what you’ve done, if you accept Christ’s sacrifice on your behalf, you will be saved. God’s goodness and love are proved by the cross. This was the sole plan that could save us, and God’s perfect Son was the only one qualified to give His life in our place. What’s more, Jesus did it willingly.
-IBC
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