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Why Did Jesus Die? Understanding the Cross and God’s Love
Introduction
The Bible teaches that Jesus died for our sins. But some people today are mocking or misunderstanding what that means. Pastor Mike Winger explains why Jesus died on the cross, what it really shows us about God, and why some popular ideas about it are wrong. Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible says and why it matters.
What Is Penal Substitution?
Jesus Took Our Place
The word “penal” comes from the idea of punishment. “Substitution” means someone taking someone else’s place. So “penal substitution” means Jesus was punished in our place. He took the punishment we deserve for our sin.
Romans 5:8 says,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
This doesn’t mean God was angry and needed to hurt someone. It means Jesus willingly took our punishment so that we could be forgiven and become friends with God.
Common Misunderstandings
Is God Violent and Angry?
Some people wrongly say that penal substitution teaches that God is mean or bloodthirsty. They say things like, “Would a loving God really kill his own son?”
But this is not what Christians believe. The Bible shows that:
• Jesus chose to die. He wasn’t forced. (John 10:18)
• Jesus is God the Son. He and the Father are one. (John 10:30)
• God is both just and loving. (Romans 3:26)
So the cross is not about God losing his temper. It’s about his perfect justice and love meeting in one amazing act.
Is It Like Pagan Sacrifices?
No, It’s Completely Different
Some critics say that penal substitution is like ancient pagan sacrifices, where people killed animals or even humans to make angry gods happy.
But the Bible teaches the opposite:
1. Jesus is our true representative – He stood in for all of us. (Romans 5:19)
2. It’s about justice, not cruelty – God must deal with sin fairly. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
3. Jesus bore our sin willingly – He gave himself. (Galatians 2:20)
4. God gave the sacrifice – God provided what we could never offer. (John 3:16)
So the cross is not a copy of pagan ideas. It’s the complete answer to sin that only God could give.
Did God Pour Out His Wrath on Jesus?
Understanding God’s Holy Anger
The Bible speaks about God’s “wrath” – this means his holy anger against sin. It’s not a selfish rage but a right response to evil.
Romans 5:9 says,
“Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!”
Jesus suffered the punishment we deserve. That’s why we can now be saved from God’s wrath and welcomed as his children.
Jesus Reveals God’s Love and Justice
Not One or the Other – Both Together
Some say the cross only shows God’s love, not his justice. Others think it’s only about punishment. But the Bible teaches both.
At the cross:
• God shows his love by sending his Son. (John 3:16)
• God shows his justice by punishing sin. (Isaiah 53:5)
Jesus didn’t save us from a bad, angry God. He is God, and he came to save us from sin and its consequences.
Is the Father Against the Son?
No – They Are United
Some critics say penal substitution divides the Trinity – like the Father punishing the Son while the Son tries to protect us.
But Jesus said: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9)
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together in perfect unity. The Father sends the Son. The Son obeys willingly. The Spirit helps us believe and understand. (Romans 8:11)
Why Couldn’t God Just Forgive Us?
God Is Just and Loving
Some ask, “Why didn’t God just forgive us without Jesus dying?”
The answer is: Because God is just. He can’t pretend sin doesn’t matter. But because God is love, he made a way to forgive us—by taking the punishment himself.
Romans 3:26 says, “He did this to demonstrate his righteousness… so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
Doesn’t That Show Forgiveness Without Punishment?
Some people use Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32) to say that God doesn’t need to punish sin to forgive us.
But that story isn’t about the whole message of the cross. It shows that God is eager to welcome us when we return. But Jesus still had to make that return possible through his death.
God’s Wrath and God’s Love Are Not Opposites
They Go Together at the Cross
Critics often ask, “Is God loving or punishing?” But that’s a false choice. God is both loving and just. That’s why the cross is so powerful.
1 Thessalonians 1:10 says, “Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.”
Jesus saves us from the judgment we deserve, by taking it himself. That is perfect love.
Conclusion
The cross of Jesus is not a picture of cruelty—it’s a picture of God’s amazing love and justice. Jesus wasn’t a helpless victim. He chose to die for us. God didn’t hurt an innocent stranger. He gave himself to save us.
Let’s not be ashamed of the cross, even when people mock it. The Bible tells us clearly:
“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Jesus died so that we could live. That’s the heart of the gospel.
Key Bible References
• Romans 5:8–9
• John 3:16
• Isaiah 53:5
• Romans 3:26
• Galatians 2:20
• 1 Thessalonians 1:10
• 1 Corinthians 1:18
• John 10:18
• John 14:9
• Luke 15:11–32
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