For God So Loved The World

Why Did Jesus Have to Die?

Because the penalty of sin is death. And rather than condemning all of humanity to such a punishment, God sent his sinless son to die in our stead, so that we may have an eternal life in Heaven.

Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, show His power over death itself. Because His life is eternal, He is able to offer eternity to all who believe in Him.

"Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." (John 12:24) Jesus is telling us the necessity of his death. Just as a kernel of wheat is planted in order to produce more seeds, Jesus had to die for our sins, so that we may have new life.

“Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.” (John 12:27) Despite Jesus' distress, knowing His death was nigh, He still recognized His purpose on this earth. Though He knew the what was to come, He still chose to obey His Father and give His life in our stead. Because of this sacrifice, we will never have to pay such a penalty.

Without His death and resurrection, entrance into heaven would not even be possible. God provided, as He promised Abraham and Moses, the ultimate atonement for the sins of His people. He sent His only begotten son into the world so that the world might be saved.

This is why Jesus had to die. So that He could rise again on the third day and claim victory over death itself. So that He, the perfect sacrificial lamb, could offer you and I life everlasting.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16