Why Did Jesus Have to Die? The Meaning of the Crucifixion
Penal Substitution or Selfless Offering?
The cross speaks God's message of forgiveness, mercy, and costly grace. Jesus sacrificed himself for us. Two theories of the atonement - penal substitutionary and sacrificial offering - emphasize Christ's sacrifice, but can give us very different images of God. We will consider some of the unhelpful ways penal substitutionary theory is talked about that doesn't fit the character of God.
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Series Information
Sundays: February 22-April 5, 2026
The crucifixion of Jesus stands at the heart of the Christian faith, yet it raises profound questions that many believers grapple with: "Why did Jesus have to die?" "Did God need for Jesus to suffer?" "How does His death so long ago absolve us of our sins today?" If you've ever wondered about these questions, simply said "I believe in the crucifixion, I just don't fully understand it," or had questions about the significance of Jesus' death, join us as we explore the various theories of atonement and seek to understand the meaning of the crucifixion. Based on the book, "Why did Jesus have to Die," by Adam Hamilton.
