This is the Eleventh post from Chapter 4 of Friends With God: Living The Life Of Jesus In Us. Throughout this chapter and the previous chapter we have been exploring the doctrine of the “Penalty For Sin”, which was developed by Anselm of Canterbury in the 11th Century A.D.
Jesus as Sin/Sin offering 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “[God] made Him [Christ] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” The Penal Substitution model proposes that God somehow put sin on Jesus on the cross, and that was why his wrath could come down on his Son. Notice, however, that it doesn’t say that Jesus became sinful for us. What “became sin” could mean is quite obscure (in English). However, this mystery can be solved by the insight that the Greek word here, hamartia, is used in the Septuagint in a specific way. Ninety-four times in the Septuagint, hamartia is used to translate the Hebrew word for “sin-offering.” Paul used and quoted from the Septuagint. There is no reason not to assume that he is using the word hamartia in 2 Corinthians 5:21 in the way with which he was familiar. “He made Him who knew no sin to be a sin-offering for us”—in other words, an offering on behalf of sins. The sin-offering in Leviticus 4 is said to make atonement for sins.
Since the Hebrew root for the word translated as “make atonement” (kaphar) means “to cover” or “to wash away”, we know that the sin offering was seen as covering or cleansing sins. However, we learn from Hebrews 10:1-4 that the blood of bulls and goats actually had no such power. The sin-offering was given as a picture. God forgave people based on their repentance, which they demonstrated by obediently sacrificing as he commanded them to do. He was pleased with the heart attitude of the people. He took no pleasure in the sacrifices themselves. However, when Christ comes as the perfect sin-offering, he is able to take away sins. “For by one offering [for sin, i.e. sin-offering] He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” Jesus became an offering to take away sins—a sin offering.
Nicely explained.
Jesus as Sin/Sin offering 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “[God] made Him [Christ] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” The Penal Substitution model proposes that God somehow put sin on Jesus on the cross, and that was why his wrath could come down on his Son. Notice, however, that it doesn’t say that Jesus became sinful for us. What “became sin” could mean is quite obscure (in English). However, this mystery can be solved by the insight that the Greek word here, hamartia, is used in the Septuagint in a specific way. Ninety-four times in the Septuagint, hamartia is used to translate the Hebrew word for “sin-offering.” Paul used and quoted from the Septuagint. There is no reason not to assume that he is using the word hamartia in 2 Corinthians 5:21 in the way with which he was familiar. “He made Him who knew no sin to be a sin-offering for us”—in other words, an offering on behalf of sins. The sin-offering in Leviticus 4 is said to make atonement for sins.
Since the Hebrew root for the word translated as “make atonement” (kaphar) means “to cover” or “to wash away”, we know that the sin offering was seen as covering or cleansing sins. However, we learn from Hebrews 10:1-4 that the blood of bulls and goats actually had no such power. The sin-offering was given as a picture. God forgave people based on their repentance, which they demonstrated by obediently sacrificing as he commanded them to do. He was pleased with the heart attitude of the people. He took no pleasure in the sacrifices themselves. However, when Christ comes as the perfect sin-offering, he is able to take away sins. “For by one offering [for sin, i.e. sin-offering] He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” Jesus became an offering to take away sins—a sin offering.
Thanks H for reading and considering this issue in such depth and so quickly!
My next post covering the issue of the blood of Christ offered to God would concur with your understanding as you have stated it above.
Thanks for your encouragement and understanding.