Jesus Died for Us: 10 Reasons to Believe

Pr Enos Mwakalindile
Aug 6
5 min read

Why did He accept the cross?

“Faith Built on Truth – For Christ, Through Scripture, For Life”

Silhouette of a person kneeling before a cross at sunset, set against a gradient orange and blue sky, evoking a peaceful mood.

Introduction

Is it really true to claim that a man who lived more than two thousand years ago died for you? Why would Jesus, who taught love and forgiveness, accept a cross that was a tool of suffering and shame? Some think it was a political accident, others say it was just a symbol of self-sacrifice. But the Bible says it was intentional – God’s love bearing our pain to give us new hope. Today we explore ten reasons showing that Jesus did not die by accident – He died for us.

1. Jesus Died to Forgive Our Sins

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

Sin is not just a small mistake but a barrier that separates us from God and harms our relationships with others. Jesus took the weight of our sins on Himself, paying the debt we could never repay. This forgiveness did not come cheap; it required the shedding of spotless blood for our faults. This is grace saying, "You owe nothing now."

Imagine someone carrying a crushing loan, and suddenly the bank clears it without condition. That is the cross. It is a chance for a brand-new start without the weight of past mistakes holding us back. Jesus says, "You are free, now walk in the light."

2. Jesus Bore the Punishment to Reconcile Us with God

“He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death” (Colossians 1:22).

Before the cross, there was a wall of hostility between humanity and God – built by sin and rebellion. Through His death, Jesus tore down that wall, opening the way for true peace. His death was not just forgiveness of wrongs but the restoration of eternal friendship with our Creator.

It is like a family divided for years because of conflict, then one person sacrifices greatly to make reconciliation possible. The cross of Jesus brings us close to the Father, giving us the honor of being called children of God.

3. Jesus Died to Show God’s Unfailing Love

“God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Jesus did not wait for us to be spiritually impressive or fix ourselves first. He died for us while we were still rejecting Him. This is unique, boundless love that silences every argument of “unworthy." The cross is God’s big declaration: "I love you this much."

Like a doctor entering an Ebola outbreak zone to save lives, Jesus stepped into our broken reality – carrying it, conquering it, and rescuing us.

4. Jesus Died to Defeat the Powers of Evil

“By His death He broke the power of him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14).

Jesus’ death was not a defeat but a victory. He faced the powers of darkness, fear, and death – and overcame them once and for all. Forgiveness and love become new weapons that break the chains of evil.

It is like a small light breaking into a dark room – darkness cannot resist it. Jesus opened the way for spiritual victory already visible today in the lives of those once bound by fear and evil.

5. Jesus Died to Give an Example of Self-Giving

“Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

The cross is not just a gift but also an invitation to live self-giving lives for others. Jesus chose love instead of revenge, breaking the cycle of hatred and retaliation through self-sacrifice.

This remains a challenge today. Sometimes following Jesus means forgiving when you have every reason to retaliate, or offering help when the world says, "Protect yourself." Jesus shows that the true path to glory goes through humility.

6. Jesus Died to Give Assurance of Salvation

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Many live under the fear of failing before God. But the cross gives us assurance of salvation – not because of our performance, but because of Jesus’ finished work. When we hold onto the cross, we can live with joy and peace, knowing the judgment has been lifted.

It is like having a confirmed airline ticket, knowing your journey is secure. The cross is our assured ticket to eternal life.

7. Jesus Died to Redeem All Under the Law of Sin

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13).

The law revealed our weaknesses and failures but could not give us the power to live holy lives. Jesus, by taking on the curse of sin, freed us from judgment and fear. Now we can live not striving to meet impossible standards, but by grace that gives new strength.

It is like a prisoner seeing the gates of the jail open and hearing, "You are free, go!" That is the freedom we receive through the cross.

8. Jesus Died to Open the Way to Eternal Life

“My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life” (John 6:40).

Jesus’ death was not the end of His story, but the door to unending life. Through the cross, death lost its final word. Instead of temporary hope, we receive the assurance of never-ending life.

It is like a bridge spanning a deep valley of death, safely carrying us to the land of eternal life. The cross turns the fear of death into the doorway of life.

9. Jesus Died to Fulfill the Old Testament Scriptures

“Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44).

Jesus’ death was no political accident, but God’s ancient plan foretold by the prophets. Psalms, Isaiah, and the Passover imagery all pointed to the cross. Jesus fulfilled the history of redemption, showing that God keeps His promises.

It is like a film scripted long ago and then brought to life in stunning reality. At the cross, we see the entire story of salvation converging into one moment of love and justice.

10. Jesus Died to Establish a New Covenant

“This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20).

The cross marked a new beginning – a new relationship with God based on grace, not our efforts to save ourselves. We are welcomed into God’s family not because of our merit but because of Jesus’ love.

It is like a new contract replacing an old one, bringing new terms of peace and love. This is how the cross gives us confidence of belonging to God’s people now and forever.

Conclusion

The cross of Jesus was not a sign of defeat but of victory. In His death we find forgiveness, reconciliation, victory over evil, and eternal life. The question now is not whether Jesus died for you – but will you accept that love? Will you confess Him as the Lord of your life or continue to live as though the cross does not matter?

Prayer

“Lord Jesus, thank You for Your death on the cross. Forgive my sins and receive me into Your life. Lead me to live in love and faithfulness to You. Amen.”