The Claim: The Bible Teaches Men Die For Their Own Sin
Fathers shall not be put to death for their sons, nor shall sons be put to death for their fathers; everyone shall be put to death for his own sin. (Deuteronomy 24:16)
However, he did not put their children to death, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, which the LORD commanded, saying, "Fathers shall not be put to death for sons, nor sons be put to death for fathers, but each shall be put to death for his own sin." (2 Chronicles 25:4)
The concept of one man dying in another person's place is not consistent with the Bible and the teachings of Judaism.
The Response
The concept of the "suffering of the righteous" is not something new established by Christianity. On the contrary, ancient Rabbinic Jewish literature introduced and thoroughly explained this concept. The idea goes something like this:
- G-d is a just judge. He rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked.
- However, it is apparent that the wicked prosper amid their wickedness, and the righteous suffer for their righteousness.
- This paradox must be because there is a "world to come," a "hereafter" in which G-d will thoroughly punish the wicked and fully reward the righteous.
Judaism uses this concept to explain the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous in this world; however, they deem it an incomplete answer. Further study by the Sages of Israel developed the idea that the suffering and death of the righteous bring atonement for others.
The Sages asked, "If suffering results from sin, why do the righteous suffer?"
Their answer: "When the righteous suffer, it must be for the sins of others."
Believers know that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). This concept is also thoroughly established in Judaism.
The Sages asked, "Why do the righteous die if they are righteous?"
Their answer: "They die for the sins of others."
The Talmud teaches that the suffering and death of the righteous bring atonement for others.
Believers know that there are none who are inherently righteous, "no not one" (Romans 3:10, quoting Psalm 14:3). G-d alone is righteous, and when He came in the form of man, He was the only Righteous One who suffered and died for the sins of all others.
The suffering and death of the Messiah are entirely consistent with the teaching of Scripture and the teaching of Judaism.
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