assumed our humanity in order to share our life, in order to meet the hells and overcome in the limitations of that human nature, in order to reveal Himself to us in the only way possible. "He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin." He suffered vicariously for us, but did not become a substitute for us, because there is no such thing in human life or in God's universe as one person becoming guilty for another and suffering for him, substituting for him when it is known that he is not guilty. No court of law would permit it, nor would God do so. In fact, He says expressly in Ezekiel; "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the farther bear the iniquity of the sen. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him; in his righteousness that he hath done shall he live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God; and not that he should return from his ways, and live?"
This means definitely and unmistakably and forever that God will not punish the innocent for the guilty, any more than a human court of law will do so, and that if we turn away from our evils of life, and live according to Divine law, we shall be saved. Each man is responsible for his own character. Jesus confirmed this in Revelation by saying, "Behold. I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be," thus according to his character. No one can be our substitute in acquiring an education or a Christian character. There is no magical process in either. Each means prolonged effort.
