The Great Exchange

Now that Easter has passed, the question is raised, “Why did Jesus have to die in the first place?” 1 John 2:2 answers the question, “He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.”The word “atone” means reconciled or satisfied. Jesus’ death on the cross satisfied God’s judgment of sin and offers reconciliation for everyone who believes in Him. When Jesus sacrificed Himself to atone for our sins, He did it by taking our place on the cross. This is called The Great Exchange—Jesus hanging on the cross, in our place, assuming our guilt, embracing our punishment, and exchanging our sins for His righteousness.