Why is Christ's sacrificial death central to the Gospel?

The sacrificial death of Christ is at the heart of the Gospel message because it fulfills all the legal requirements of God's justice. As stated in Romans 3:26, God is both just and justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Through His death, Jesus paid the ransom for sin, ensuring that God's justice is honored while mercy is extended to unworthy sinners. This understanding distinguishes the true Gospel from false gospels that suggest human effort or merit is necessary for salvation. The Gospel proclaims what has been done for us in Christ, emphasizing that salvation is God's work alone, executed through His Son's supreme sacrifice.