The Great Exchange

The Great Exchange

Having just celebrated Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, have you ever wondered, “Why did Jesus have to die in the first place?”  

1 John 2:2 answers the question, speaking of Jesus, it says, “He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” The word “atone” means reconciled or satisfied. Jesus’ death on the cross satisfied God’s judgment of sin and offers reconciliation for everyone who believes in Him. 

And that’s not all! When Jesus sacrificed Himself to atone for our sins, He did it by taking our place on the cross. The theological term for this is “substitutionary atonement.” Jesus died for our sins, in our place, so we don’t have to. This is what Paul was talking about in 2 Corinthians 5:21 when he said, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This is called The Great Exchange—Jesus hanging on the cross, in our place, assuming our guilt, embracing our punishment, and exchanging our sins for His righteousness.  

Oh, beloved, Jesus was treated as an enemy so you could be treated as a friend. He was condemned so you could be accepted. He was wounded, so you could be healed. He bore your shame so you could inherit His life. He wore a crown of thorns so you could receive a crown of glory. Jesus closed His eyes in death and then rose victoriously from the grave, so you, by believing in Him and what He did at Calvary, can open your eyes in heaven! That’s why Jesus had to die. What a Great Exchange! What a great Savior! Praise the Lord!         

This is Laine Wilder for Carry the Light Ministries, bringing you Insights From an Elder.

by Laine Wilder

author of “Insights From an Elder” for

Carry the Light Ministries