How do we know Christ's crucifixion is central to salvation?

The centrality of Christ's crucifixion to salvation is underscored in the sermon through the claim that 'without Christ crucified, we would still be under the wrath and judgment of Almighty God.' The reality of the crucifixion fulfills the prophetic scriptures, demonstrating that it was not merely an event of human cruelty but the determined plan of God, as seen in Acts 2:23. Christ's death was the needed sacrifice to uphold justice and manifest God's love, as He became our substitute, bearing the penalty for our sins. Therein lies our hope and assurance; through His death, we receive righteousness and redemption. We learn that it was out of God’s mercy that 'the Lord Jesus Christ stood as a lamb slain from the foundation of the world,' establishing the foundation for our faith.