Substitution
Summary
The principle by which one person or thing takes the place of another, foundational to the sacrificial system and fulfilled in Christ's atoning death.
☩In the Sacrificial System
The concept of substitution pervades the Mosaic sacrificial system. The offerer laid hands on the sacrificial animal, symbolically transferring guilt. The animal died in the worshiper's place, its blood making atonement. Most dramatically, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest confessed Israel's sins over the scapegoat, which then bore them away into the wilderness.
☩The Levites as Substitutes
God took the tribe of Levi as substitutes for all the firstborn of Israel, who belonged to Him by right of redemption from Egypt. The Levites served in the tabernacle in place of the firstborn from every family, representing the principle that one could stand in for another.
☩Christ as Substitute
All Old Testament substitutionary rituals find their fulfillment in Christ, who gave His life as a ransom for many. Isaiah's suffering servant bore our griefs, carried our sorrows, and was wounded for our transgressions. Christ died for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God.
Related Verses10 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Substitution," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).