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The Cross: Why Did Jesus Die?
A Look at Romans and the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
Introduction: Why the Cross Matters
The cross is one of the most important symbols in Christianity. It reminds us of the death of Jesus Christ. But what did Jesus’ death actually mean? Why did He have to die? What does the Bible say about it?
Let’s explore the answers to these questions using the book of Romans in the Bible. Romans was written by the Apostle Paul to help people understand the Gospel—the good news of how we can be saved through Jesus.
What Is Penal Substitution?
“Penal substitution” might sound like a complicated word, but let’s break it down:
• Penal means a punishment.
• Substitution means someone taking someone else’s place.
So, penal substitution is the idea that Jesus took the punishment we deserve for our sins. He died instead of us.
Romans shows that Jesus didn’t just die as an example or a good person. He died to deal with a real problem—our sin and the punishment that sin deserves.
Everyone Has Sinned
The book of Romans tells us that every person has sinned.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23
Whether you’re a child, a parent, a teacher, or a king, the Bible says no one is perfect. We all do wrong things—lying, being unkind, disobeying God—and the result of that sin is serious.
“The wages of sin is death.” — Romans 6:23
That means what we earn from sin is death. This isn’t just about physical death. It also means being separated from God forever.
God Is Loving—but Also Just
Some people think that if God is loving, He would just forgive us without punishment. But the Bible also tells us something else:
“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people.” — Romans 1:18
God’s anger (His “wrath”) isn’t like human anger. It’s not unfair or out of control. It’s holy and right. God hates sin because it hurts people and breaks His good world.
God is both loving and just. He can’t ignore sin. So, He needed a way to forgive us without pretending sin doesn’t matter.
The Problem and the Solution
Here’s the big problem:
• People are guilty of sin.
• God is good and must punish sin.
• But God also wants to forgive and save us.
So what did God do?
“God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood—to be received by faith.” — Romans 3:25
This is the solution! God sent Jesus to die in our place. Jesus took the punishment that we deserved. This is what we call atonement—making things right between us and God.
The Justice of God at the Cross
Paul writes something very important about the cross:
“He did this to demonstrate His righteousness… so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” — Romans 3:26
That means God didn’t just forgive sin by ignoring it. He punished it fully—but He did it by placing that punishment on Jesus. So God is still just (fair), and He can still forgive sinners.
Jesus took our place. He became our substitute.
Jesus Took Our Place
This idea shows up in many Bible verses:
• Galatians 3:13 — “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.”
• 1 Peter 2:24 — “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 — “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Jesus never sinned, but He was treated as if He had, so that we—who have sinned—can be treated as though we had never sinned.
God’s Wrath and God’s Mercy
Some people today don’t like to talk about God’s wrath or punishment. But the Bible makes it clear that Jesus’ death saves us from God’s wrath:
“Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” — Romans 5:9
Without Jesus, we would still be under God’s punishment for sin. But with Jesus, we are saved and made right with God. That is the greatest gift!
Righteousness and Peace Meet
There’s a beautiful verse in the Psalms that gives us a picture of the cross:
“Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” — Psalm 85:10
On the cross, God’s love and God’s justice met. Jesus’ death shows us how much God hates sin—but also how much He loves sinners like us.
What Does This Mean for Me?
Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we can be forgiven and become friends with God again.
“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
We don’t earn this gift. We just need to believe in Jesus and trust Him. That’s what “faith” means.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8
Final Thoughts: A Beautiful Exchange
The cross is not just a sad story. It’s the most powerful, beautiful moment in history.
Jesus took what we deserved so that we could receive what He deserved—God’s love, forgiveness, and eternal life.
If you ever wonder how much God loves you, look at the cross.
“It is finished.” — John 19:30 (That means: the price is fully paid.)
A Prayer You Can Pray
If you believe this and want to trust in Jesus, you can pray something like this:
“Dear God, I know I’ve sinned and I need your forgiveness. Thank you for sending Jesus to take the punishment I deserve. I believe He died and rose again. Please forgive me and help me to follow you. Amen.”
Let the truth of the cross shape your heart and your life. Jesus died for you—and He also rose again to give you new life!
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