THE EXCHANGE
“For Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust (the exchange), so that He might bring us to God...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor (the exchange), that ye through his poverty might be rich…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).
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To EXCHANGE is to give something to someone and they give you something back, or it is the act of giving something to someone and they give you something back of equal value.
In the case of God’s FAVOR; he created Jesus Christ to give his LIFE in EXCHANGE for the life of the SINNER.
Jesus literally took the sinner’s LIFE and the punishment they actually deserved (FAVOR). He willingly died for them (FAVOR). “….the Son of Man came ... TO GIVE his life as a ransom for many..." (Matthew 20:28 NIV). “...Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust..” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners...” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT). “…Christ died for [your] SINS according to the scriptures...” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).
It was an EXCHANGE of the righteous for the unrighteous, the just for the unjust, the sinless for the sinful, the Holy for the depraved, the innocent for the guilty, or the spiritual LIFE for the spiritually DEAD.
Jesus’ SUFFERINGS, upon the cross, ATONED for the offenses of sin charged against the SINNER, which meant he took their place and punishment.“…Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies (according to your FAVOR) BLOT OUT “MY” TRANSGRESSIONS (sin). WASH ME THROUGHLY FROM “MINE” INIQUITY (sin), and CLEANSE ME FROM “MY SIN.” For I acknowledge my TRANSGRESSIONS (sins): and “MY SIN” is ever before me. AGAINST THEE (God), THEE ONLY, HAVE “I SINNED” AND DONE THIS EVIL IN THY SIGHT…” (Psalms 51:1-4 KJV).
The FAVOR of his FORGIVENESS.: “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).
The FAVOR of his MERCY: “..O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is GOOD; for his mercy endureth for ever” (1 Chronicles…” 16:34 KJV). “…It is of the Lord's MERCIES that we are not CONSUMED, because his compassions FAIL NOT. They are NEW EVERY MORNING: great is thy faithfulness…” (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV). “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord…” (Acts 3:19 KJV).
The FAVOR of Jesus Christ: “Herein is LOVE, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US and sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT). “…God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).
WHAT DID JESUS DO? “…Christ died for [your] SINS (CURED you by FREEING you) according to the scriptures...” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).“….the Son of Man came ... TO GIVE his life as a ransom for many..." (Matthew 20:28 NIV). “...Christ also died for sins ONCE for all (CURED you from your sin/sinful nature, by FREEING you from sin ONCE for ALL TIMES), the just for the unjust..” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).
The FAVOR in Jesus’ DEATH: “…Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV).
“…And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him…” (John 19: 17-18 KJV).
“..After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: (those who are saved by grace through faith WILL BE “CURED” by their FREEDOM from sin through JESUS) …” (John 19:28-30 KJV).
“…Christ died for [your] SINS according to the scriptures...” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).
The FAVOR in Jesus’ willingness to EXCHANGE his life for yours: “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). He willfully “…[gave]... his life as a ransom for many…” (Matthew 20:28 ASV).
The FAVOR in Jesus” attitude while SUFFERING. “…Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT). “…my righteous servant (Jesus) will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “... But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT).
The FAVOR of REDEMPTION: “…Christ died for [your] SINS according to the scriptures...” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV). Jesus willingly EXCHANGED places with the SINNER to CURE them by FREEING them from sin. “... For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ...” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT).
“... He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed...” (1 Peter 2:24 NLT).
The FAVOR “IN” Jesus’ SACRIFICE: Jesus bore the world’s SINS (which FREED you from them) by offering HIS LIFE (as the CURE). “.. Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many...” (Hebrews 9:28 KJV). “... we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all...” (Hebrews 10:10 KJV). “... Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree..” (1 Peter 2:24 KJV).
The FAVOR of God’s immutable LOVE: God “…spared not his own Son, [from suffering for our sins] but delivered him up for us all?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, atonement, cure, etc.) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).
Jesus did not, personally, become a sinner or develop a sin nature, but the SINS of the world were credited to him, as though he actually committed them.
For instance, you stole the car, but Jesus takes the blame and is credited for stealing the car. In addition, he willfully takes the punishment, so you can go FREE.
Not only did Jesus experience a physical death, but he also died like a criminal. “...he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him...” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV). “...all sin is contrary to the law of God...” (1 John 3:4 NLT). “... He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross..” (1 Peter 2:24 NLT). “…[Jesus tasted] ... death for every man…” (Hebrews 3:9 KJV).
Jesus took the weight of ALL sin upon himself. He took your sins, your punishment, and God’s wrath on “your” behalf. “...he hath made him, who knew no sin...” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV). God “…spared not his own Son, [from suffering for our sins] but delivered him up for us all?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).
Your sins were credited to him and his holiness was credited to you. ANYONE who accepts God’s FAVOR in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice will RECEIVE it! “… AS MANY as received him, to them GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD…” (John 1:12 KJV). “…WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved...” (Romans 10:13 KJV). “…REPENT YE, AND BELIEVE the gospel…” (Mark 1:15 KJV).
The sinner, that accepts his gesture of GRACE/FAVOR becomes righteous before God while Jesus becomes charged with their sin “...he hath made him ... who knew no sin.. [to be sin for us.]...” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV).
Did Jesus actually become a sinner? No, he KNEW “NO” sin.
Sin was CREDITED to him, which means he was charged, like sinner, for sins (yours) he did not commit. “... He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross..” (1 Peter 2:24 NLT).
“... But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief ... his life is made an offering for sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT). “...he hath made him ... who knew no sin.. [to be sin for us.]...” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV).
Jesus “KNEW” no SIN, but he was CHARGED with mankind SINS. “…all [of mankind]... have sinned …” (Romans 3:23 KJV). .“…all [of mankind] ...have ... come short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “…the wages of [mankind’s] sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “...the soul [of mankind]... that sinneth, it shall die...” (Ezekiel 18:4 KJV).
However, Jesus’ atoning sacrifice FREES the repentant from the penalty of sin, which is DEATH. Jesus willingly choose to be executed as a criminal, even though he was guilty of NOTHING, so your DEBT of sin could be PAID IN FULL (atoned for). “..After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished (ATONEMENT), that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith ... It is finished: …” (John 19:28-30 KJV).
“…God commendeth (expressed) his love toward us … while we were yet sinners [HOW? When] Christ DIED FOR US…” (Romans 5:8 KJV). “…YOU were dead in your sins and ... [NOW]…God made you ALIVE with Christ. He forgave [you]… all [your]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV).
“...You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross...” (Colossians 2:13-14 NLT).
“...He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all...” (Isaiah 53:3-6 NLT).
All YOUR sins, all the accusation against you, all the guilt, all the wrath, all the deserved punishment for your offenses, all your rebellions, all your brokenness, and all your sorrows, hurts, or disappointments Jesus CARRIED to the cross.“... there is (NOW) no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus...” (Romans 8:1 NLT). WHY? “... He personally carried our sins (affects & consequences) in his body on the cross..” (1 Peter 2:24 NLT).
GOD’S FAVOR is clearly witnessed in his GREAT, immutable LOVE demonstrated through Jesus, who carried mankind’s sin, in HIS body, upon the cross! THE EXCHANGE: his life for yours! “... Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends...” (John 15:13 KJV). “...There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends...” (John 15:13 NLT).
Though Jesus died a physical death, as a criminal; his DEATH had a spiritual significance. God uses natural examples to help empower you to understand a spiritual truth.
The penalty for sin goes FAR BEYOND mere physical death and reveals a more SERIOUS kind of death; spiritual death. Spiritual death is SEPARATION from God, the Holy Spirit NOW and FOREVER.
Some people are still physically existing, but are spiritually dead. The restoral of spiritual life is the MOST important reason why Jesus EXCHANGED places with mankind. “...the soul that sinneth, it shall die...” (Ezekiel 18:4 KJV). “…all have sinned …” (Romans 3:23 KJV). .“…all have ... come short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).
In order to be SAVED from eternal death, Jesus was charged with your sinful offenses against God. He choose to willingly lay down his life, as an atoning sacrifice, and EXCHANGE places with you. “...He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). “…without shedding of [Jesus].. blood is no remission (forgiveness of sin)...” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV). “This is my (Jesus’) blood (spiritual life) of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28 KJV).“….We have redemption through his blood (spiritual life), the forgiveness of sins…” (Ephesians 1:7 KJV).“... it is the [Jesus’] blood (spiritual LIFE) that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).“…Jesus saith unto him, I AM THE ... life…” (John 14 6 KJV). “…There is SALVATION IN NO ONE ELSE…” (Acts 4:12a NLT).
“…Christ died for [your] SINS according to the scriptures; And …he was buried, and … rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV). “… I will bring them home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT). “...Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us [back].. to God...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). "…Therefore REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB).
Sin SEPARATES God, from mankind. When Jesus’ BORE the sins of ALL of mankind, he experienced that separation FOR YOU. Remember, “...at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34 KJV).
. “…[God, the Holy Spirit] can not look on wickedness with favor…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “…[God, the Holy Spirit’s]... eyes are too pure to approve evil…” (Habakkuk 1:13 NASB). “…Because of YOUR SINS, [God, the Holy Spirit has] … turned away …” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “…Your INIQUITIES … separated … you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).
“...[Jesus]... personally carried our sins (affects & consequences) in his body on the cross..” (1 Peter 2:24 NLT). “...at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying ...My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34 KJV).
God “…spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…HE GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). “...[Jesus]... said, It is finished (I have provided the atoning sacrifice, according to your will)…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I [laid] down my life... [FOR YOU] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). Jesus came to earth “… to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “... Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us (FAVORED US) and SENT His SON to be the propitiation (substitute, atonement) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love …” (John 15:13 NLT).
You can clearly SEE God’s FAVOR through “… the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though HE WAS [spiritually] RICH, yet for your sakes he became [spiritually] poor, that ye through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).“… I [laid] down my life... No one [took] it from me, but I [laid] it down of my own accord (my choice). …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV). Jesus came “…to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “…That they might have (spiritual) life … more abundantly…” (John 10:10 KJV).
Jesus went ALL “IN” to secure your SALVATION and to make the EXCHANGE, so YOU could LIVE “FREE” from the affects and penalty of SIN.“…Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT). “…my righteous servant (Jesus) ...[made] ... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “... But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief ... his life [was made]... an offering for sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT).
It COST Jesus’ EVERYTHING to become God’s FAVOR to YOU. “… the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ .. though HE WAS [spiritually] RICH, yet for your sakes he became [spiritually] poor, that ye through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “... his life [was made]... an offering for sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT). “...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” (1 Timothy 1:15 NLT). “...Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him...” (Hebrews 7:25 NLT).
God’s ULTIMATE FAVOR came through JESUS: “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “….The Word [of god] (Jesus) ...became flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14 NASB)
“…In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…THE WORDS... THAT [Jesus SPOKE] ... unto you, they ARE SPIRIT …” (John 6:63 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).
“I (Jesus, the Word) and the father (God, the Holy Spirit) are one (and the same)...” (John 10:30 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [Jesus, the Word], he (God, the Holy Spirit, himself) doeth the works (of atonement)…” (John 14:10 KJV).
“... Though he (Jesus, the Word) was God (in a human vessel),...he gave up his divine privileges[and]... he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form...” (Philippians 2:5-7 NLT). “…HE WAS [spiritually] RICH, yet for your sakes [HE]... became [spiritually] poor, that ye through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “... his life [was made]... an offering for sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT).
“….the WORD was made flesh….” (John 1:14 KJV). Jesus was the WORD of GOD in an earthen vessel.
JESUS is The WORD of GOD. “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).
The WORD of God is SPIRIT. “…THE WORDS ... they ARE SPIRIT …” (John 6:63 KJV).
God is Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).
Jesus (the word) is SPIRIT too. “…The Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).
God is Spirit and Jesus, the Word, is Spirit. “… I and my Father are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV).
The words, not the human vessel, are SPIRIT. The Word of God is “NOT” human. . “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT …” (John 6:63 KJV). “…God is not human “…God is Spirit …Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV & John 4:24 KJV).
Through, Jesus, you witness, with your OWN eyes, the POWER of the WORD of GOD in ACTION. “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth (HOW?) with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
When the WORD of GOD “SPOKE” through Jesus, the WORD ACTIVATED the confirming WORK of the Holy Spirit. “…The [Holy] ...Spirit of the Lord (the WORD) … anointed [empowered JESUS] to preach the gospel to the poor ... [empowered him] to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV). “… [Jesus was EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit and he] went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [BECAUSE] ...GOD [THE HOLY SPIRIT] ...WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
The credibility of Jesus, as the WORD of GOD, was solely dependent upon the WORKS “DONE” by the Holy Spirit, which was the SOURCE of Jesus, the Living Word’s POWER.
Jesus, also named the WORD of GOD, gives CREDENCE to the calling upon his life and his purpose. “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).
The VOICE of God is heard in Jesus’ every WORD. When Jesus (the Word of God) PREACHED, his WORDS had the POWER to SAVE. “… [The] Good News about Christ (or the WORD of GOD)… is the power of God at work (miraculously), saving everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “…BY THE WORD of the Lord [you are SAVED through the BLOOD of the ATONEMENT]…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).
“…All things came into being (including Jesus, the atoning sacrifice) through Him (the WORD of GOD), and apart from [the WORD of GOD] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).
God, the Holy Spirit, literally, indwelled within Jesus and he became the ATONING SACRIFICE himself. “…the Father that dwelleth in [Jesus, the Word], he (God, the Holy Spirit, himself) doeth the works (of atonement)…” (John 14:10 KJV). “... Though he (Jesus, the Word) was God ,......” (Philippians 2:5-7 NLT). “…the Word was God … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “......he gave up his divine privileges...” (Philippians 2:5-7 NLT). “…HE... became [spiritually] poor, that ye through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “..... he took the humble position of a slave ...” (Philippians 2:5-7 NLT). Christ “…HUMBLED himself and became obedient unto death (inward), even the death of the cross (outward)…” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). “.... he ...was born as a human being...” (Philippians 2:5-7 NLT). “...he appeared in human form...” (Philippians 2:5-7 NLT).“….The Word [of god] (Jesus) ...became flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14 NASB).
“He (Jesus, the Word) is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). “…which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “…HE GAVE his only begotten (specially created) Son …” (John 3:16 KJV). ).“….The Word [of god] (Jesus) ...became flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14 NASB). “...Whosoever believeth in him (depend upon him) should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16 KJV). “… [There is] … one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (the word; the atonement)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).
Jesus, the specially created, human vessel, FELT every moment of his SUFFERING. “... Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour...” (John 12:27 KJV). “…Father,… take this cup from Me; … …" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…Father …not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
God didn’t let ANYTHING or ANYONE persuade him from going to the cross FOR YOU. “...From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead. But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!” Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s...” (Matthew 16:21-23 NLT).
In addition, Jesus didn’t even let his “own” suffering STOP him from going to the cross and becoming you atoning sacrifice. “... [Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “…Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT). “…my righteous servant (Jesus) ...[made] ... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).
For Jesus, there was no other option, but to become your SALVATION and ATONING SACRIFICE. “…For I have come down from heaven ... TO DO ...THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV). “….the Son of Man came ...TO GIVE HIS LIFE as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).
GOD’S WORD “ALWAYS” DOES WHAT IT SAYS IT WILL DO! “…So shall [his]… word be that goeth forth out of [his]… mouth: it shall not return unto [him]… void, but it shall accomplish that which [God]… please[s], and it shall prosper in the thing whereto [God]… sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). God is “…watching over [his[… word to perform it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB).
God’s immutable LOVE, clearly demonstrated through Jesus Christ, was the ULTIMATE FAVOR. Jesus could have easily took the easy way out, he didn’t have to become our atoning sacrifice. However, “...He (Jesus, the Word) is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). “…which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV).
In addition, “... Though he (Jesus, the Word) was God ,......” (Philippians 2:5-7 NLT). “…the Word was God … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “......he gave up his divine privileges...” (Philippians 2:5-7 NLT). “…HE... became [spiritually] poor, that ye through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “..... he took the humble position of a slave ...” (Philippians 2:5-7 NLT). Christ “…HUMBLED himself and became obedient unto death (inward), even the death of the cross (outward)…” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). “.... he ...was born as a human being...” (Philippians 2:5-7 NLT). “...he appeared in human form...” (Philippians 2:5-7 NLT).“….The Word [of god] (Jesus) ...became flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14 NASB).
God’s ULTIMATE FAVOR is the GREAT EXCHANGE: Jesus’ LIFE for YOURS at any COST! It caused him sorrow, “...He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death...” (Matthew 25:38 NLT). He had to be strengthened. “... Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. ..” (Luke 22:43-44 NLT). He prayed. “... He prayed more fervently,..” (Luke 22:43-44 NLT). He was in agony. “... he was in such agony of spirit ..” (Luke 22:43-44 NLT). His sweat was like drops of blood. “... his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood...” (Luke 22:43-44 NLT). “…he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT). “…many [will]... be counted righteous, for he [bored]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).
“…God commendeth (demonstrated) his love toward [you], in that, while [you].. were yet [a sinner], Christ DIED FOR [you]…” (Romans 5:8 KJV).“...Whosoever believeth in him (depend upon him) should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16 KJV). “… [There is] … one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (the word; the atonement)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).
“…HE... became [spiritually] poor, that ye through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).
GOD’S FAVOR; THE GREAT EXCHANGE; JESUS’ LIFE FOR YOURS!!
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