Since coming to know Christ when I was a teenager, I have learned that my relationship with my Savior is built on the law of exchange. Let me explain…starting with a brief science lesson.
In the scientific arena, alchemy was “the medieval forerunner of chemistry, based on the supposed transformation of matter. It was concerned particularly with attempts to convert base metals into gold or to find a universal elixir” (Google). In describing the medieval goals of alchemy, Merriam-Webster posits that those goals were to “achieve the transmutation of the base metals into gold, the discovery of a universal cure for disease, and the discovery of a means of indefinitely prolonging life.” Sounds pretty lofty, right? And definitely pretty sketchy. Today, alchemy is defined as “the science of understanding, deconstructing, and reconstructing matter” (Urban Dictionary). One integral component of the “science” of alchemy is the idea that, if one wishes to obtain something, something of equal value must be given. This is called the law of equivalent exchange.
So what does alchemy and the law of equivalent exchange have to do with my life in Christ? Good question! The answer? Christ, in performing the most un-equal exchange of all time, exchanged His life for mine.
Christ began the process of exchange at His birth, when He “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). He “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of men,” even though He was God (Philippians 2: 6-7). He exchanged heaven for earth, giving up His deity to take on my humanity. What an amazing exchange! And by no means equivalent!
Christ continued the process of exchange at His death. As He neared the end of His earthly journey, the cross, Christ literally took Barabbas’ place. Barabbas, a murderer and an insurrectionist, “was chained with his fellow rebels” who “had committed murder in the rebellion” (Mark 15:7). The Bible tells us that Pilate was “accustomed to releasing one prisoner” at the feast of the Passover (Mark 15:6). While Pilate wanted to release Jesus, because he found “no fault in Him, at all,” the people clamored instead for Barabbas to be released (John 18:38). Jesus, literally, took Barabbas’ place….on the cross…in death. Barabbas walked out of his prison cell a free man. Jesus walked to His death with His cross on His back. Jesus exchanged places with a notorious murderer. Barabbas exchanged places with the Son of God. Again, by no means an equivalent exchange!
As I pondered that exchange one day, the Lord really impressed upon me that I am Barabbas. I am the one who was in prison, with a rap sheet as long as history shackling me to a certain death. I had no chance for parole, no chance for clemency, no chance for a pardon. I was on death row…with no hope for a stay of execution. I was doomed. But then Christ….Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God Himself, stepped into my story and took my place. He exchanged places with me, a sinner beyond redemption. I exchanged places with the Son of God. The most inequivalent exchange of all.
After Christ took Barabbas’ place, after taking my place, He continues the exchange. The Bible very clearly lays out the terms:
- If you’re broken-hearted….Christ gives you healing.
- If you’re a captive….Christ gives you liberty.
- If you’re bound…Christ gives you open prison doors.
- If you’re mourning….Christ gives you comfort and joy.
- If your spirit is heavy….Christ gives you the garment of praise. (Isaiah 61:1-3).
- If you’re weary….Christ gives you rest (Matthew 11:28).
In fact, Christ tells us, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Christ offers to exchange His yoke, His burdens, for mine. He takes my heavy load…I get His rest. Wow. Just wow.
So let’s look at that law of equivalent exchange again. The law stipulates that “humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost.” This is Alchemy’s First Law of Equivalent Exchange (Urban Dictionary). This law suggests balance and equality in the exchange. However, in our experience with Christ, in my experience with Christ, nothing could be further from the truth! My exchange with Christ was the most unequal, imbalanced exchange ever! Christ gave up His deity in exchange for my humanity….definitely not equivalent or balanced. Christ gave up His very life in exchange for mine….also definitely not equivalent or balanced! Christ gave everything for me….I gave nothing in return. No way is that equivalent or balanced! Through the exchange, I obtained life and favor and blessing and rest and….so much more. Through the exchange, Christ obtained me….a piece of flawed humanity not worthy to be saved. But through His grace, through His mercy, through His sacrifice, I am saved. I am redeemed. I am washed white as snow. I am set free.
Thank God that the law of equivalent exchange does not apply to my relationship with Christ. Thank God that it does not apply to His sacrifice for me…because I have nothing of value I could give to equal His sacrifice. All that I have is me….just me. Me, with my few talents, with my many weaknesses, with my little wisdom. But thank God that is all He wants…I am all He wants. Thank God that He can use my few talents for His glory. Thank God that His strength is made perfect in my weakness (2Corinthians 12:9). And thank God that in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). Jesus Christ gave all He had and all He was to save my soul from certain judgment….and in exchange, I am laying my life at His feet today. Lord, here I am…use me.