A Refutation of the Doctrine of Absolute Predestination of All Things p.30 (1889)
IT WAS NOT AS SINLESS that Christ suffered, yet he died not as a transgressor, but “was made to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Bearing our sins in his own body, he ought to have suffered, to which he himself consents. That he should suffer, the covenant with his father stipulated in the first instance, and in the second instance, the honor of God’s violated law required it, because he bore in his body the transgression of his people. But the crucifiers of Christ, in perpetrating their deed, acted under no authority or influence of God’s law or decree, for then their act had been obedience, whereas it is declared wicked. For Christ to die was obedience or in compliance with covenant stipulations, and in dying he endured the penalty of the violated law, and thereby released all whose sins he bore. |
