Himself Bore Our Sins – The Gospel in Four Words

Four simple words from 1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV) capture the heart of the gospel: “Himself bore our sins.” In these words are found the reality of Christ, the seriousness of sin, and the finished work of salvation accomplished entirely by the Lord Jesus Christ.

The person at the centre: “Himself”

These words point first to a Person — the Lord Jesus Christ. He is life. All things were created by Him and for Him. He is God manifest in the flesh, co-equal and co-eternal with God, yet distinct as the Son. One day every person will give account to Him.

Yet here He is not seen in heaven, in comfort and glory. He is seen on a cross. He Himself bore our sins.

The reality of sin

For Christ to bear sins, sin must be real. Sin is not only found in the worst crimes; it appears in everyday life — lying, dishonesty, lust, hatred, and rebellion against God. God’s standards do not change with culture. What God calls sin remains sin.

Every person has sinful desires. This is why laws exist and why God’s commandments are given — because the human heart is sinful by nature. The Bible describes the heart as desperately wicked. Sin is not only what we do; it is what we are by nature.

The work that saves

At the cross, the Lord Jesus took the punishment that sin deserves. God cannot ignore sin — it must be judged. On the cross, Christ took full accountability for the guilt of sinners and suffered in their place.

Salvation rests on three unchanging realities:

• Sin — real guilt before God

• Judgment — the punishment sin deserves

• The Lord Jesus — who bore that judgment Himself

Remove any one of these, and there is no salvation. Christ bore sins once and for all.

Assurance through Christ alone

By nature, every person deserves God’s judgment. Yet God declares that His Son Himself bore our sins. This is why forgiveness is real. This is why heaven is open.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 5 (NKJV).

Salvation is not achieved by religious effort, good works, or personal improvement. It is received by believing what God has said. A sinner must take their true place before a holy God and rest entirely on the finished work of Christ.

Through the words “Himself bore our sins,” full assurance is offered. Because Christ bore sin, forgiveness is possible. Because Christ bore sin, judgment can be escaped. Because Christ bore sin, eternal life is offered to all who will believe.