MARCH 29, 2024
He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2: 2
Today we continue our exploration of the mystery of the cross. The cross was an altar where Christ died for us as a sacrifice for sin—this sacrifice is the basis of our New Covenant with God. And like every altar, it has its own terms and agreements.
Through the cross where Jesus hung, we obtain mercy and salvation from the punishment of our sin, allowing us to touch a grace we do not deserve. There are nine exchanges secured for you by Jesus through the terms held in the new covenant.
Firstly, Jesus exchanged forgiveness for punishment. We know that mercy takes what we deserve, and grace gives us what we don’t deserve as in Isaiah 53:4-6. Jesus was punished for our sin so that we can receive forgiveness. As Jesus was being scourged, all the eternal consequences for our sin were on him (Ephesians 1:7).
Secondly, in Jesus, sickness is exchanged for healing. Matthew 8:17 says that “by his stripes we were healed”. Healing and health are an important part of the new covenant in Christ.
Thirdly, Jesus was made sin so that His righteousness can be placed upon us (Isaiah 53:10). In other words, righteousness is exchanged for sin in Him. A man born of a woman cannot escape sin, as we are all from Adam who fell, therefore we must be reborn through faith in Jesus Christ. This exchange is one of the most critical that Christ’s sacrifice secured for us. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him”.
The Fourth exchange life for death. Jesus died our death that we may now share in his life. John 10:10 and Hebrews 2:9 makes this clear—that through the suffering of Christ, He brought all of us to glory and gave us his own kind of life.
The fifth exchange points toward the fact that Jesus Who is Christ became a curse that we might be blessed. Galatians 3:13 says, “cursed is he who hangs on a tree”. Jesus becoming a curse for us ensures that we might be blessed. Jesus became our curse absorber that he might deal with and defeat all curses.
The sixth exchange is that Jesus was made poor that we might become rich, 2 Corinthians 8:9, as Jesus hung on the cross, he did so that we might be made rich. In Christ, all provision for you is made for your life on this earth—and beyond.
The seventh exchange is that shame is exchanged for glory. Jesus received public shame through his crucifixion that we may be glorified through his life. He took away our reproach and brought many sons to glory that they might receive his own glory (Hebrews 2:10).
The eight exchange is acceptance for rejections. Jesus was rejected that we might be accepted. Knowing this, as children of God, we do not get allow ourselves wallow in depression when the world does not act in a certain manner towards us. We can have confidence in the fact that we will be glorified in the end (Ephesians 1 vs 6).
Finally, on the altar of the cross, our old nature is exchanged for a new life—a new nature, in Christ. Galatians 2:20 says “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who lives, but Christ in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me”. Hallelujah!! What a gift to have, not just new life, but God’s kind of life through Christ.
Always remember that God’s love toward us is unlimited. Meditate on the finished works of Jesus and make up your mind to lean deeply into all the benefits availed to you through his death. Which one of these nine exchanges will you make your focus this season?
Song of Worship
I am washed in the blood of the Lamb, Amen 2x
Jesus loves me yes I know, for the bible tells me so, Amen 2x
Prayer - Dear Lord, please cause my heart to know always that all victories won at the cross by Jesus are sealed in my life and that I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Sin has no hold over my mind, body and soul. Let your power remove every curse in my life and let there be a real manifestation of all the blessings the sacrifice of Christ has provided in my life, i Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bible in 1 year: Judges 11-12; Luke 6