Jesus needed to die for sin because the wages of sin is death, and only a perfect, sinless sacrifice could satisfy God’s justice and provide atonement for mankind. His death fulfilled the requirements of the Law, reconciled man to God, and demons/”>demonstrated both God’s holiness and love.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(Romans 6:23)
God is holy and cannot overlook sin. Under the Old Covenant, sin required the shedding of blood:
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood… for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”
(Leviticus 17:11)
Animal sacrifices were temporary and symbolic. They pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God:
“For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.”
(Hebrews 10:4)
Jesus, being both fully God and fully man, was uniquely qualified to offer Himself:
“But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.”
(Hebrews 10:12)
His death was a propitiation. A payment in exchange for our sins:
“Whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed.”
(Romans 3:25)
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities… and by His stripes we are healed.”
(Isaiah 53:5)
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
(2 Corinthians 5:21)
Jesus’ death also established the New Covenant, which grants forgiveness and access to God:
“This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
(Matthew 26:28)
Without the cross, there would be no salvation, no reconciliation, and no eternal life. His death satisfied divine justice and made the way for mercy to be extended to all who believe.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”
(Ephesians 1:7)
Jesus died because sin must be judged, and only His perfect life could serve as the acceptable offering.
