Why Did Christ Have To Die? - Richard F Plache & David R Ord - March 1975

Richard F Plache & David R Ord

WAS CHRIST'S death really necessary? Jesus Himself told the story of the creditor who had two debtors. Between them they owed a great sum of money and neither had the wherewithal to pay. But the creditor, when they couldn't pay, "frankly forgave them both" and wiped out the debt (Luke 7:41-42). Why couldn't God forgive sin that way? If God is really all-powerful, couldn't He simply say, "I forgive you"? Was it really necessary for the very One who created the whole, vast universe to actually die? Surely a loving and merciful God could forgive sin without such a tragedy having to take place. Why must God be so exacting, so punitive - even legalistic, some might say? Isn't He big enough to overlook what we have done? Why make such a "big deal" out of sin? - Information Supplied By: Herbert W Armstrong Library