LBC Sermons & Messages

Isaiah 53:4-6

The meaning of vicarious is simply “substitutionary”. It is taught in the Bible, that it is neither a curse nor unjust, but if done with a motive of love it is a service to God. Parent will suffer and sacrifice, willingly for their children. Jesus said “greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends” (Jn 15:13).

In our text we see that Christ suffering was for the purpose of punishment and it also was redemptive. In verse 4, we saw him being stricken, and smitten by God, and afflicted and thought it was for his own sins. But the first part of this verse reveals that it was for our own sins that he was on the cross, suffering the punishement that was due each one of us. Verse 5 reveals that this suffering brought about our redemption. It secured our peace with God (reconciliation) and also brought us healing (the forgiveness of our sins).

Paul asks a question in Rom 3:26 – How can God both be true to Himself and His character and at the same time able to justify the sinner? The answer is substitution. Jesus Christ, God in a human body, sinless in character and in life, was willing to go to the cross in my place and suffer the penalty of death for my sin. This satisfied the justice of God and He was now able to justify the sinner. Matt 20:28 says “the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto too, but to minister, and to give His life instead of many having to give their lives”.

So the question becomes now, will you accept God’s substitute. Jesus Christ, as your substitute to satisfy the justice of God? It is either Christ’s death on your behalf or your own eternal death.

Verse 6, is the response of the redeemed to the truth taught in verses 4 and 5. It is the confessionn of our sin and our trusting in the finished work of Christ at Calvary on our behalf.