Why Did Jesus Die?

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

The idea that Jesus accepted the punishment for our sins by dying on the cross has confused many people over the years.

Just think, Jesus, God’s Son, died to pay the penalty that we owed for our sins. There have been many theories that attempt to explain this, but scripture teaches us that the word “substitute” comes most closely. In other words, one man took our place and received the punishment that we deserve for our sins.

Let me try to give you an example of this.

One time a father caught his two sons doing something wrong. They were gently warned, but they continued to do wrong. The father’s heart was painful with the thought of punishing the boys he loved, so he called them into his room, removed his belt and shirt, and knelt by his bed. He told each child to whip him ten times. They cried so much at the thought of whipping their father, but the penalty had to be paid. Then afterwards, the father hugged and kissed them and they prayed together.

Just as this father took the punishment that his sons should have received, Jesus took the punishment for all of our sins. And now, He invites you to accept His forgiveness and devote the rest of your lives to Him. He wants us to know the greatness of His Father’s love.

That is why He died.   

 

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