Stop Pretending

 As we approach Passion Week we are reminded of the profound implications of Christ's sacrifice for us. Even as knowledgeable believers we find ourselves struggling in our faith from time to time, failing to fully grasp all that the Lord has done for us on the cross. Take a moment to meditate on Psalm 32 in light of what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Psalm 32:1-2

For our sake he (God the Father) made him (God the Son) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Cor. 5:21

David in Psalm 32 did not say that the blessed person doesn't have iniquity, but that the Lord doesn't count it against him. How can that be? How can we have real iniquity and not have it counted against us? The answer is in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our iniquity, though very great and ongoing, is counted against someone else, someone who gave Himself for our redemption. When we repent and trust Messiah Jesus as the risen Lord and Savior we receive His goodness on our character and He takes all our sins into His own perfect heart. Is that great news or what?!

But many Christians live with a deep feeling of condemnation, not just legitimate conviction coupled with forgiveness, but a deep sense of existential guilt and shame, blended with profound insecurity about their relationship with God. Why is this? Why can't some of us break through to the peace of mind that Paul promises in Romans 8? I suspect it is because we are only pretending to be forgiven. Let me explain. 

We know theoretically and abstractly that Christ, who has no sin, died for the sins we have committed, that He "paid our debt" (Col.2:13-14). But without realizing it we subconsciously assume that the Father and the Son sort of pretended about our sin while Jesus was on the cross. It's like the Father says, "Okay Son, I know you really didn't do any of those horrible sins because You aren't sinful, but I'm going to pour out my wrath on You, just as if You had done them. We'll pretend You did the sins." And Jesus says, "Right. I'll act like I did that bad stuff, even though I know and You know I didn't really do it--these sinners did. We'll pretend I'm a sinner like them."  

Now, if that's how you think of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Rom.3:23-28), then you are pretending to be forgiven because you think the Father was pretending to blame the Son for what is truly and forever your evil. And pretending to be forgiven simply will never bring peace.

Look more closely at 2 Cor.5:21. It says the Father made the Son to be sin on our behalf. That means that He wasn't pretending that Jesus was a sinner--Jesus really was the sinner for us. For all intents and purposes He became us, became the sin that permeated us, so that we could be set free from guilt and become the goodness that permeates Him. No pretending on either the Father's part or the Son's part. Jesus takes our sinful identity permanently, completely, eternally and bears all the guilt and shame for us totally. He really took the blame, all of it--all of it! That is why there is no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus (Rom.8:1-2), because there is no condemnation left over for us to receive! The eternal Son absorbed our eternal sin and the Father's eternal wrath, giving us instead His eternal inheritance, love, and destiny.

Christian friend, will you dare to trust that your Lord and Savior has truly and forever taken all your blame, becoming your propitiation (the sacrifice for all your sins)? (Read 1 Jn.1:8-2:2). If you will, the chains will come off and you will walk freely in to peace with humility, gratitude, and courage (Rom.5:1-2; 8:31-39).  

Just a Thought,

Pastor Rick