Why did Jesus come to die?
Jesus came to die as a crucial part of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Several key reasons underlie the significance of Jesus' sacrificial death:
1. **Atonement for Sin:** Jesus' death serves as atonement for the sins of humanity. His perfect and sinless life made Him the ultimate, unblemished sacrifice, satisfying the demands of justice and reconciling humanity with God.
2. **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The Old Testament is replete with prophecies about the Messiah's suffering and death. Jesus, as the fulfillment of these prophecies, establishes the continuity and authenticity of God's plan throughout history.
3. **Demonstration of God's Love:** Jesus' death is the ultimate demonstration of God's love for humanity. In John 3:16, it is stated that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
4. **Victory Over Sin and Death:** Through His death and subsequent resurrection, Jesus achieved victory over sin and death. His sacrifice provides believers with the hope of eternal life and breaks the chains of sin's power.
5. **Access to God's Grace:** The death of Jesus opens the way for humanity to receive God's grace. Through faith in Christ, individuals can access forgiveness, mercy, and the unmerited favor of God.
6. **Revelation of God's Character:** Jesus' death reveals the character of God—His justice, mercy, and righteousness. It highlights God's commitment to redeeming a fallen world and His willingness to take on the consequences of sin on behalf of humanity.
7. **Example of Selfless Love:** Jesus' willingness to die for others serves as an example of selfless love. He calls believers to love one another and to sacrificially serve others, following His model.
In essence, Jesus' death on the cross is the central event in Christian theology, addressing the fundamental problem of sin and providing the means for reconciliation between God and humanity. It is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, demonstrating God's redemptive love and offering salvation to all who believe.
Jesus is King - Daily Devotional