Instead of inflicting upon us the judgment we deserved, God in Christ endured it in our place

The doctrine of substitution affirms not only a fact (God in Christ substituted himself for us) but its necessity (there was no other way by which God's holy love could be satisfied and rebellious human beings could be saved).Therefore as we stand before the cross,we begin to gain a clear view both of God and ourselves,especially in relation to each other.

“Instead of inflicting upon us the judgment we deserved, God in Christ endured it in our place.” 

– John Stott

The Cross of Christ - Page 160