How is Jesus Dying Just?

Q. How is Jesus dying just?  He is innocent.  Is it really just for one man to take the punishment for another?

A. This is a great question from yesterday's teaching, and shows some deep thought on the part of the person asking

First of all, it is important to remember that God is not "doing" this to Jesus, and Jesus has nothing say in the matter.  The entire Godhead was involved in saving mankind, and each member of the Godhead suffered equally in the sacrifice.

• Isaiah 53:10-12 says it was God's will to crush Jesus, so that mankind could be saved.
  
• Hebrews 9:14 says Christ was offered up by the Holy Spirit.
  
• John 10:17-18 says that Jesus willingly offered up His life to save mankind. 

You are right in saying that Jesus was innocent, but Jesus willingly chose to become guilty of the charge of mankind's sin in God's court of justice.  

II Cor. 5:21 says that , "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us".  This means that God willingly allowed His son to become guilty of all the sin of mankind, past and future, and to pay the penalty for that sin.

Is it really just for Christ to take our punishment?  The answer is not only is it just because God says it is just (Romans 3:24-25),  it is pure mercy as well.

It is not only pure justice that is served by this means, but pure mercy and pure grace. Because of God's mercy, Jesus was offered up instead of us.  Because of grace, He was patient with mankind while waiting for Christ's sacrifice and remains patient with us today.

This is a brief answer.  For a more detailed response, I suggest you download the podcast of April 5, 2009 at www.thecreeksidechurch.org.