Why did anyone have to die?

• God is just (Isaiah 61:8; Deuteronomy 32:4; Job 34:12).
• God said the consequence of sin is death (Genesis 2:16-17; Romans 6:23).
• God is truthful (Numbers 23:19; Psalm 119:160; Romans 15:8).
• So in order for God to not compromise His character, death must be the consequence of sin

Consider how upset society would be with a judge who rightly pronounced someone guilty and then let them go?

But I’m a pretty good person...

The standard is perfect. Are you? Don't feel bad. None of us are. Romans 3:23 reminds us "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Why did it have to be Jesus?

• Because He alone is the perfect lamb without blemish (Exodus 12:1-28; Hebrews 7:23-26).
• Because He alone could perfectly pay the penalty and earn our eternal salvation (Romans 3:24-25; Hebrews 9:11-14).

Justice & Love in perfect harmony

• John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
• Romans 5:8 “but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
• Galatians 2:20b “And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Addressing “God forcing that on Jesus is cosmic child abuse”

This is a sadly misinformed understanding of who Jesus is, and how much He loves you! Jesus is fully God and that means He is involved in every decision. In His authority and power, Jesus chose to die for us.

John 10:11, 15-18 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep … just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.”

How am I meant to respond to this?

Repent. Confess. Believe. (Acts 3:19; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 10:43).

If you're unsure what that means, see below for a link to contact us and we’d be thrilled to help you understand!