Why is it important for Christians to believe in Jesus' divinity?

The divinity of Jesus is foundational to Christian faith. In John 8:24, Jesus warns that unless people believe that He is 'I AM', they will die in their sins. This underscores the importance of recognizing Him not only as a good teacher but as God incarnate who has the authority to forgive sins. His divine nature is what makes His atoning sacrifice effective; only God can bear the weight of sin and justify the ungodly. This truth is pivotal in understanding the depth of God's love and the means of our redemption.