REDEMPTION

 

                Redemption is as much an act of Divine Justice as it is a matter of Divine Mercy. It is God's greatest act of love and mercy that he gave his Son to die in the place of sinners. But it is also the clearest display of his justice. The precious blood of Christ was shed as a ransom price, paid into the hands of justice. It was the price required by the law. It is now clear that God is inflexibly just, for when his own Son was made to be sin for us he was slain according to the strict requirement of the law. And now that the law has been fully satisfied justice will not allow one soul to perish for whom Christ died.

 

                Payment God cannot twice demand,

                First at my bleeding Surety's hand,

                And then again at mine.

 

Justice will not allow a double payment for sin. I say it without hesitation, The justice of God pleads as strongly as his mercy for the eternal salvation of his elect. The price of redemption for them was paid at Calvary. At the cross, "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Because Christ died and rose again, "He shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied.'' Sovereign mercy purposed it. And satisfied justice demands it.