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Jesus died to pay the penalty for humanity's sin. As the sinless Son of God, His death satisfied God's justice and made forgiveness possible. Through His sacrifice, we can be reconciled to God. He died in our place, the righteous for the unrighteous (1 Peter 3:18).
Why this answer? It starts with 1 Peter 3:18, then cross-checks Romans 5:8 and Isaiah 53:5-6 so the summary stays anchored in Scripture.
This answer explains why Jesus died on the cross by connecting substitution, sacrifice for sins, God's justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation through Christ.
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.”
- 1 Peter 3:18
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, who became human to save humanity from sin. Christians believe He is fully God and fully man, born of the Virgin Mary, who died on the cross for our sins and rose again on the third day.
Atonement is the reconciliation of God and humanity through sacrifice. In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices covered sin temporarily. Jesus' death is the ultimate atonement—He bore God's wrath as our substitute, satisfying divine justice and making forgiveness possible. His blood cleanses us from all sin.
Salvation is God's deliverance of humanity from sin and its consequences through Jesus Christ. It includes forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the gift of eternal life. Salvation is by grace through faith, not by human effort or good works.
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Answers are informed by Scripture and trusted theologians including Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Always verify with Scripture and consult your local church for pastoral guidance.