Why is Christ’s substitutionary death important for Christians?

The importance of Christ's substitutionary death for Christians cannot be overstated; it forms the foundation of our faith. Through His death, believers are justified, meaning they are cleared of all guilt and reconciled to God. Romans 5:9 states, 'Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.' This truth emphasizes that it is not our works or righteousness that save us, but rather the atoning sacrifice of Christ, who bore our sins and satisfied God's justice on our behalf. This theological underpinning assures believers that their reconciliation with God is solely dependent on Christ’s finished work.