Systematic theology reveals arguments that Christians have been wrestling with for centuries, yet we often take them for granted. Our predecessors in the faith sought understanding and encountered conflict to help us comprehend the truth.
One fact is regarding Christ’s incarnation, suffering, and vicarious satisfaction on the cross. Many Christians (including me) can take for granted that this is the way Jesus paid for our sins. He took on flesh and became one of us. The Son of God became the Lamb of God. He lived the life we could not live and died the death we completely deserved. He endured suffering and scorn from his own as they failed to receive him. He rose again, flesh and blood, a full three days after his death.
We take the details and most of us think, “Yep. That’s how it happened.” But throughout church history, some did not believe that this was necessary. Some opponents, such as Duns Scotus, thought it was an arbitrary manner. Major figures in Christianity have considered these facts to be fitting and effective, but not necessarily necessary. Thomas Aquinas and Augustine did not consider this avenue necessary. This does not mean that they didn’t believe in it, only that they did not view it as absolutely necessary, only fitting.
Anselm of Canterbury fought for the idea that the incarnation, suffering, and satisfaction of Christ was not only fitting but necessary. I agree with Anselm. The necessity of Jesus’ satisfaction does not arise in the idea that God is coerced or forced into an action. Instead, the character of God leads to this being necessary and fitting.
Do not let anyone suggest that Jesus chose to suffer and die arbitrarily. He was not coerced. He was not forced. This was not simply for the sake of glory. In justice, the debt must be paid. However, the payer and payee must be of similar substance. A dog cannot pay the debt of a murderer. A lamb could not pay for the sins of man. This is why Jesus had to come and die. He laid down His life because it was necessary and fitting. God became man because it was necessary for man to pay the price he owed, yet it was the price only God could pay. Jesus delivered his followers from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son (Col. 2:13-14).
It was necessary because man owed the price. It was fitting because God gets the glory. God’s character made this necessary. His wrath had to be satisfied. His justice had to be exerted. His love had to be manifested. His grace had to be shown.
The result of Jesus’ necessary and fitting death and resurrection of vicarious satisfaction is the praise and worship of the One who accomplished victory. The saints will sing new songs, telling of this wondrous mystery.
"And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.'” -Revelation 5:9-10
"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'” -Revelation 7:9-10
For this Easter week, think about the gift that we received. It was necessary and fitting. It was necessary because of how great a debt we owed. We were a criminal owing an eternity of lifetime sentences. It was too great. Only one who could bear the weight of it all had the ability to pay it. It was fitting because Jesus gets the maximum glory out of it. He raised himself from the dead. He showed himself to be a glorified, resurrected person. He proved that He was the Son of God, Son of Man, and Messiah. It is now fitting for us to give up our lives for someone who saw it fitting to give up his life.
Read these lyrics from the song, “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.” Written by Robert Lowry, an American Baptist preacher and professor at Bucknell University, this hymn goes to emphasize the need and beauty of the atonement of Jesus Christ.
“What can wash away our sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” - Necessary
“What can make us whole again. Nothin but the blood of Jesus.” - Necessary
“Oh! Precious is the flow that makes me white as snow. No other fount I know. Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” - Fitting
Rejoice in the necessary and fitting work of Christ this week and forever.