Topical Encyclopedia Definition: Substitution, in theological terms, refers to the act of one person taking the place of another, particularly in the context of bearing punishment or fulfilling a role. In Christian theology, it is most prominently associated with the doctrine of the atonement, where Jesus Christ is seen as the substitute for sinners, bearing the penalty for sin on their behalf. Biblical Basis: The concept of substitution is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, with numerous passages illustrating this principle. One of the clearest expressions of substitutionary atonement is found in Isaiah 53:5-6 : "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all." In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul articulates this doctrine in 2 Corinthians 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." Here, Paul emphasizes the exchange that takes place through Christ's substitutionary role—our sin is imputed to Christ, and His righteousness is imputed to us. Old Testament Foreshadowing: The idea of substitution is foreshadowed in the Old Testament sacrificial system. The sacrifices offered by the Israelites were symbolic of the need for a substitute to atone for sin. Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement, where the high priest would lay hands on a scapegoat, symbolically transferring the sins of the people onto the animal, which was then sent into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:21-22). Christ as the Ultimate Substitute: The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the substitutionary sacrifices of the Old Testament. Hebrews 9:28 states, "so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him." This verse underscores the finality and sufficiency of Christ's sacrificial death. Theological Implications: Substitutionary atonement is central to the understanding of salvation in Christian theology. It underscores the gravity of sin, the holiness and justice of God, and the depth of His love and mercy. By taking the place of sinners, Christ satisfies the demands of justice while extending grace to humanity. Romans 3:25-26 explains, "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus." Practical Application: The doctrine of substitution calls believers to a life of gratitude and obedience. Recognizing the immense sacrifice made on their behalf, Christians are encouraged to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. As Paul exhorts in Galatians 2:20 , "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Conclusion: While the entry does not include a conclusion, the doctrine of substitution remains a cornerstone of Christian faith, offering profound insights into the nature of God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of substituting or putting one person or thing in the place of another; as, the substitution of an agent, attorney, or representative to act for one in his absence; the substitution of bank notes for gold and silver as a circulating medium.2. (n.) The state of being substituted for another. 3. (n.) The office or authority of one acting for another; delegated authority. 4. (n.) The designation of a person in a will to take a devise or legacy, either on failure of a former devisee or legatee by incapacity or unwillingness to accept, or after him. 5. (n.) The doctrine that Christ suffered vicariously, being substituted for the sinner, and that his sufferings were expiatory. 6. (n.) The act or process of substituting an atom or radical for another atom or radical; metathesis; also, the state of being so substituted. See Metathesis. Greek 473. anti -- over against, opposite, hence instead of, in comp. ... ... denotes contrast, requital, substitution, correspondence. Part of Speech: Preposition Transliteration: anti Phonetic Spelling: (an-tee') Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/473.htm - 7k Library Substitution (Continued). Causes of Corruption Chiefly Intentional. Pride Catechized Integrity and State of the Text. The Sin-Bearer. The Arrest. Believe Just Now The Blood of Sprinkling The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy Our Watchword Thesaurus Substitution (1 Occurrence)... 1. (n.) The act of substituting or putting one person or thing in the place of another; as, the substitution of an agent, attorney, or representative to act ... /s/substitution.htm - 7k Ransom (46 Occurrences) Baptist (16 Occurrences) Interpretation (45 Occurrences) Subtil (3 Occurrences) Godhead (5 Occurrences) Imputation Kittim (8 Occurrences) Nay (92 Occurrences) Gallery (2 Occurrences) Resources What is the doctrine of penal substitution? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the doctrine of substitution? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of Christus Victor? | GotQuestions.org Substitution: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Substitution (1 Occurrence)Leviticus 27:33 Subtopics Substitution: General Scriptures Concerning Substitution: The Levites for the Firstborn of the Israelites Substitution: The Life of Ahab in Exchange for That of Ben-Hadad Substitution: The offering for the offerer Related Terms |