On the present occasion we deal with one of the questions often propounded: "Why was it necessary that Christ should die for our sins, in order that we may be saved?" or, "How can the sufferings of the innocent atone for the sins of the guilty?"
To make our answer more clear, we begin by saying: "We do not know." Why should we insist--why should any one insist--upon understanding the "_why_" of this arrangement? Why should not every one be content to know the _fact_? If the reason of the fact were obvious, we should, of course, gladly accept it; but if it be hidden from us, whilst the fact itself is disclosed, why should we complain? We cannot fully understand the Divine purposes. We can only guess. Even angels study, and wonder, and adore, but do not fully know. Let it be observed that the real question here is not exactly as unbelievers put it. Thus: I do not know how the rays of the sun enlighten my eyes, nor how my enlightened eyes transmit ideas to my mind. Does it follow that the sun does not enlighten, or that my mind does not receive impressions through what I see? The imperative question is, not, "How is the thing done?" but, "_Is_ it done?"--not as to the _reason_ of the fact, but the _reality_ of it. So in the matter before us. It is surely enough for us to show that redemption through the sacrifice of Christ, like the sun, comes from God, and that it gives light, life, and fruit. This being done, nothing more can be reasonably asked.
To know whether this doctrine of redemption is God's truth, it is sufficient to know whether the Bible is God's Word. And here we ask, What will you do with ancient prophecies and their fulfilment?--with confirmations of Bible history which are continually accumulating?--with the conspicuous excellence of the moral teaching and influence which the Bible supplies?--with the sublimity of Christ's character?--with the miracles He wrought?--with the marvellous effects of Christianity upon the world, notwithstanding the strongest inducements, in human prejudice, to its rejection? Settle such questions as these according to the admitted laws of evidence, and then there will be no reason to contend as to the "why" and the "how" of redemption.
