Our sins forged the nails. James Smith, The Grave of Jesus, 1861.

When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him. Luke 23, 33.

What brought Him there? It was our sins, and His own infinite love. Our sins alone could not, for He was not involved in them. His love alone could not, for as innocent, He could not die. But out of His pure, infinite, and eternal love, He became answerable for our sins. He engaged to bear them, atone for them, and remove them forever.

He died for our sins. He suffered because we had sinned. He died because we deserve to die. And He lay in the grave for a time that we may not lie in hell forever.

Our sins forged the nails that fastened Him to the tree, planted the thorns that pierced His brow, and sharpened the spear that was thrust into His heart.

Oh, what an evil must sin be, to bring the Son of God into such a state of suffering and humiliation! Oh, what love must the love of Jesus be that induced Him to take our place and suffer and die in our stead?