Why is Christ crucified the central message of the gospel?

The gospel centers around the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is identified as 'Christ crucified.' This is vital because He is God's appointed Savior, bearing the sin of His people and offering righteousness to those in need. The significance of this message is rooted in the fact that Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law's demands on behalf of the elect, dying in their place to secure their salvation. Understanding Christ as the Lord our Righteousness, or Jehovah Sidkenu, encapsulates the essence of why His crucifixion is paramount in the assurance of salvation for believers.