Jesus died on the cross, but why did He have to die? This teaching explores four essential dimensions of the work Jesus accomplished on the cross. Before addressing these dimensions, two fundamental truths must be emphasized: Jesus' death was not murder, but a voluntary sacrifice, and she had been planned by God according to His designs (Acts 2:23). Jesus did not allow Himself to be killed — He gave Himself.
The first dimension is the Substitution Jesus, who was without sin, took our place. He bore our guilt, received the punishment we deserved, and in return granted us His own righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 53:5). It is this great exchange that makes salvation possible—not through our merits, but through His grace.
The second is the Propitiation His sacrifice fully satisfied God's righteous wrath against sin. God is love, but He is also just—and this justice demanded that sin be punished. Jesus, the atoning sacrifice, turned this wrath away from us, bringing us into God's favor (1 John 2:2). We are no longer children of wrath, but beloved children.
The third is the Redemption Jesus paid the price—the ransom—to free us from three forms of slavery: the slavery of sin, the curse of the law, and the power of Satan (Matthew 20:28, Galatians 3:13, Colossians 1:13). This liberation is legally guaranteed to every child of God. We must stop giving in to temptation, for we are no longer under the dominion of sin.
The fourth and final one is the Reconciliation Through the cross, the separation between man and God has been abolished. We who were strangers, even enemies, have become members of God's family. And this reconciliation we have received confers upon us a responsibility: that of exercising in our turn the Ministry of Reconciliation, as ambassadors of Christ to those who do not yet know him (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
In conclusion, considering these four reasons, it is incumbent upon us as children of God to understand and be revealed the greatness of the cross. This should naturally lead every child of God to witness boldly, to evangelize with love, and to proclaim without shame that Jesus alone saves, but He wants to save everyone., without exception.
Quotes taken from teaching
“Jesus” death on the cross was not murder, it was a sacrifice. God could not have caused Him to die if He had not accepted to die — He came to die.”
“He paid a debt we couldn't pay, to free us from a sentence we couldn't avoid. It's extraordinary.”
“Jesus is exclusive, but He is inclusive. He alone saves, but He wants to save everyone — no one is excluded.”
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