John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
Who is it who takes away the world’s sins? Only Christ. Amen.
Each Word Matters
Notice again the past, present and future sense of the word “takes.” John does not say, “Look the lamb of God who will take away the whole world’s sins.” Or, “Look the lamb of God who has taken away the whole world’s sins.” (which would make less sense, since Christ had not gone to the cross yet). No. John says, “takes away” as in ongoing.
It seems just about every time I read something from a proponent of UOJ referring to this verse, the word, “takes” is changed to “has taken.” John simply does not say, “has taken.” He says, “takes.”
Nor, does John give any indication that one day Christ’s work (which would have been in the future when John said this) should be understood in keeping with UOJ. In other words, he does not say, “will take.” No. John says, “takes”…and words matter.
Who became fully guilty of the world’s sins? Christ. Who takes away the world’s sins? Christ. Who was justified on behalf of the world? Christ. Where is the world’s justification and forgiveness for sins to be found? Is it found in each and every individual’s personal account? Or, is it found in Christ, the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world?
What do you think…does UOJ or JIC work best here?