As a criminal condemned, convicted, and sentenced, I walked steadily through the darkness, drawing ever nearer the time and place of execution. I knew well that I was guilty and that I justly deserved what lay ahead. My name was synonymous with lawlessness, rebellion, and guilt. I didn't have a single argument in my defense. There was not one thing I could do. I had already abandoned all hope in myself.
But as I drew near the Executioner, a man approached out of the shadows, took me by the shoulders, and interrupted my trek toward death. "Just trust me and I will take your place, setting you free from all guilt." But I have so disrespected, dishonored, and despised the law, were I to be freed it would only be temporary; for my very name is guilt. I would soon be apprehended and brought again to this place of approaching doom.
"But I have honored and magnified the law," he said. "You may take my name and I will take yours, thus you will be reckoned righteous and I guilty." But sir, that would necessitate your death. The law would pursue, arrest, and execute you. "I'm willing," he said, "to die in your place." But, sir, why would you sacrifice yourself for me? You are innocent and I am guilty. "Though you haven't known me, I have known and loved you for a long time and came here for this purpose."
Now I am free because he bore the penalty for my guilt. Now I live because he died! And though personally guilty, in the name of my friend, my substitute, the judge accepts me and favors me.
Needless to say, I live under the influence of my substitute's love and try to honor his name. To me, his name is above every name! Each new day of life, every joyful thought of the future, and my present peace with the judge is all because of him. He is my life, my peace, and my happiness!
My friends, this story illustrates the gospel of Christ, the gospel which is all of grace. It is often suggested that such a gospel leaves men to live after the flesh, totally unchanged. But I propose that any who profess commitment to this gospel, yet remain unchanged, have merely acknowledged the story, but never personally met the Redeemer!