A Surety Found for Lost Sinners

Questions Answered in This Article

What does the Bible say about the state of man?

The Bible depicts the natural state of man as spiritually dead and in need of redemption.

The Bible describes humanity's natural state as one of death in sin, symbolized in this discourse as an immense graveyard filled with dying men. This imagery illustrates the necessity of divine intervention, as fallen man cannot redeem himself. Ephesians 2:1 states, 'And you were dead in the trespasses and sins,' emphasizing the complete incapacity of man to achieve holiness or obedience apart from God's grace. The serious nature of this condition insists on the need for a surety who can meet the demands of divine justice.

Ephesians 2:1

What does the Bible say about mercy and justice?

The Bible teaches that mercy and justice are fulfilled through Christ's sacrifice.

In Christian theology, particularly within the Reformed tradition, mercy and justice are intricately connected in the work of Christ. The scenario described illustrates mercy's desire to heal but being held back by justice, which demands strict obedience and satisfaction for sin. This tension is resolved at the cross of Christ, where He, as the Surety for sinners, takes upon Himself the demands of justice. The Son of God accepts the full weight of the law on behalf of humanity, thus manifesting both God's mercy in redeeming sinners and His justice in requiring punishment for sin. This duality is essential for understanding the profound nature of salvation as revealed in Scripture.

Revelation 5:9, Romans 3:26

How do we know Jesus as our Surety is true?

Jesus is affirmed as our Surety through His fulfillment of justice on the cross.

Jesus Christ is recognized as the Surety for sinners based on the complete obedience He rendered and the sacrificial death He endured on behalf of humanity. The conversation between Mercy and Justice illustrates that only by satisfying the demands of justice can redemption be offered. Romans 5:8 tells us, 'But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.' His acceptance of the full terms of justice at Calvary confirms His role as our Redeemer, making Him an absolute necessary figure for salvation in the sovereign grace narrative.

Romans 5:8

How do we know Christ's sacrifice is sufficient for our sins?

Christ's sacrifice is sufficient as He fulfilled the demands of justice on our behalf.

The sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice is a cornerstone of Reformed theology. According to Scripture, Jesus fulfilled all the demands of the law, paying the penalty for sin through His death on the cross. As the Surety for sinners, He bore the weight of our transgressions, thus satisfying divine justice. This means that for those who are in Christ, there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1), as His blood has redeemed us from the grasp of sin. The acknowledgment that He is the Lamb who was slain, bearing the sins of many, reassures believers of the completeness of His atonement, which is not only adequate but also perfect and eternal.

Romans 8:1, Isaiah 53:5, Hebrews 9:28

Why is mercy important for Christians?

Mercy is vital as it reflects God's character and provides hope for redemption.

Mercy plays a crucial role in the Christian faith as it embodies God's compassion and willingness to forgive sinners. This discourse metaphorically illustrates mercy standing before the graveyard of humanity, desiring to apply healing but restrained by justice. Understanding that mercy, through Christ, has met the conditions set by divine justice reassures believers of the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. Lamentations 3:22-23 highlights, 'The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.' This foundational belief not only brings hope but instills confidence in God's grace in the lives of believers.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Why is understanding justice important for Christians?

Understanding justice is crucial as it reveals God's character and the need for Christ's atoning work.

Justice is a fundamental attribute of God, representing His nature as holy and righteous. For Christians, comprehending the concept of divine justice is essential for appreciating the gravity of sin and the necessity of Christ’s sacrificial work. Without a clear understanding of justice, one cannot fully grasp the significance of mercy, as mercy is defined in the context of justice. When Jesus accepts the demands of justice for our sins, He reflects both God's commitment to righteousness and His love for humanity. This understanding encourages believers not only to cling to Christ's sacrifice but also to live in a manner worthy of their calling, reflecting God's justice and mercy in a broken world.

Romans 3:26, Micah 6:8, Hebrews 10:10

Brethren, if I should compare the natural state of man, I would picture an immense graveyard filled with yawning graves and dying men. All around are lofty walls and massive iron gates. At the gate stands MERCY. An angel attracted by the awful sight exclaims, 'Mercy, why do you not enter that awful place and apply to these pitiful creatures your restoring balm?' Mercy replies, 'I dare not enter, for Justice bars the way.' By the side of Mercy stands the Son of God, who cries, 'Justice, what are your demands?' Justice replies, 'I demand a full obedience for their holiness, degredation for their exaltation, shame for their honor, and suffering and death for their lives.' The Son of God, as the Surety for sinners, accepted the terms; and at Calvary the heavenly host of redeemed souls cried, 'Worthy is the Lamb, for Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation'.

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Church Bulletin Articles

207 views Published: Jul, 12 2004 Updated: Jan, 31 2019 More from Christmas Evans

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