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How do we know that Christ's suffering was necessary for salvation?

Answered in 2 sources

Christ's suffering was essential as it fulfilled the requirement for atonement, allowing the Holy Spirit to come and empower believers (John 16:7).

The necessity of Christ's suffering and death can be traced back to its fundamental role in the salvation of humanity. John 16:7 highlights that it was expedient for the disciples that Christ should go away; if He did not depart, the Comforter would not come. This points to the essential link between Christ's atoning sacrifice and the sending of the Holy Spirit. By bearing the burden of sin through His death, Christ made atonement that satisfied divine justice and opened the way for redemption. This act was central to God's redemptive plan, as it allowed the Holy Spirit to be sent to empower and guide believers. Thus, Christ's suffering not only secured salvation but was integral to the believer's ongoing work in faith and service.
Scripture References: John 16:7, Hebrews 9:22, Romans 5:8, Isaiah 53:10-12, John 10:14-15

Articles (2)

The Crucifixion
Don Fortner · Feb 9, 2011