Why is looking to Christ for salvation important?

In Numbers 21, God commanded Moses to lift up a brass serpent on a pole, symbolizing salvation from the deadly bites of serpents that represented sin. When the Israelites looked upon the serpent, they were healed and saved from death. This event foreshadows the ultimate salvation found in Jesus Christ, who was lifted up on the cross for our sins. Just as the Israelites needed to acknowledge their plight and look to the brass serpent to live, sinners today must look to Christ in faith, believing in His sacrifice for redemption. This act of looking represents faith—a complete reliance on Christ's atoning work, highlighting that salvation is not through our efforts or merits but through His grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).