"And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so the governor was quite amazed."

The Lord was mute, because our sins were laid on him. The guiltless is punished for the guilty. Substitution runs through the whole Bible. An animal died to clothe Adam and Eve.

Full atonement was made by the Son's blood. How great a horror sin must be - the infinite value of Christ is the GREAT COST to put away sin. Suffer without him, if you dare, or hide yourself in his wounds, and he'll receive you [Isaiah 27:4-5].

Make much of the death of God's own Son. It's a compelling story of love, justice, and accomplishment. Let us receive it, and then go forward. Tell everyone that he's worthy. Don't be ashamed.

First, "He did not answer," because he's guilty. God transferred our guilt to him. This is the great transaction. Hear the great hymn,

"How great the pain of searing loss, The Father turns His face away, As wounds which mar the Chosen One, Bring many sons to glory

… Behold the man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders, Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice, Call out among the scoffers;

It was my sin that held Him there, Until it was accomplished, His dying breath has brought me life, I know that it is finished

… Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer, But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom."

Full atonement has been made. The death of the Son of God accomplished it for sinners. The Father gives it freely for his own glory. The Spirit makes us see it.

We ought to be thankful, and adore him. This is the heart of worship - acceptance with God, and NEARNESS to him. Let's find a place to weep alone, and to desire nothing else, but God in his presence! Psalms 27:4, "One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple."

Secondly, "not even a single charge." He didn't leave one sin unpunished. All the sins of God's elect were paid. Hebrews 9:12, "Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption."

Christ accomplished something. He didn't pay for sins of those who perish. Christ atoned the exact number of sins that were laid on him. Faith doesn't add to the Blood; it reveals Christ died for you. Everyone is called to the feast, but Christ atoned the sins of those who come. He didn't make forgiveness possible. He made it something God now owes to his elect upon the merits of Christ. He must reach out and save everyone he gave to the Son. The Lord Jesus must have the reward of his sufferings. Isaiah 53:11, "He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities."

The great transaction demands Christ be rewarded. He took the book from the Father's hand, and, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain," is our eternal song [Rev 5].

See justice satisfied, and sing of mercy. Who cares about your guilty conscience? God's word says Christ has died, and whoever believes has the inheritance. You have everything God could give, even God himself.

Thirdly, "The governor was quite amazed." Aren't you? Look at what Christ accomplished. Look how he suffered. He endured hell eternal, so we can have heaven's bliss. Plate marveled, because he thought he had authority. We marvel, because we know the Son didn't have to include us. We know the immensity of what he endured is beyond comprehension - the infinite God of infinite value endured eternal sufferings. He was made vile and filthy, so we'd be clean. He was separated from the Father, so that we can be with him forever. He died, that we might live unto righteousness. 1 Peter 2:24, "who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed." He was resurrected, so we can walk in newness of life.

The victory is loud and clear. Christ accomplished eternal redemption, God raised him, and whoever believes is saved. Repent, confess Christ, and you'll receive the Spirit.