Many people talk about our purpose as Christians in terms that seem to have reduced it to things that pertain to this world – loving others, being a good neighbor, being part of a close-knit community of Christians, and so on. All those are good and important, but is that all there is to being a Christian?
If the Lord’s purpose for us is that we would essentially be part of one big social club that makes a positive impact on those around us, we might ask the question: Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?
After all, even atheists and religious people who do not believe in Christ (Muslims, Hindus, Jews, etc.) can form close relationships with others and help the people around them. Yet none of them acknowledge the Lordship of Christ, and they believe the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth was nothing more than a historical fact (if that).
If we reduce Christianity to being nothing more than eating together, helping one another, and showing concern for those around us, how are we different from atheists and unbelievers who simply try to get along with others and help those in need?
The difference comes from HOW we understand the death of Christ on the cross. Yes, it was a historical fact, but it was more than that. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, we can be more than just “good” people. We can be forgiven of our sins, become part of His special people, and have the hope of eternal life.
So why did Jesus die on the cross? Consider these reasons given in the New Testament:
- To make atonement for our sins and make salvation possible – “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation [atonement, KJV]” (Romans 5:8-11). All of us have sinned (Romans 3:23), and no amount of “good” deeds will absolve us of that. This is why Jesus had to die on the cross – to make forgiveness of sins possible so we could be reconciled to God.
- To redeem a people for His own possession – “[Jesus] gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds” (Titus 2:14). Since He provides forgiveness, we are no longer slaves of sin (cf. John 8:34, 36; Romans 6:6-7). He has redeemed us, and we are now His people. Yes, we are to be eager or zealous to do good deeds, but those are meaningless if we are not first purified of our sins and belong to Him.
- To purchase the church – “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). The church is His body (Ephesians 1:22-23), and is made up of those who are saved (Ephesians 5:23; Acts 2:47). Therefore, it is critically important that we belong to His church and serve Him in it. This includes being part of a local church where we work with other Christians and worship God together (cf. Acts 9:26; 20:7; Ephesians 4:16; et al.). Any form of “Christianity” that minimizes the importance of the church misses one of the fundamental points of Christ’s crucifixion.
- To put His covenant into effect – “For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it. For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives” (Hebrews 9:15-17). The old law has been nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). Jesus is “the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises” (Hebrews 8:6). This covenant went into effect when He died on the cross.
- To be raised from the dead to give us hope – “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20-21). Jesus’ resurrection following His death on the cross gives us hope for something beyond this life. This promise is available to all who will be “buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection” (Romans 6:4-5).
To be clear, Christians are to “abound in love for one another, and for all people” (1 Thessalonians 3:12). We are to be “devoted to one another in brotherly love” and “give preference to one another in honor” (Romans 12:10). Shortly before His death, Jesus told His apostles, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
However, Jesus died on the cross to make us not just “good” people but His people. This will result in us doing good to others and enjoying fellowship with those who have been redeemed and added to His church. Thankfully, it also provides us with hope for eternal life in heaven with Him – something the “good” people outside of Christ have “no hope” of receiving (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
We ought to enjoy the bonds we have with our brethren and let our light shine to those around us through our good deeds. However, let us never forget all of the reasons why Jesus died on the cross. Instead, let us be forever grateful for the love He has shown to us.
