Our faith stands on this strong foundation: "God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their sins against them." True faith rests on the fact that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," and that "Christ suffered for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God." "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree." "The punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we're healed." At its core, the Christian's hope rests on substitution. Christ was made sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. He offered a true, sacrificial substitute for all the Father gave him, those known by name and who trust in Jesus. This is the gospel's central truth. If this foundation fell, where would we be? But it stands firm, as solid as God's throne.

We know it, rest on it, and rejoice in it. We hold it close, think deeply about it, and share it. Gratitude for it moves every part of our lives and conversations. Today, many attack the doctrine of atonement. They reject substitution outright, angered at the thought of the Lamb of God carrying human sin.

But we, who've experienced its precious truth, declare it boldly and continually. We won't dilute or change it. It's still Christ, a true substitute, bearing human guilt and suffering in our place. We can't and won't give it up, for it's our life. In every controversy, we hold firm knowing that "the foundation of God stands sure."