Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:45–47
There are many times when we can substitute one thing for the original without much changing the result. For example, if you are baking something and are short one egg, you may be able to use a little applesauce and baking powder and the results will be about the same. If you break a taillight, you can cover the hole with red tape and the light will still shine through when you step on the brakes.
But there are other areas in which no substitute will work. When it comes to the matter of our redemption, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are absolutely essential. This is the very foundation of our faith. Paul wrote,“ For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). The reason Paul started his preaching with this truth is that it is the core of all doctrine.
There were no alternatives to provide a way for our sins to be atoned and for us to be reconciled to God. No angel could die in the place of man. No man could live according to God’s law. No one can pay the debt for another because we each owe our own debt. The only hope of salvation was the substitutionary death of the sinless Son of God. If there had been another way, surely God would have chosen it. But there was not, and so Jesus died in our place. The cross is the true measure of God’s love for us, and it should fill our hearts with gratitude and joy for our salvation.
