What does substitution mean in the context of Jesus' sacrifice?

Substitution in the context of Jesus’ sacrifice is foundational to understanding the gospel. It refers to the truth that Jesus was made to be sin for us, as articulated in 2 Corinthians 5:21: 'For he made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.' This means that Jesus bore the penalty for our sins, allowing us to receive His righteousness in return. This exchange is critical; it emphasizes that Christ did not just die as a martyr but as a substitute for all whom the Father has chosen. Hence, substitution underscores the gravity of Christ's atonement and promotes our understanding of grace and redemption.