Patricia Arthur explains why Jesus was crucified and outlines how this is the best present you will ever receive.
Why did Jesus die on the cross for our sins? It’s likely, many people have asked this question for over 2000 years. And the simple answer is that there was nobody else who could atone for our sins. The Bible says in (Romans 3:23) ‘for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’ Nobody else was worthy, except Jesus. Only, he was born of a virgin, came to earth and lived a sinless life.
Effect of sin
In this fallen world that we live in, people have a natural tendency to do what is wrong – sin. So, it was God’s divine plan, from before the foundation of the world, to send his only son Jesus to die on the cross. Our relationship with God was broken because of sin but through Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection, our relationship can be restored when we put our trust in him.
Jesus took our sins upon himself so that mankind did not have to face the consequences for our wrongdoing and rebellion against a Holy God. And the consequences of sins, if unrepented, result in eternal separation from God – this means in Hell. As Romans 6:23 highlights, ‘for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord’.
Saved by grace through faith
Although Jesus was innocent, he died a criminal’s death, on a cross with two real criminals on either side of him. At the time, in Israel, the religious leaders of the day, the scribes and the Pharisees encouraged the people to have Jesus put to death. Even, when given the choice, as was the custom, preferring to have a guilty prisoner and murderer called Barabbas released and pardoned – instead of Jesus who was innocent.
However, Jesus going to the cross was no mistake. It is God’s will that every human being should be saved. We see this in 2 Peter 3:9, ’the Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.’
The good news is that salvation is available to everyone. It is a gift and there is nothing we can do to get into God’s good books by our own good works. which was the custom. So, our efforts are futile. As Ephesians 2:8-9 says, ‘for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.’
Plan of salvation
Through God’s plan of salvation, he has fixed our sin problem. An exchange took place on the cross. God took our sin upon himself and gives us his righteousness when we put our faith in his son Jesus Christ, as our personal Saviour and turn from our sinful ways. Then God gives us the power to live according to his plan and purpose for our lives.
Yes, God has a plan for your life, that gift of salvation is waiting for you too, if you want it. Just reach out and take it. Our sin slate can be wiped clean. Romans 10:9-10 says that ‘if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.’
The penalty for our sins has been paid in full. When Jesus suffered on the cross, he was suffering as a substitute for you and me. What a loving and wonderful God.
