The passionate appeal in the text, which else is vain, has in large
measure its satisfaction in the work of Christ.
God does not delight in punishment. He has provided a way. Christ bears
the consequence of man's sin, the sense of alienation, the pains and
sorrows, the death. He does not bear them for Himself. His bearing them
accomplishes the ends at which punishment aims, in expressing the
divine hatred of sin and in subduing the heart. Trusting in Him, the
sword does not fall on us. In some measure indeed it still does. But it
is no longer a sword to smite, but a lancet to inflict a healing wound.
And the worst punishment does not fall on us. God's sword was sheathed
in Christ's breast. So trust in Him, then shall you have 'boldness in
the day of judgment.'