Why is the death of Jesus considered central to Christian faith?

The crucifixion of Jesus serves as the cornerstone of Christian faith because it represents the ultimate sacrifice for sin. In the Old Testament, animals were sacrificed repeatedly for the atonement of sin, but these sacrifices could not provide lasting forgiveness. Jesus's death, a once-for-all offering, not only fulfilled the law's demand but also enabled a new covenant relationship between God and humanity as illustrated in Hebrews 10:18-22. By His death, sin was fully addressed, and righteousness was brought in. This highlights the foundational belief that salvation is solely through Christ, and believers can have immediate access to God through faith in Him. His resurrection further affirms that death has been conquered, offering hope for eternal life.