Devotional

THE SUBSTITUTE

August 13, 2020 · Lanre Oyeleke · 2 views

1John3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

A criminal was sentenced to death by hanging in a law court. His offences were: theft, rape, armed robbery, disturbance of public peace and murder. This criminal had a friend who was his look-alike. On several occasions, his good friend warned him to stop his wayward life but he taunted his friend and spurned his message. When this good friend of his heard about the judgement, he decided to give his life in exchange for his friend so that he might be saved. The notorious friend accepted to live but his friend attached a condition to it- he must accept the gift of eternal life. The law of their country permitted for substitution in such cases and the person substituting for a criminal was allowed to place a demand on whoever he is substituting for. This criminal accepted the gift of eternal life and was freely pardoned after the substitute died. Everyone thought this friend was insane. They expected him to place a huge demand on this criminal but what he asked for seemed too simple.

This criminal was notorious and he was known to have committed all manners of atrocities. When this loving friend signed all the substitutionary papers, he was taken to the gallows and hung there. The news spread far and wide about a wonderful friend who died for his notorious friend that he might receive a life that is eternal. Jesus is that good friend who took your place. He decided to put upon himself the penalty for our sin by dying for your sins. "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners"(Rom5:8 NLT). The entire human race was born in sin, "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard."(Romans 3:23 NLT). Because of this, the judgement of death was pronounced on us all, "For the wages of sin is death,...."( Romans 6:23 NLT).

The only escape route is to believe in Jesus. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."(John 3:16 NLT). It doesn't cost much to believe in Jesus. If you want to escape the coming judgement, the escape route is to believe and confess the Lordship of Jesus and invite him into your heart. "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."(Romans 10:10 KJV). I have escaped the coming wrath of God's judgement because I believe in Jesus. You can escape this wrath by saying the prayers below.

Dear Father, I know you love me and that's the reason for sending Christ to die for my sins. I forsake my sins and I accept Christ as my Lord and personal saviour. I confess him as the Lord of my life from today till eternity In Jesus Name.

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