menageriekeeper said:
Why Christ died?
Because the Bible says: "For without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sin." (not a direct quote but close enough. I'd look up the reference but it's dark in this room due to my daughter suffering from a migraine.)
Why I believe what the Bible says? Because the Word resonates with a truth that cannot be denied. Because: "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." Because creation itself shouts the glory of God if we'll just take the time to stop and pay attention. Because, I've tried the Word over and over and it never fails.
Since you were not born with this knowledge, I am going to assume that you came to this position by reasoning through the evidence of what you have now professed to believe. If so, then I would certainly welcome your explanation of why you have come to believe that Christ death was necessary.
This is not a two sentence answer kind of thing, keep in mind that Paul wanting to know nothing else.
Has the nature of God anything to do with why Christ died? Has the nature of man anything to do with Christ died? Could there not have been another way? Why was this way the only way? Why would Christ die for those who are by nature at war with the very one who created them? These are but a few of the more substantive issues that we must contend in giving a reasonable account of why Christ was ordained to the cross.
Moreover, do you not have an understanding that is equally substantive for why you believe what you do? Why you believe what you do may sound something like a testimony. Why you believe what you do may sound something like a sermon. Or why you believe what you do may sound something like a philosophical argument. But whatever it is that has driven you to the point of decision, that is what is the essence of your belief.
Let me share something about what I am asking for, not that anyone cared to ask but I do not want to keep harping on what I am asking for without being willing to give in return. I do believe that Christ's death was necessary, for several reasons. On the hand it was in order to address the very real problem of sin. On the other hand it was necessary for it to be God who addressed that very real problem. The problem arises from the nature of God believe it or not. God is by nature flawless, perfect, unchanging, and immovable. His character is immutable and unwavering. The Bible refers to that as holiness or otherness. God is in his own league. Can I understand that? No. Can I believe that? I in truth do believe that God is holy. Out of God's character or holiness issues forth principles or laws. These principles or laws are paradigms or axioms that are consistent with the very nature and character of God. Because God is holy or other then his character was mirrored or reflected in the very laws that issue forth from his character. The laws stem back from the very nature of God. Now in terms of those attributes and the aspects of the character God, they are difficult at times to reconcile. For example, God is loving and merciful. Yet, God is also just and true. His justice demands truth and punishment. His love and mercy demand forgiveness. How can God reveal both or demonstrate both at the same time and in the same instance? On the one hand if man is sinful and in violation of God's moral norms, then he deserves justice and punishment according to the just nature of God. Yet on the other hand God is loving and merciful and his mercy requires him to demonstrate forgiveness. However, if he forgives at the expense of his just nature then he is not being true to himself. One of the attributes of God is that he is consistent with himself or he is immutable in his character. Now this is where Jesus comes in to the picture. He is the solution to man's problem of sin. Christ is a sufficient atonement for all who would believe. This atonement satisfies the wrath of God and deals out justice. This atonement also makes possible forgiveness without compromising the just nature of God. Now why I believe this is a relatively long story. Yet, for now I will tell you that I believe this because the evidence points in that direction. I am convinced through the power of persuasion that God has revealed himself to us through the Bible. Based on my own investigation of the truth claims of the Bible, I have found them to be trustworthy on a number of levels. I am also persuaded by the personal testimony of others who have come to the same conclusion. I am ultimately persuaded through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The very things that the Bible speaks of have come to life in my own time through faith in the risen Savior.
