Why Jesus Died

“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”

1 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Did you know that what happened at the cross was so powerful that it covered our sins and failures not only in the past, but for our future as well? Jesus’ death paid it all! On the cross, Jesus gave the Victor’s cry, “It is finished!” The ransom for our sins has been paid in full! We don’t have to fear judgment when we put our trust in Him as our Savior from sin! 

Knowing that He has already dealt with our sins enables us to trust our future to Him because He is already there! This is what makes His sacrifice superior to all other sacrifices. In the Old Testament, the sacrifices had to be repeated daily. But the Bible says in Hebrews 7:27 (NIV) “Unlike the other high priests, (Christ) does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself.” Peter repeats this in 1 Peter 3:18 (NIV) when he says, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” I love that phrase - once for all!

The writer of Hebrews goes on to add, “For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered Himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then He sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.” Hebrews 10:10-12 (NLT) His single sacrifice was good for all time!

If that weren’t enough, look at what His one sacrifice provides for us in verse 14, “For by that one offering He forever made perfect those who are being made holy.” You are perfect in Christ! Holy! Blameless! Without a single fault! That’s how your Heavenly Father sees you in Christ! Quit worrying about your past and fretting about the future. Jesus dealt with our sins once for all time! Live free, free from the burden of guilt and shame! Free from the bondage of all the hurts, habits, and hang-ups that once weighed you down! Make your confession of faith once for all and never look back. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus! Old things have passed away! All things have become new! That’s the power of the Cross! It is why Jesus died, so He may bring us to God. This is the finished work of the Cross!

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To read this devotional online or catch up on past ones, visit kerryshook.org/blog.

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