Stott on the Cross

"The cross transforms everything...giving us a new, worshiping relationship to God, a new and balanced understanding of ourselves, a new incentive to give ourselves in mission, a new love for our enemies, and a new courage to face the perplexities of suffering"

Stott: The Heart of the Cross of Christ

"Moved by the perfection of his holy love, God in Christ substituted himself for us sinners."

Man's Substitution vs. God's Substitution

"For the essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be; God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be."

--John Stott

Our constant desire to substitute ourselves in place of God is certainly the root of all sin. It is the birthplace of all anxiety, pride, lust, and ultimately, idolatry.

God's merciful substitution is the redemption of all our unbelief. It is the foundation and sustainer of love, mercy, kindness, and ultimately, the eminence of God's glory.