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.   

Can God change your life?

God has made it possible for you to
know Him, and experience an amazing
change in your own life.

Discover how you can find peace
with God.