Why did Jesus Christ have to die on the cross and what did His death accomplish? God is holy and loving. People are sinful. When God’s holiness encounters sin, He reacts with wrath. Thus, we are all justly subject to the wrath of the holy God. According to the Judge, we were guilty. Nevertheless, because He is loving, He wants to bridge the gap in our estrangement and release us from the consequences we deserve. How can He be both just and forgiving toward us? The death of His Son, Jesus Christ, is the answer.
As proof of His love, He sent God the Son to die in our place, thus, removing His wrath. Not only was our pardon made possible through the cross but so was our standing as those who have been declared righteous by God. Furthermore, Christ’s death also made provision for our inward cleansing through the new birth and progressive personal holiness.
What are some of the implications of His crucifixion? Foremost, it means we are not to try to work out our debt to God (Colossians 2:13-14). On the other hand, we are obligated to do good works out of gratitude for being freely saved (Ephesians 2:8-10). Part of this obligation of gratitude includes taking up the particular cross He gives us and following Him in costly discipleship. Additionally, believers are subject to a different law of reaping than unbelievers: Not only do our sins not reap eternal death (John 3:16) as do the sins of the unsaved, but we reap an abundance of good far beyond what was sown (2 Corinthians 4:17). There is great mystery in all this. Let us adore Him for what we do understand.
Instead of being timid, learn to be appropriately bold.