Answers
Did Jesus Have to Die?
By Jennifer Devlin
Guest Writer
CBN.com
– Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?
At the time of Jesus’ death in 33 AD, the cross was a popular method of death used for the most wretched criminals. His death on a cross was prophesied long before Jesus ever set foot on earth as the God Man.
Is it the cross itself that saves? No. The cross is just the manner in which the Lord chose to show the world that Jesus was taking the sin of man on Himself and dying for us out of obedience to His Father. It is the perfect sacrifice of Jesus the Messiah that provides remission of sins for the world.
Jesus died on the cross because the Father willed that He would do so. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament set the stage for the final sacrifice of Jesus, which was God’s plan from the beginning.
The Bible tells us that there is no remission of sin without the shedding of blood. From the first days in the garden, when God gave Adam and Eve animal skins to cover themselves, covenant and blood sacrifice concepts were introduced by God, and understood and practiced among God’s people.
Before Jesus, the atonement provided by sacrificial offerings was temporary. God was clear through His Word that the Messiah would come to provide the “once for all” sacrifice for sin. Jesus was obedient unto death, even on a cross.
God’s ultimate goal is to bring mankind back into right fellowship with Him. On that day at a place called Calvary, Jesus fulfilled the will of the Father, and fulfilled the covenant between God and His people. Whoever repents of sin, accepts Jesus’ death for their sins, and believes that Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for all sin, will receive the gift of right relationship with God. And, it happened on a cross.
Do You Want a Relationship with God?
If you want this kind of relationship with God, pray this prayer right now:
Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that you took the pain of the cross to give me new life. I ask you to come into my life and to give me your peace and joy. I confess that I am a sinner -- that I have gone my own way and have done wrong. Please forgive me for my sins. I receive you now as my Lord and Savior. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit. Help me to follow you and to serve you all my life. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, you are now a child of God. The things of your old life have passed away and He has made all things new.
We want to join you in celebrating your new life. Please send us an e-mail to let us know that you prayed to receive Jesus as your Savior. Or you can call our Prayer Counseling Center at (800) 759-0700. A caring friend is available to talk with you and send you some resources to help you begin your walk with the Lord.
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