I have read how Dwight L. Moody told about a young man who was called to serve in Napoleon Bonaparte’s army but didn’t want to go. A friend volunteered to go in his place and was accepted as his substitution. Unfortunately, the friend was later killed in battle.

However, because of a clerical error the same young man was called up to serve again. “You can’t take me. I’m dead. I died on the battlefield,” he told the astonished officers.

After checking the records, the officers found documentation of his name and alongside it the name of the friend who died in his place. The case was presented to Napoleon who, after examining the evidence, said, “Through a surrogate, this man has not only fought, but has died in his country’s service. No man can die more than once; therefore the law has no claim on him.”

And that’s exactly what Jesus Christ, the Son of God, did for you and me. He died in our place to pay the just penalty for all our sins so we could be freely forgiven and given the gift of eternal life. When we accept God’s pardon, we will never have to pay the price for our sins because Jesus did that for us. He was our surrogate.

The critical question is have you accepted God’s pardon? If not, for help be sure to read the article, “How to Be Sure You’re a Christian.” Click on the Know God link below or go to: http://tinyurl.com/real-christian.

Suggested prayer: “Dear Jesus God, thank you again for being my surrogate and dying on the cross in my place so that I will never have to pay the ultimate penalty for my sin—eternal death and separation from you. Because you died for me please help me to always live for you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Romans 5:7-8 (NIV).