Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, in his book, In Christ Alone, shows the broad reach of God’s historical salvation plan.  He describes five “exchanges” delineated in the book of Romans that encompass mankind’s relationship with the creator God.

First, humanity has sinned, having exchanged the glory of God for images and idols, exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and exchanged natural use for what is against nature (vs 1.23-26).

Second, as a direct consequence, “God exchanged the privilege of mans’ communion-knowledge of Him for His righteous wrath against man” (vs 18).  This exchange is evident all around us as God is ignored.  The mockers “cannot see that the conscience-hardening and body-destroying effects of their rebellion are the judgement of God.”

Third, God provides the grace-filled redemption of the cross (vs 3.21-26).  God became man in order to exchange places with Adam, to trade His obedience for our disobedience (8.3).

Fourth, the gospel good news is offered to sinners, to exchange Christ’s righteousness and justification for unrighteousness and condemnation.  Dr. Ferguson emphasizes the beauty of God’s plan – that this exchange is consistent with the absolute righteousness of God (3.21-26), is consistent with the Old Testament law and prophets (1.1-4; 3.21), and we contribute nothing to our salvation.

Fifth, as faith in Jesus Christ grows, our unbelief is exchanged for trust.

Man’s contribution in these five exchanges is to be a sinner! God does all the rest; praise be to God!