Why is the death of Christ important for Christians?

The death of Christ is of paramount importance for Christians because it embodies the core of the gospel message—redemption through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. It satisfies God's justice, a fundamental aspect of His holy nature. The Scriptures affirm that sin cannot be ignored without justice being served; thus, either the sinner bears the penalty or a substitute must take their place. In this case, Christ, the sinless Lamb, took upon Himself the sins of His people, satisfying divine justice completely.

Moreover, Christ's death is the fulfillment of God's covenant promises and Old Testament prophecies, affirming God's faithfulness to His Word. As Christians, understanding the significance of the cross shapes our faith and assures us of God's mercy and grace. Through Christ's death, believers gain access to eternal life, knowing that they have been reconciled to God, as affirmed in Romans 3:25-26, which emphasizes Christ as our propitiation through faith. This is the essence of our salvation—the reality that through the cross, God achieves His redemptive purpose and guarantees the redemption of those chosen before the foundation of the world.