Why Christ Died (2)

Why Christ Died (2)
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

Last week’s article pointed to God’s own nature as one of the reasons for the scheme of redemption being what it is. God is sacrificial love personified. It is reasonable that salvation would therefore involve some type of sacrifice for sin. But again, Why did Jesus die on the cross? The answer is found in that little word SIN. Jesus died because of the sins of mankind. Sin is contrary to the very nature and being of God. Humans cannot have fellowship with God unless their sins are washed away. John said, “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 Jn. 1:5). Darkness is sin, so as long as humans have sin to their account, they cannot be in fellowship with God. Hence, the need for salvation.

The Bible affirms that, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). With the reign of sin comes the reign of death, for “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23; 5:14). Because of sin, “death has passed upon all men, for all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). Isaiah tells us that sin separates humans from God (Isa. 59:1, 2). This has been true from the beginning, for man was cast out of the Garden of Eden on account of sin (Genesis 3:22-24). Access to the Tree of Life was lost, and it can only be regained through the process of redemption (Rev. 22:14).

But what is “sin?” Men tend to define sin in many different ways, but the only definition that really matters is God’s definition. We must consult the Scriptures in order to know God’s definition of sin.

1. Sin is the transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4). The word “sin” means literally “to miss the mark.” Sin is the failure to do what God tells us to do. It should be noted that God’s law contains both moral and positive commands. We must not question God’s requirements.

2. All unrighteousness is sin (1 John 5:17). “Righteousness” is conduct that is consistent with the standard of God’s law. “Righteousness,” according to Peter, is something that is “worked” (Acts 10:35).

3. Sin is refusing to do what one knows to be right (James 4:17). I often ask people if they believe that they we must do what God tells us to do. Most people say yes. At the marriage feast of Cana, Jesus’ mother told the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it” (John 2:5). We may apply this suggestion to all of Christ’s instructions, for He is our Lord and King (Acts 2:36). Failure to comply with Christ’s terms results in sin.

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com.