Why is understanding Jesus as our substitute important for Christians?

Recognizing Jesus as our substitute is central to the Christian faith, highlighting that He bore our sins and took upon Himself the wrath of God due to us. In Gethsemane, He faced the horror of God’s judgment in our place, ensuring that all who trust in Him are no longer under condemnation. This sacrificial act is not just a historical event; it promises profound implications for believers today. It assures us that every sin has been paid for, as Jesus declared on the cross, 'It is finished.' With this understanding, Christians can live with the confidence that they are fully forgiven and can approach God without fear, grounded in Christ’s completed work and His righteousness imputed to them.