Expert: Dean Gade - 3/27/2006

Question
Hello again Dean;

    As always I want to thank you for previous answers you have given me. I actually have a twofold question regarding salvation. Here it is:

    I am fully aware of the "Mechanics," of Jesus' sacrifice for us in that I believe in and accept the fact that he took on my sin and died under it's penalty. I believe this an have faith in it - what I dont understand is HOW that Switch occurred. Allow me to explain: I myself could never "Take on" another persons sin or be punished for thier sin - or take on any other aspect of their personality, character, etc, etc. So in terms of the Actual taking on of our sin - how did it occur exactly. Does the bible say?

   My next and related question is that since he did assume responsibility for our sin - why did he not have to suffer for EVER in hell like all the other people who die, unsaved with the weight of thier sin on their own shoulders? It doesnt seem like an even switch. He only died for two days and yet if we were responsible for our own sin, it would weigh us down in death for ever!!! Without trying to be disrespectful - but having no other way of putting it - how did he get off with only three days? Do you see what I mean.   Thanks    Pete

Answer
I don't believe that we can fully understand the "mechanics" of this propitiation on our behalf or expiation of our sins.

These two words are used in the Bible for what God has done for us in Jesus Christ.  To atone, conciliate,  appease,   disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge  put off,  reconcile  are some of ways it is translated.

The picture of what was to happen was given with the blood sacrifices in the Old Testament.  There was both a "scapegoat" led out of the city with the ritual of sins of the people being laid on it and also the sheep and cattle being sacrificed.  This was a shadow of what was to come through the Messiah.

I've always felt that the best passage explain the "mechanics" was the following:

Rom 3:22-25
There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.
(from New International Version)

Here we have Sin(disobedience), then Grace(unmerited favor), then Justification(declared righteousness...as in a courtroom), redemption(buying back)and the sacrifice which brought about the reconciliation.

It is completely God's plan! We don't have to understand it to acquire it.  We only need to trust God that it is true to appropriate it for ourselves.

Second question:  Jesus did suffer the separation from God on our behalf. That is, He did suffer hell.

However there are several clear passages which say that He not only "tasted" death for us but that He could not be held by death because He, being innocent Himself, destroyed eternal death for our sake.

2 Tim 1:9-10
This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
(from New International Version)

Acts 2:25-27
5 David said about him: (the Messiah)

"'I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will live in hope,
27 because you will not abandon me to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
(from New International Version)




Heb 2:8-9
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
(from New International Version)

That's about all that I can do for you since I am as limited as you about those spiritual things which will only be revealed when we see God face to face.