What does the Bible say about penal substitution?

Penal substitution is a cornerstone of the Christian gospel, where Christ took upon Himself the penalty for our sins. As stated in Hebrews 9:28, 'So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.' This doctrine asserts that the penalty of sin must be fulfilled either by the sinner at judgment or by Jesus Christ on behalf of the elect. Without this sacrifice, there is no way for one to be justified and made righteous before God. This understanding of substitutionary atonement is deeply rooted in Scripture and serves as the basis for the Reformed perspective on salvation.