“All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned—every one—to his own way;

and the LORD has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.”

The Lord Jesus became the Substitute for His people - the Just for the unjust, so that He’d have the authority to bring us to God. He's the Savior by bearing our sins.

First, justice was satisfied by the death of Christ. The Lord laid the iniquity on Him. This relieves and soothes the conscience. He found a way to pay for our sins by SUBSTITUTING HIMSELF under the penalty. A ransom was found.

This is the most misunderstood aspect of the death of Christ: He made atonement. He actually put away sins, and this is why God raised Him and showed Him to be Lord.

Secondly, God made the transaction. 2 Cor 5:21, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." He did it in love, power, and authority. He did it by imputation. We became sinners in one man, so we can be redeemed in One Man also [Rom 5:12-19].

The scheme is His, and the punishment of the Son reveals the righteousness of God. Never doubt, when He gave up so much to openly display His justice. He's righteous in all of His deeds. We need not fear anything in the word of God being wrong or question any action of His hand.

Thirdly, The Lord Jesus willingly took our sins in His great love for us. He went as a Lamb to the slaughter, but He knew the whole time that He'd be resurrected. He said, “I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again [John 10:17-18].” He suffered in hope, love, and obedience. He trusted the Father's trustworthiness and truly loved us! He is still the same now.

Look to this great love. Truly this Being is better than Satan, and His service must be sweet - not the morbid drudgery that we assume. Look to His Spirit to help your obedience through the forgiveness of sins.

Fourthly, this is received by faith. He's talking about particular people who obtain mercy. “Us all.” Don't let the mercy of the Lord pass you by! Mark 10:47, “When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Cry out now, while there is hope. One day will be too late.

This is the highest privilege and the greatest thing to ever be received - reconciliation to God through the death of His Son.

Fifthly, the iniquities laid on Him are no longer on me! The believer enters the hallelujah chorus. His debt has been paid, and restoration can happen. The barrier of sin is taken away. The conscience receives God's kiss, sins are pardoned, and peace is maintained. The Holy Spirit and all blessings of grace can be received. “Friend of God” is stamped on our forehead, and we draw near in confession, dependence, and hope. Oh, sweet relief!