BELIEVE IT: CHRIST, THE JUST--- DIED
FOR THE UNJUST

By A. W. Tozer

And now in these days also he can receive sinners
in this same way because Jesus took away their sins.
But isn't this unfair for God to let criminals go free,
and say that they are innocent?  No, for he does it on
the basis of their trust in Jesus who took away
their sins.                                                --- Romans 3:26

     The present state of the human race before God is
probationary. The world is on trial.

     The voice of God sounds over the earth ----
"Behold I set before you the way of life and the way
of death.  Choose you this day!"

     The whole question of right and wrong, of moral
responsibility, of justice and judgment and reward and
punishment, is sharply accented for us by the fact that
we are members of a fallen race, occupying a position
halfway between heaven and hell, with the knowledge
of good and evil inherent within our intricate natures,
along with ability to turn toward good and an inborn
propensity to turn toward evil.

     The cross of Christ has altered somewhat the position
of certain persons before the judgment of God. Toward
those who embrace the provisions of mercy that center
around the death and resurrection of Christ one phase
of judgment is no longer operative. Our Lord stated this
truth in this way: "He that heareth my word, and believeth
on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not
come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life"
                                                                        -  John 5:24.

     When Christ died in the darkness for us men He made it
possible for God to remit the penalty of the broken law,
reestablish repentant sinners in His favor exactly as if they
had never sinned, and do the whole thing without relaxing
the severity of the law or compromising the high demands
of justice (Rom. 3:24-26).

     The JUST died for the unjust. Thanks be to God for His
unspeakable gift!

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Yours in Christ,
Paul N. F.