DAY 12 of #100daysofJesus
Why did Jesus come to earth and die for us?
Many long books have been written on this topic (in addition to the scriptures), so I'll simply summarize my understanding here. This is based on what Jesus said to the Nephites at the end of His post-resurrection ministry among them, as recorded in 3 Nephi 27 of the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
Very simply put, Jesus came to make it possible for us to (1) conquer death and (2) conquer sin.
CONQUERING DEATH
Jesus taught the people: "And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father."
The symbolism is powerful. On the cross, he was risen up just as he would rise up three days later from the tomb. Jesus conquered death, which had been introduced into the world with the fall of Adam and Eve. Because of Jesus' dual-nature, being God, he was able to overcome death, a triumph no human could do alone.
Because He broke the bands of death, all mankind will also be lifted up, rising to stand in judgement as resurrected people. Without Jesus, our eternal progress was damned, but because of Jesus, ALL PEOPLE WILL LIVE AGAIN. What hope and joy this doctrine brings to know that death is not the end.
And Jesus taught in John 5:29 that ALL will be resurrected, the good and the evil.
CONQUERING SIN
Jesus taught that "no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing enters into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end."
No one on this earth has lived a sinless life save Jesus only. Simply put, the stain of sin prevents us from returning to God's heavenly home. This chasm between us in our unclean state and the perfection demanded to enjoy God's presence is also bridged by Jesus' atoning sacrifice.
The difference between this and the victory over death is that sanctification is not a free gift available without effort on our part. Otherwise, what would the decisions made in this life matter? Jesus mentions faith, repentance, and faithfulness to the end as requirements. In the following verse He clearly tells us what He expects of us:
"Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day."
To summarize, we must have faith (believe in Jesus), repent (change by turning our hearts to Jesus), be baptized (a commitment to follow Jesus), receive the Holy Ghost (a gift from Jesus), and live faithfully to the end of our lives (as disciples of Jesus). He requires us to live a Christian life, which doesn't mean living perfect; it means living intentionally, striving to follow Him as His disciple. The reward for such discipleship is eternal life.
I invite you to send me a note if you have questions or want to learn more. Of all my religious belief, this doctrine about Jesus' sacrifice is the most sacred and important to me.
Jesus loves you. That love is why he made His great sacrifice for you. You are worth it. If you choose to follow Him, you will never regret it - great things are in store!
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