What is the significance of Christ being our substitute?

The doctrine of Christ as our substitute is critical because it encapsulates the gospel message of redemption. Jesus, being God incarnate, took on the sins of His people and bore the punishment that was due for them. This sacrificial act is celebrated in Isaiah 53:5, which states, 'But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.' By acknowledging Christ as our substitute, we affirm that our justification and reconciliation with God is solely based on His righteousness rather than our own works. This truth is fundamental in understanding how grace operates in the lives of believers.