Why is the concept of Jesus as our substitute important for Christians?

The concept of Jesus as our substitute is fundamentally important for Christians as it underpins the doctrine of salvation. By bearing our sins on the cross, Jesus acted as the perfect substitute for His people, fulfilling the requirements of justice (Leviticus 22:21). His complete innocence and sinlessness were prerequisites for this role; if He were not perfect, God would not accept His sacrifice. The New Testament emphasizes this truth by portraying Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Understanding Jesus as our substitute reassures believers of their standing before God, grounded solely in His righteousness and not their own.