THE PARADOX OF THE PASSION OF CHRIST

The death of Jesus Christ on the cross pulsates with paradoxes. Here in this death we are confronted with a great list of concepts which it binds inseparably together, but which, to our human understanding, have nothing in common.

Here on the cross:

• Mercy is poured out through judgement,
• Blessing emerges from cursing,
• Salvation comes out of damnation,
• Acceptance is procured through rejection,
• Freedom is purchased through submission,
• Acquittal is granted through condemnation,
• Life springs forth from death,
• Joy comes out from sorrow,

All of this is because of an incredible exchange that occurred at Calvary: Jesus Christ, who was without sin, deliberately stepped into the place of us, the sinners.

All that accrued to us: all the judgement, the curse, the damnation, the rejection, the condemnation, the death, the sorrow, that is justly ours because of our rejection of God and his commands, was taken by Jesus Christ, as our substitute.

All that rightly accrued to him because of his sinless life: all the blessing, the acceptance, the freedom, the acquittal, the life and the joy that is rightfully his, is credited to those who receive him.

He took our place so that we, united to him by faith, can stand in the presence of God accepted, guilt-free and unafraid. Full of joy. Full of peace.

It is for this reason that the person who believes in Jesus Christ no longer fears the condemnation and judgement of God that will inevitably confront everyone.

Christ has already borne all the judgement, all the punishment, all the condemnation on our behalf.

This is the meaning of 'mercy' and 'grace' that this salvation from God's judgement has nothing at all to do with us and our ability to keep his commands: it is totally his gift, obtained through the death of our substitute, Jesus Christ, and granted to those who believe in him.

This incredible exchange, this substitution, this immense act of indescribable love, is the explanation of the paradox of the passion of the Christ.

May it not be in vain for any of us.

Scriptures: Romans 3:19-28; 5:1-11; 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:1; Galatians 2:15-21; 3:6-14; Ephesians 1:3-8; Colossians 2:13-15; 2:20-3:3; Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24.