Every transgression necessitates recompense. Without consequences, the concept of sin loses its significance. The recompense is what bestows importance or gravity upon sin. Pain serves as the repercussion for sin. How can one inflict pain upon another and not perceive it as a form of retribution? Instead of employing the term punishment, I shall utilize the word pain. When the law dictates that one must not commit murder or harbor animosity towards their brethren, it demands the enactment of pain in some manner to demonstrate its violation. Now, from our perspective, we tend to believe in the existence of two sets of laws: one for God and another for ourselves. We diminish the standards of the law to absolve ourselves of responsibility and shift blame onto others. Essentially, we dilute the law by creating loopholes within it. However, God is eternal and thus expects an eternal accountability. A single transgression against the law is an everlasting affront to a divine and righteous God. While we may hold our own societal laws in high regard, in comparison to God's perspective on transgressions, our legal system appears trivial. In a way, this earthly system is akin to appeasing a rebellious race with insignificant offerings.

When Christ was crucified, He endured an enduring and profound agony, symbolizing the eternal suffering necessary to atone for sins. If God's intention was solely to demonstrate support rather than administer punishment, He could have bypassed the crucifixion and acknowledged Christ's flawless life as sufficient. However, Christ had to undergo excruciating pain in order for the payment to be deemed satisfactory. Without Christ enduring extreme suffering, there would still be a debt to be repaid for sin. Every drop of His blood was indispensable for the redemption of sin. If I am unable to contemplate my own suffering and relate it to the immense pain Christ endured, and find no hope in that, then the concept of substitution loses its significance. If I fail to comprehend the value of this praiseworthy act, then it would be more worthwhile to live selfishly, seek pleasure in worldly pursuits, and indulge until my last breath, as none of this would hold any importance to me. Sin would be incurable.

If I am unable to find complete solace through substitution alone, it is not solely due to my own shortcomings, but also a result of my vulnerabilities, fluctuating emotions, and the inherent injustices present in society. In such instances, Christ would appear as a benevolent yet impersonal figure, akin to a deity depicted on a holiday greeting card.