Substitution—God’s Mystery

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. - 2 Corinthians 5:21

    The incomprehensible wondrous works of the triune God in the redemption of sinners, defies all finite human logic, and frustrates the understanding of mankind. From the incarnation of the eternal Son of God to the glorification of the sanctified ones there remains a treasure of divine secrets known only unto Him. Even for his chosen people there are unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Often we have a hankering to delve into the unrevealed mysteries of the infinite mind, and consequently gather unto ourselves confusion.

    When an attempt is made to explain that which God is pleased to retain in his storehouse of wisdom, there arises a polluted fountain of intellectual poison, gendering pride, causing strife and division. God’s ministers are called and sent to declare what God has revealed. When we go beyond divine revelation we are promoting self rather than the glory of God. In our text God has declared, hehath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Any deviation from this would be heresy. This is the Word of God. Need we say more? The theme of all Scriptures is the Lord Jesus Christ, his redemptive, substitutionary work. The ultimate substance and accomplishment of that work is, hehath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him to the praise of his glory and grace.

    This is the crystal clear revelation of God Almighty concerning his blessed Son. I cannot answer for others, but as for me, I cannot explain the triune God, the incarnation of Christ, the actual guilt of my sin being laid upon Christ, the death of one who is God in the flesh, the resurrection of the dead Lamb, the regenerating work of God the Spirit, the glorification of once dead sinners, except—divine wisdom and omnipotence! revealed truth!

    O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Rom 11:33).