How do we know Christ had to be smitten for our salvation?

The necessity of Christ being smitten for our salvation is grounded in God’s eternal purpose as revealed in Zechariah 13:7, which prophesies that the shepherd would be struck. This act was God's predetermined plan to save His people; it demonstrates both His justice and mercy. God's holiness requires that sin is punished, and only through the sacrifice of Christ can justice be satisfied while still extending mercy to sinners. The smiting of Christ is crucial because it illustrates that our salvation hinges entirely on His atoning work, rather than any human effort or merit.