Why did Jesus die?

Every person has a problem, and that problem is sin. The Bible tell us that 'All have sinned...' (Romans 3:23). Sin is thinking, saying or doing anything that is against God and his perfect standard. There are some very important consequences of sinning. We can remember these with 4Ps:

• Pollution of sin (Mark 7:20-23)
• Power of sin (John 8:34)
• Penalty for sin (Romans 6:23)
• Partition of sin (Isaiah 59:2)

Sin pollutes us, makes us feel guilty, embarrassed, ashamed. Sin is powerful, we can fall into addiction and bad habits: this can be drinking, drugs, gambling etc. but also things like gossiping, being lazy or a control freak. There can be a penalty for sin. This can be a legal penalty for breaking the law, but also things like family break-down if someone has commit adultery. However, the biggest consequence of sin is the partition it causes between us and God. Toni referred to sins as like black spots against our name. Even one sin, one black spot, means we can not earn a relationship with a perfect God or earn in a place in a perfect Heaven.

However, God had a plan to solve this. Because of His great love for us, He sent his only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us. Jesus willingly went to the cross in our place, taking the punishment that we deserved, so that we don't have to face that punishment.

This has fantastic results for us. We are cleansed. Toni showed us that our black spots are taken from us and given to Jesus. This means when we die there are no longer any black spots against us. Jesus paid the price for us. Toni explained that this is our choice. We choose to give our black spots to Jesus by saying 'Yes' to Him and following Him. 

When you say 'Yes' to following Jesus you begin a relationship with Him instantly. Toni explained that Christianity is a relationship with the living God, not a religion. Jesus helps you in life now, through His Holy Spirit, and helps you overcome sinful habits and behaviour, even though we all still stumble sometimes. Then, when we die, we stand before Jesus without any black spots against us, because Jesus paid the penalty for them at the cross, and we go to Heaven! 

Toni pointed out that you can never be good enough to earn your place in Heaven, only choosing Jesus, as the person whom paid the price for you, can give you entry.

That is why Jesus died and why it is so important to Christians.