Introduction:
A. Substitutes…
B. Jesus is our one and only substitute.
C. There is a place only Christ can fill (Acts 17:27-28).
I. That Christ Is Our One and Only Substitute Is Emphasized by the Holiness of God.
A. God is holy (Is. 6:3; Hab. 1:13).
B. God’s justice is a manifestation of His holiness.
C. God’s holiness calls for our holiness (1 Pet. 1:15-16).
II. That Christ Is Our One and Only Substitute Is Emphasized by Our Hopeless and Helpless Condition Without Him.
A. Have we outgrown our need for God?
B. We need God (Jas. 1:17; Mt. 5:45; Col. 1:16; Jn. 15:5; Col. 3:4; Eph. 2:12).
C. Romans demonstrates our need for God.
1. Romans 1-3 – Gentiles, Jews, Everyone (Rm. 3:10, 23; 1 Jn. 1:3)
2. No alternate reality (1 Cor. 1:21; Is. 64:6; Mt. 5:3; Jas. 4:6)
III. Jesus Is Our One and Only Substitute in Regard to Eternal Salvation.
A. Justice and mercy met at the cross of Christ (Rm. 5:6-9; Hb. 10:20).
B. Without Him we would be nothing!
C. Jesus is our substitute (Rm. 6:23).
Conclusion:
A. Sing His eternal praises!
B. Jesus is our only hope (Jn. 14:6; Rm. 6:3-4).