As I stood in the old, dimly lit church, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the intricate stained glass window before me. It depicted the crucifixion of Jesus, and it felt as if the image was whispering a profound truth, urging me to delve deeper into the meaning of Christ’s death. This journey led me to contemplate the importance of faith righteousness, and ultimately, why Jesus had to die.
The role of Jesus’ death in our salvation
In the heart of Christian living lies the most significant doctrine of the New Covenant, as described in Hebrews. It is essential for our spiritual growth and maturity to understand the role of Jesus’ death in our salvation, as it delivered us from sin and reconciled us with God.
Old Testament sacrifices and propitiation
The Old Testament sacrifices were crucial for grasping the magnitude of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Hebrews 10:1-4 unveils the foreshadowing of His sacrifice, pointing us to the propitiation – a term often misunderstood as solely about satisfying wrath. Romans 3:25 teaches us that it is not just about wrath, but rather about delivering us from the curse so we can experience God’s love and relationship. The study of Old Testament sacrifices reveals the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ ultimate act of love.
On the Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 16, the scapegoat and the sacrificial lamb played significant roles. Jesus became our scapegoat, bearing our sins on the cross, descending into Hades, and being separated from God (Matthew 27:46). As the sacrificial lamb, His blood cleansed us and made us able to approach God.
Understanding the true meaning behind Jesus’ final words on the cross
Jesus’ final words on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:28-30), signified the debt being paid, rather than salvation simply being complete. He became the curse of the law for us (2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13), and it is through understanding the concept of debt and consequences in Scripture that we can truly appreciate His sacrifice.
Understanding why Jesus had to die is essential for our relationship with God. His righteousness demanded the debt to be paid, but it was His love that led Him to pay it for us. This knowledge transforms our faith and our lives, as we embrace the ultimate sacrifice.