Why Did Jesus Have to Die?

At the heart of Christianity is the belief that humanity is broken. You don’t need to look far to see the pain, injustice, and selfishness in the world. The Bible calls this brokenness sin—it’s anything that separates us from God and keeps us from living the way we were created to. And if we're honest, we’ve all contributed to that brokenness in some way.

God is perfect, and that means He can’t ignore sin. But instead of leaving us to deal with the consequences on our own, He made a way to restore us back to Him. That’s where Jesus comes in.

Jesus Took Our Place

Think of it this way: Imagine you’re in debt, but it’s a debt so massive you could never pay it off in a lifetime. Then, someone steps in and pays it for you—completely, no strings attached. That’s what Jesus did on the cross.

Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life, yet He willingly took on the punishment we deserved. The Bible says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Instead of us paying the price for our sin, Jesus took it upon Himself. His sacrifice was an act of love, a gift that offers us complete forgiveness and a fresh start.

What Does This Mean for You?

Forgiveness is Available – No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, Jesus’ sacrifice means you can be completely forgiven. You don’t have to carry guilt or shame. Jesus took it all on the cross so you wouldn’t have to.

A Relationship with God – Christianity isn’t about following rules—it’s about being in a real relationship with God. Jesus’ sacrifice removed the barrier that separated us from Him. Now, we can know Him personally, not just as some distant figure, but as a loving Father.

A New Life – Jesus didn’t just die; He rose again, proving that death isn’t the end of the story. That means no matter how broken things may seem, there is hope. His resurrection offers us new life—one filled with purpose, peace, and the promise of eternity with Him.

How Do You Accept This Gift?

The beauty of Jesus’ sacrifice is that it’s a gift—you don’t have to earn it. The Bible says, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). It’s as simple as acknowledging your need for Him, believing in what He did, and choosing to follow Him.

So, What Now?

If this is new to you, that’s okay. Exploring faith is a journey, and questions are welcome. But know this—Jesus’ sacrifice wasn’t just some religious event; it was a personal act of love for you. He saw your worth, your struggles, your fears—and still chose the cross so that you could live in freedom and hope.

If you want to learn more about what it means to follow Jesus, we invite you to join us at Destiny Church this Easter. Experience the power of His love and the hope of new life firsthand.