Why is Christ's innocence important for salvation?

The innocence of Christ is central to the Gospel because it qualifies Him to bear the sins of humanity. Hebrews 4:15 emphasizes that Jesus was 'without sin,' making Him the only suitable sacrifice to appease God's wrath and secure redemption for the guilty. His perfect life and death satisfy divine justice, ensuring that all who believe in Him, despite being sinners, are declared righteous through faith. This underscores the covenant of grace, where Jesus, the innocent, is punished in the place of the guilty, bringing them into right relationship with God.