The Atonement

    Hugh Martin shows in his work on, "The Atonement In Its Relations To The Covenant, The Priesthood, The Intercession Of Our Lord," 1887, the surest way to meet an objection against the alleged injustice of a vicarious atonement (the Innocent dying instead of the guilty) is by setting forth the truth of Christ's covenant-headship and responsibility, and of the covenant-oneness with him of those whose sins he expiates by dying in their stead and room.

    Covenant-oneness is the ground of his substitution; and by this fact is the vicariousness of his sacrifice not merely brought to light but vindicated. It is not merely true that he suffers for us; it is also true that we suffer in him. And the latter of these propositions justifies the truth and righteousness of the former. He is substituted for us because he is one with us—identified with us and we with him! Such is the great Biblical truth; Christ was by the decree and gift of the Father united to his people before his incarnation, and it was because of this that he died for them.