Question #2: What did Jesus die for?

Let’s take a look at 1 Corinthians 15:3. Starting at verse 3, it says, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures . . .”

Jesus died for our sins according to Scripture. This is important, because if it was not according to Scripture He would not have been the Deliverer. What I mean by that is all the prophecies—or foretelling—of Christ in the Old Testament regarding the coming Messiah was fulfilled in the person of Jesus. Everything had to line up with all the hundreds of prophecies in order for this to actually be what it is.

Our first introduction to the promise of a deliverer is found in Genesis 3:15, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” This is called the protoevangelium. In other words, the first gospel, or “good news”. The wording for offspring is singular. The word “offspring” is the Hebrew word “zera`” (zeh’-rah), which may be better translated “seed.” This is singular, not plural—The Seed. From that point on, the Bible records that God’s people long for the promised Messiah.

I found this table that will help if you would like to look up some more passages of where Jesus fulfills Scripture in being the prophesied Messiah.

So, not only is it true that Jesus died to take away our sins, but also for Scripture to be fulfilled. Many have come and claimed they were the Messiah, but Jesus is set apart from any other false “christ” because of one major truth: Jesus fulfills Scripture.

Also, in Romans 5:6,8,10, we see that in v.6 is says, “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (5:6). Jesus died for the ungodly. Now you may be asking, “who is the ungodly?” Simply put, it is everyone who isn’t God. This isn’t referring to a “godly” character, it’s referring to sinful people. Verse 8 says, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (5:8). And here’s the key verse of these three verses. In Verse 10 it says, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life” (5:10).

This is one of the classic verses that assure us of the doctrine of salvation. For those whom Jesus died are reconciled to God. The context of this wording is past tense. An observation was made in answering question #1 about Hebrews 9:26 and 1 John 3:5, which was about the fact that in these verses we do not see the word “atone” used. They simply say “take away” and “removal” of sin. Again, the important thing about this verse is that it’s in past tense. Paul said this to people whom he also said were enemies of God (Rom. 5:10). What’s an enemy of God? Well, it’s anyone who doesn’t do the will of God! That means every single person on the face of this planet is an enemy of God apart from the saving work of Jesus. But does that mean everyone is reconciled to God? Of course not! So the Bible must be speaking of certain individuals when it uses the word “we.” Indeed, it is those certain individuals who have turned toward Jesus and turned away from sin. It is people who have trusted Jesus with their lives and repented of sin and self-righteousness.

Reconciliation is forgiveness of sins. However, If everyone were reconciled then all the sins of the entire world would be forgiven, thus a universal salvation would have been accomplished on the cross and resurrection of Jesus. We know this is not true, though, because not all who confess Jesus will enter into the Kingdom of God (Matthew 7:21-23). Forgiveness of sins is what Jesus did on the cross for the ungodly, the sinners, the enemies of God whom Jesus purchased with his sacrifice, for Scripture to be fulfilled, to bring unto God a people of His own possession. That’s an assurance you can bank on. And here’s the promise: “For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Rom. 5:10).

Have you turned toward Jesus? Have you trusted in your own deeds of “righteousness” and your own “goodness”? The Bible tells us that we have no righteousness of our own, but only Christ’s righteousness has merit. What is keeping you from trusting Jesus with your life? What is keeping you from trusting His Church as family? Is it “other” people who have distorted your image of Christianity? Just remember this: You don’t stop bathing just because “other” people may not do it so well. In the same way, Jesus is who He is no matter what other people make out of Him. Consider trusting Jesus with your life today. Leave a comment if you have any questions.