What is the reason Christ Died?

[descout]

Now this may seem like an odd or simple question to which I thought I knew the answer. Recently when discussing doctrine with members of non Catholic religions I have been given an asnwer to their doctrine belief that is along the lines of “Christ died for me so…” and well you can fill in the blank with either so I am saved, or so I am forgiven etc. It seems that alot of people take his death on the cross as kind of a reason as to they are automatically given these gifts of God, meaning they dont have to abide in processes or works or actions to gain something. I mean I do believe that Christ died for my sins but I still believe that I must persevere til the end!

 

[chypmonk]

Now this may seem like an odd or simple question to which I thought I knew the answer. Recently when discussing doctrine with members of non Catholic religions I have been given an asnwer to their doctrine belief that is along the lines of “Christ died for me so…” and well you can fill in the blank with either so I am saved, or so I am forgiven etc. It seems that alot of people take his death on the cross as kind of a reason as to they are automatically given these gifts of God, meaning they dont have to abide in processes or works or actions to gain something. I mean I do believe that Christ died for my sins but I still believe that I must persevere til the end!

I really like when similar people say they have “taken Jesus as Lord and Savior.” I think this is a very important message for Catholics today since most Catholics I know (including priests) don’t think belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior is necessary. The question is, are good works worth anything before accepting Jesus as Lord?

 

[descout]

I really like when similar people say they have “taken Jesus as Lord and Savior.” I think this is a very important message for Catholics today since most Catholics I know (including priests) don’t think belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior is necessary. The question is, are good works worth anything before accepting Jesus as Lord?

No, but is accepting him the only thing we must do like these other religions come to a conclusion on? When we are to believe in Christ must we not believe in ALL of what he is. This includes his ways, his doctrines, his teachings, etc.

 

[Elizium23]

Please read the Catechism of the Catholic Church for a complete answer to this.

Here is an excellent selection from the Catechism about Christ’s death:
Catechism:

“The Lamb who takes away the sin of the world”

608 After agreeing to baptize him along with the sinners, John the Baptist looked at Jesus and pointed him out as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”.422 By doing so, he reveals that Jesus is at the same time the suffering Servant who silently allows himself to be led to the slaughter and who bears the sin of the multitudes, and also the Paschal Lamb, the symbol of Israel’s redemption at the first Passover.423 Christ’s whole life expresses his mission: "to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."424

Jesus freely embraced the Father’s redeeming love

609 By embracing in his human heart the Father’s love for men, Jesus “loved them to the end”, for "greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."425 In suffering and death his humanity became the free and perfect instrument of his divine love which desires the salvation of men.426 Indeed, out of love for his Father and for men, whom the Father wants to save, Jesus freely accepted his Passion and death: "No one takes [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord."427 Hence the sovereign freedom of God’s Son as he went out to his death.428

As you can see, Jesus’ suffering and death was prefigured in the Passover meal of Exodus and commemorated faithfully by the Jews. “On the tenth day of Nisan, take a lamb. It must be without blemish…” On the tenth day of Nisan, Jesus entered into the holy city of Jerusalem. Pontius Pilate declared at his trial, “I find no fault in this man.” Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples but that Passover was not complete until Jesus himself, the Paschal lamb, was slaughtered once and for all for forgiveness of all our sins.
Catechism:

Christ’s death is the unique and definitive sacrifice

613 Christ’s death is both the Paschal sacrifice that accomplishes the definitive redemption of men, through “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”,439 and the sacrifice of the New Covenant, which restores man to communion with God by reconciling him to God through the “blood of the covenant, which was poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”.440

614 This sacrifice of Christ is unique; it completes and surpasses all other sacrifices.441 First, it is a gift from God the Father himself, for the Father handed his Son over to sinners in order to reconcile us with himself. At the same time it is the offering of the Son of God made man, who in freedom and love offered his life to his Father through the Holy Spirit in reparation for our disobedience.442

There is a wealth of information in the Catechism; this in turn is drawn from Holy Scripture as well as the Tradition of the Church. My own knowledge about the Passover is due in considerable part to Jeff Cavins’ “The Great Adventure” Bible study course. I highly recommend it for a full understanding of how the Old and New Testament are finely interwoven, and how they represent a complete picture of our salvation as a people.
Catechism:

635 Christ went down into the depths of death so that "the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live."485 Jesus, “the Author of life”, by dying destroyed "him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and [delivered] all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage."486 Henceforth the risen Christ holds “the keys of Death and Hades”, so that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth."487

By His death, Christ abolished the Jewish temple worship based on sacrifice of animals. In creating a new covenant with us, He freed us from the bondage of sin once and for all. First comes our faith in His death and resurrection. Then come our good works based on our faith. As you know, Catholicism does not subscribe to the Protestant maxim of ‘sola fide’, faith alone. Our salvation is dependent on not merely the absence of sin, but on the presence of good works. This is first and foremost a participation in the sacramental life of the Church. Baptism, the Holy Eucharist, and Penance are all the keys to our salvation, as Christ instituted these while on Earth with His disciples. Do not forget acts of charity and love. In seeking forgiveness for our sins and frequent reception of the Eucharist, we perpetually recall Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. This is what it means to live a life in Christ.

 

[chypmonk]

No, but is accepting him the only thing we must do like these other religions come to a conclusion on? When we are to believe in Christ must we not believe in ALL of what he is. This includes his ways, his doctrines, his teachings, etc.

No it isn’t the only thing but I think it is essential. The problem I have is the double speak of many Catholics who say one thing to a Protestant “good works are only beneficial to salvation when in sanctifying grace” then turn around and say another thing to others groups like: " those who don’t know Christ, it is enough to follow the natural law to be saved."

Can one be in sanctifying grace and NOT accept “Jesus as Lord and Savior”?

 

[thistle]

Now this may seem like an odd or simple question to which I thought I knew the answer. Recently when discussing doctrine with members of non Catholic religions I have been given an asnwer to their doctrine belief that is along the lines of “Christ died for me so…” and well you can fill in the blank with either so I am saved, or so I am forgiven etc. It seems that alot of people take his death on the cross as kind of a reason as to they are automatically given these gifts of God, meaning they dont have to abide in processes or works or actions to gain something. I mean I do believe that Christ died for my sins but I still believe that I must persevere til the end!

Christ died to redeem everyone and give us all the opportunity to be saved. Sadly, many Protestants don’t understand there is a difference between redemption and salvation. They think simply that because they believe in Christ they are assured of being saved and that all their past, present and future sins are automatically forgiven. This of course is nonsense.
Ask St Paul. He believed in Christ but had to persevere to the end. Why would he have to persevere to the end if he was saved simply by believing in Christ?

 

[Gloria1]

Christ died for us all but His death saves those who believe in His birth, His life, His teachings, His death, His resurrection, etc. Christ opened the ‘door’ for all of us. The door is open and we can all walk our way through to the Kingdom of God. The door is open but if you just sit down and refuse to walk, you’ll not receive salvation.

 

[JoeT777]

I would suggest that the answer to your question is given us by John in his Gospel. He came to receive his faithfull as adopted sons of God; that is, having that special relationship with God that would make us like God’s only begotten son, Jesus Christ. (Cf John 1:12)

It’s the focus of both the Old and the New Testament.

JoeT

 

[Doxiemom]

Jesus died because a blood sacrifice has been demanded by God for the forgiveness of sin . He Himself shed that first blood for Adam and Eve when expelled from the Garden. It is God’s Way.

And so, He gave His Son Who is the Perfect Lamb for the last Sacrifice, a perfect offering.

There is an interesting thought going a bit further on this subject I found quite fascinating. Something that always seemed odd was -why is it that Jesus told Martha not to touch Him as he had not yet ascended to His Father? Is it not entirely possible that, because sin had entered Heaven itself long before Adam by the rebellion of Lucifer. And therefore, only the most perfect Lamb’s Blood had to be shed even there. That is why , before it being done, the gates of heaven were closed until opened again by Christ.

But Scripture does insert the word “may” (be forgiven). You must admit your sins and ask for forgivenss; as in the same manner as

The withered arm could not have been made new again unless the man obeyed the command to reach out first.

 

[Doxiemom]

Jesus died because a blood sacrifice has been demanded by God for the forgiveness of sin . He Himself shed that first blood for Adam and Eve when expelled from the Garden. It is God’s Way.

And so, He gave His Son Who is the Perfect Lamb for the last Sacrifice, a perfect offering.

There is an interesting thought going a bit further on this subject I found quite fascinating. Something that always seemed odd was -why is it that Jesus told Mary Madgline not to touch Him as he had not yet ascended to His Father? Is it not entirely possible that, because sin had entered Heaven itself long before Adam by the rebellion of Lucifer. And therefore, only the most perfect Lamb’s Blood had to be shed even there. That is why , before it being done, the gates of heaven were closed until opened again by Christ.

But Scripture does insert the word “may” (be forgiven). You must admit your sins and ask for forgivenss; as in the same manner as

The withered arm could not have been made new again unless the man obeyed the command to reach out first.

 

[JM3]

Obedience to the Father.

 

[JM3]

Jesus died because a blood sacrifice has been demanded by God for the forgiveness of sin . He Himself shed that first blood for Adam and Eve when expelled from the Garden. It is God’s Way.

And so, He gave His Son Who is the Perfect Lamb for the last Sacrifice, a perfect offering.

There is an interesting thought going a bit further on this subject I found quite fascinating. Something that always seemed odd was -why is it that Jesus told Martha not to touch Him as he had not yet ascended to His Father? Is it not entirely possible that, because sin had entered Heaven itself long before Adam by the rebellion of Lucifer. And therefore, only the most perfect Lamb’s Blood had to be shed even there. That is why , before it being done, the gates of heaven were closed until opened again by Christ.

But Scripture does insert the word “may” (be forgiven). You must admit your sins and ask for forgivenss; as in the same manner as

The withered arm could not have been made new again unless the man obeyed the command to reach out first.

Liked it so much, you posted it twice?

How abouut three times. Just because.

 

[Doxiemom]

Liked it so much, you posted it twice?

How abouut three times. Just because.

No I noticed that I said marth instead of mary M and it was past due time to edit.

all thos mmmmmmmm’s gets confusing at times

 

[DavidFilmer]

What is the reason Christ Died?

Well, humanity had a bit of a problem. We were an arrogant, disobedient lot. We needed to acquire the virtues of humility and obedience.

Now, all virtues come from God. God can help us with love, forgiveness, etc. But God has a hard time helping us to be humble or obedient, because humility and obedience are not part of the Divine Nature. Even God cannot teach us humility or obedience if he does not know it himself. It would be like me trying to teach someone French, when I don’t know French.

[Jesus], though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.

Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:6-11​

 

[geekborj]

Now this may seem like an odd or simple question to which I thought I knew the answer. Recently when discussing doctrine with members of non Catholic religions I have been given an asnwer to their doctrine belief that is along the lines of “Christ died for me so…” and well you can fill in the blank with either so I am saved, or so I am forgiven etc. It seems that alot of people take his death on the cross as kind of a reason as to they are automatically given these gifts of God, meaning they dont have to abide in processes or works or actions to gain something. I mean I do believe that Christ died for my sins but I still believe that I must persevere til the end!

I would like to rather believe that Christ died for his Church – for all.

Being christian means having a Lord (i.e. a Master). Thus, it implies BOTH a vertical and horizontal relationship with God: personal relationship with the Lord, and a communal relationship with the entire Church. It is only in the Catholic Church that I found that cherished BOTH these dimensions of our relationship with God.

 

[antonabe]

By the death of Jesus the stigma of Sin was removed and we are given the opportunity to attain salvation.However man has a free will and it is up to him walk in the correct path towards eternal salvation after ones death.The correct path has been laid out clearly in his teachings,in Scripture and although the stigma of Sin which we inherited has been removed we cannot succumb to our free will and go against the teachings of Christ and commit Sin.If we are in the state of Sin we are not in communion with Christ and the Holy Spirit and cannot expect to journey in the correct path to eternal happiness after our death.

 

[Birdchest]

This is something I just thought about; feel free to comment on it whether in agreement or disagreement. In the Cross God has, in Christ, done everything He needs to do to effect the reconciliation between between Himself and Man. However this does not negate Man’s free will. Man must respond with a “yes” which is dynamic, not static. It’s not a matter of “simply accepting Jesus Christ as Personal Saviour”. You must turn to God. That “turning to God” is itself a gift of God; we can’t manufacture repentance from our own merely human resources. However we can refuse it. This refusal can be a refusal to accept or believe, but it can also be a refusal to love. Or rather our refusal to love (and express that love in moral actions) can be the choice against God. The Protestant position is really based on an assumed and unstated presupposition of nominalism which says whatever God is supposed to say in the Scripture is taken taken at face value without reference to Man’s freely willed action. Hence Luther says we are snow-covered pieces of dung. The Catholic position would be that what He says, he brings about. So, back to the question: Why did Christ die? He died for each human being. This needs a freely willed response from each human being, which God initiates. I hope I have stayed within the parameters of the thread.

 

[mikemar]

I like to think of it this way, especially in light of the words from TLM and the Catechism, that Christ died “for the many”:

Since I live in the US, and as that great president Coolidge said, “The business of America is business,” I like to use the analogy that Christ died to open Heaven for business. Like a new hotel that’s getting ready to open, you can’t get in there until it’s ready.

But when it finally is open for business, you still can’t get in there until you do a few things. First, you usually need a reservation, and second, you need to prove that you’re worthy. What proves you’re worthy for the hotel is if you have enough money. And most times, you need BOTH money AND the reservation. Showing up without a reservation and all the cash in the world may still not get you in, and we all know that.

In the case of heaven, it’s whether or not you’ve managed to be saved that proves your worthiness (I’ll dispense with what constitutes “being saved” in the interest of brevity). But don’t forget that reservation, neither.

When you find yourself at the pearly gates, seeking admission, St. Peter’s going to want you to show your worthiness, but also, he’s going to want you to show up ONLY when your reservation is ready.

"Oh, Mister Mike, " he might say to me. “Yes, yes. I see that you’ve made accommodations with us. How happy I am to be able to provide them. But, oh dear, I see that you’re 15 years too early. Oh dear.”

“But not to worry. We’ve got a waiting area available right over there. Most of the folks there wouldn’t call it a Club Med experience, but just between you and me? It sure beats the alternative. See you in 15, unless of course you get rewarded for good behavior.”

 

[mangy_dog]

Now this may seem like an odd or simple question to which I thought I knew the answer. Recently when discussing doctrine with members of non Catholic religions I have been given an asnwer to their doctrine belief that is along the lines of “Christ died for me so…” and well you can fill in the blank with either so I am saved, or so I am forgiven etc. It seems that alot of people take his death on the cross as kind of a reason as to they are automatically given these gifts of God, meaning they dont have to abide in processes or works or actions to gain something. I mean I do believe that Christ died for my sins but I still believe that I must persevere til the end!

You are absolutely right my friend,

As a matter of fact, the “once saved always saved” presumption is flawed even in the light of scripture.

Philippians Chapter 2 verse 12 and 13 clearly indicates that Paul being who he was and living the holy life he lived, admonished the Philippians to [work out their salvation with fear and trembling"]

If this is such, as stated by Paul then we ought not to presume of our salvation but convert- daily and at every moment of the day for the evil one and his demons are continuously lurking to make us fall.

Sin is of such seriousness that it took a divine being, Jesus Christ to become flesh, suffer and die on the cross to conquer the deathly influence that sin had over us. That is why we Catholics look to the crucifix and not just the empty cross.

The Corpus reminds us of how my sin nailed Him there. Some don’t like to think of that so they are happier (blissfully) with looking at the empty cross. Like…amensia.

 

[clmowry]

Now this may seem like an odd or simple question to which I thought I knew the answer. Recently when discussing doctrine with members of non Catholic religions I have been given an asnwer to their doctrine belief that is along the lines of “Christ died for me so…” and well you can fill in the blank with either so I am saved, or so I am forgiven etc. It seems that alot of people take his death on the cross as kind of a reason as to they are automatically given these gifts of God, meaning they dont have to abide in processes or works or actions to gain something. I mean I do believe that Christ died for my sins but I still believe that I must persevere til the end!

Christ died to demonstrate His love for us.

How we respond to this act of love is, I think a different question.

Chuck