The Only Way

He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; by His wounding you have been healed. - 1 Peter 2:24

In a sentence, here is the Gospel of Jesus Christ for there is so much theology in so few words!

First we see His vicarious atonement (He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, not HIS sins, but ours). Some have called this the "Great Exchange." He took our sin and He gave us His righteousness.

Then, we see that He did this in order that "we might live for righteousness;" a declaration of innocence and the imputation of righteousness so that we might exist eternally before a holy God. This is not a partial cleansing, but rather a "required" total transformation.

Finally, by His wounding you have been healed." All the sickness of sin (that would certainly produce eternal death) has been eradicated for those who are redeemed in Christ Jesus.

Yes, the amazing salvation of our God in Christ Jesus. This is truth. This is life. This is the only way.

The beginning of atonement is the sense of its necessity. - Lord Byron