Ten reasons why Jesus died?

1. Because of our sin.

God is just, and therefore had to punish our wrongdoing. In dying upon the cross, the punishment that was due to us, He took upon Himself. He became our substitute. He took our place.

2. Because nobody else could pay the price for us.

Jesus was fully man, but He was also fully God. He was sinless from birth and throughout life. He was completely free of the sin that stains the life of every other human being. Therefore His substitutionary sacrifice could satisfy the demands of God's justice on behalf of every single person who chooses to believe.

3. Because God loved us so much.

The Bible says God loved the world so much He sent His only Son, so that whoever believed in Him would not die, but have eternal life. Sin threatened to separate us from God for eternity. But God loved us so much He simply couldn't let that happen. He dealt with the problem of our sin when Jesus died on the cross for us, in our place, taking our punishment. Through Jesus, it is now possible for us to be restored to relationship and friendship with God, both in this life and forever.

4. Because good deeds could never make us good enough.

No matter how good we are, or how many good deeds we do - we can never be good enough for God. Especially when our lives are already tainted by sin ("sin" being thoughts, words and actions that are contrary to God's perfect and holy law). Jesus was, of course, good enough and acceptable to God. Therefore when we trust in His death for us on the Cross, rather than in our own "goodness", we too become acceptable to God.

5. Because before you were born He knew you, loved you and wanted you.

The Bible says that "for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, despising its shame". Jesus, though He was God, willingly submitted Himself to death, even such a horrible death, because He considered you to be His great joy and reward. Every person who accepts what Jesus did for them becomes part of the joy for which He embraced the cross.

6. Because there was no other way.

Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane "if it be possible, let this cup pass from me". There simply wasn't any other way to save us. That's why Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me".

7. Because He wants you to enjoy true freedom.

The Bible says "He whom the Son sets free is free indeed". So many people are bound by guilt, fear, depression, anger, hatred and unforgiveness. So many have been bruised, abused and wounded in life. Jesus died and rose from the dead, to set you free, to release you from your own personal prison.

8. Because He wants you to enjoy life.

Jesus said "I have come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly". The quality of life is not dependent upon material possessions, but upon hope, understanding, wisdom, friendships, forgiveness, joy and peace. Jesus died for us and then rose from the dead, that we might have such things in abundance.

9. Because He wants you to know the future.

If I were to die tonight, I know I would wake up in heaven in the presence of God. I know this not because I am a good person, but because Jesus died for me, and rose from the dead for me.

10. Because He wants you to enjoy real peace.

Whether closing my eyes to sleep at night or waking in the morning - I have peace, a sense of calm assurance. Whatever the day may bring, I remember the cross and I know that God loves me, and nothing and no one can ever change that.

 

So what should I do?

Why did Jesus die? The simple answer is that He died for you. And what is that to you? Well, because He did it for you, He wants you to respond. The response He is hoping for, is that you would accept His offer of life, enter into a relationship with Him, and live the rest of your life for Him.

Becoming a "christian" is not complicated, neither is it intellectual suicide! Countless millions of people from every nation, generation and walk of life - from the least to the greatest - have commited their lives to Christ. Being a "christian" is not a matter of religion - but living your life in a daily relationship with God. To be a christian is not a matter of "going to church" or "attending meetings", but of following Jesus.

How do you accept His offer? How do you respond? Just talk to Him for yourself. Prayer is not a formalised dialogue, but a dynamic conversation. If you want to respond to Jesus, then here is a prayer to help you (it's only a suggestion - feel free to use your own words!)....

"God, I acknowledge that I have done wrong in my life, and that my sin has separated me from You. I accept the fact that when Jesus died on the cross, He died for me. I ask that you forgive me on the basis of what Jesus did for me. I receive that forgiveness now, and I thank You for it. I accept too that Jesus rose from the dead, and my desire is to live the rest of my life in a daily relationship with You. Please help me to know You and to live for You. Thank you for receiving me as Your child. Amen."

The best way for you to now develop your relationship with God is to talk to Him every day and to read His Word. Talking to Him is prayer and you don't have to use set or formal prayers. You can talk to God freely, just as you would to a friend. Don't by shy to express your feelings and "be real" when you talk to Him. don't just come with a "shopping list" - share your feelings, hopes and desires with God. Talk to Him about everything - from what makes you glad to what makes you sad. Reading His Word is to read the Bible. Read it daily. Don't just read it as quickly as possible - take your time, talk to God about what you're reading. Ask Him what He thinks and feels. The Bible is a big book, but if you're new to it - start with the Gospels in the New Testament.

Lastly, it's really helpful to be around people of like mind and heart. Look for a good church in your area where you can make friends who will help you in your relationship with God. If you can't find one - write to us on the website prayer page or contact page, and we will help you search. Also feel free to contact us if there are questions you would like to ask, or if you would like us to post you some further reading material.

God bless you