What If Jesus Never Died
Today we will talk about the question, “What if Jesus never died?” This thought might seem strange at first, but it leads us to think about the foundations of our faith. Many Christians might not fully grasp the implications of Jesus’ death and resurrection. His sacrifice is central to our understanding of salvation and eternal life. As we reflect on this topic, I encourage you to meditate on what Scripture tells us about the role of Jesus in our lives and the world. Let’s take a moment to consider the significance of His actions and what they mean for us today.
The Meaning of Jesus’ Death
When we discuss the death of Jesus, we venture into rich theological ground. In the Hebrew language, the term for “sacrifice” (מִנְחָה, minḥah) signifies an offering made voluntarily to God. This is deeply significant because Jesus’ death was not just another event in history; it was a voluntary act of love for humanity (John 3:16). The Greek word for “sacrifice” is θυσία (thysia), which denotes something offered to God. In the New Testament, particularly in Ephesians 5:2, Paul writes that Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering to God. This indicates that His death was pleasing to God as it fulfilled the prophecy and the plan for redemption.
Historically, Jesus’ death can be seen as the climax of His earthly ministry. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) provide detailed accounts of His crucifixion, demonstrating that His death was anticipated and essential for fulfilling Old Testament prophecies (Isaiah 53:5). The prophecy clearly indicates that He would bear the sins of many. If Jesus had never died, the pathway to reconciliation with God for humankind would still be obstructed, leaving us in our sins (Romans 5:8). Without His death and resurrection, we would lack the hope of eternal life and the forgiveness of our sins (Colossians 1:14). The entirety of the Gospel hinges on this sacrificial act; thus, the implications of Him not dying are monumental.
The Reason for Jesus’ Death
Why did Jesus have to die? This question is pivotal as it unlocks the reason behind His mission on Earth. Jesus’ intention was clear: He came not only to teach and heal but primarily to save us. In 1 John 4:10, we read, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” The atonement is key here, as it means that Jesus took our place, paying the penalty that we deserve due to our sins (Romans 6:23).
If Jesus had not died, the concept of atonement would be absent, leaving humanity with no means of forgiveness or reconciliation with God. Time and again, the Bible emphasizes God’s longing to be in a relationship with us, but our sin creates a chasm that we cannot bridge on our own (Isaiah 59:2). Therefore, Jesus’ death was necessary to fulfill God’s plan of salvation. In Matthew 26:28, Jesus states, “For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” This covenant symbolizes a new agreement between God and humanity, one that hinges entirely on the sacrifice of Jesus.
The death of Jesus is only half of the story; His resurrection is equally significant. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:17, asserts that if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. The resurrection served as God’s affirmation of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. When Jesus conquered death, it guaranteed that all who place their faith in Him can share in that victory over death (Romans 6:8-11).
If Jesus had not died, there would be no resurrection, and thus no hope for eternal life for anyone. We would still be trapped in the cycle of sin and death, without a path to new life (John 11:25-26). In John 14:6, Jesus explicitly states, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This declaration underscores the sole pathway to salvation being through His death and resurrection. If He had never died, the essence of His role as our Savior would remain unfulfilled, and we would lack a model of selfless love and sacrifice.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
From a biblical perspective, Jesus’ death fulfills over 300 prophecies found in the Old Testament. For instance, Psalm 22 vividly describes the death of a suffering servant long before crucifixion was even a known method of punishment. The detail in these prophecies showcases God’s plan from the beginning (Acts 2:23). If Jesus had never died, these prophecies would remain incomplete, suggesting that God’s Word might not hold true, which could shake the very foundation of our faith.
Moreover, in Isaiah 53, we see a clear depiction of the suffering servant who bears the sins of many. If Jesus did not fulfill these prophecies through His substitutionary death, then we have no assurance of God’s promises. This brings us to a crucial point: God’s character would be called into question if the culmination of His promises was unmet (Titus 1:2). We ought to remember that for every prophecy that Jesus fulfilled, they strengthen our belief that He indeed is the Messiah, the promised One.
The Foundation of Christian Faith
The entire Christian faith stands on the shoulders of the cross and the empty tomb. Without Jesus’ death, there is no grace, no mercy, and no provision for forgiveness. Colossians 2:14 reminds us that the record of our sins—an insurmountable obstacle to restoration with God—was nailed to the cross. What if Jesus never died? The answer is chilling; Christianity as we know it would not exist.
Our hope in God rests in His redemption plan—through Jesus’ death and resurrection. As followers of Christ, we live in the reality of His victory over sin and death. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that it is by grace we have been saved, through faith—and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God. A faith based on anything other than the reality of Jesus’ death and resurrection is futile and void of power. The lack of His sacrificial death would leave us hopeless, burdened with the weight of our sins and far removed from God’s grace.
Jesus as Our Advocate
If Jesus had never died, He could not serve as our advocate. In 1 John 2:1 we learn that He is our advocate with the Father when we sin. His role connects us back to God and ensures that we are covered under His grace. Without His death, we would have no means to approach God, and the essence of a personal relationship with our Creator would be lost.
This brings us to a critical understanding: prayer and our communication with God hinge on Christ’s mediatorial role. 1 Timothy 2:5 explains that there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus. Imagine a life where our prayers go unanswered, and we remain alone in our struggles, without the hope of guidance or comfort through Him. Jesus’ death instilled within our hearts the assurance that we are heard and that our requests matter to God.
The Hope of Eternal Life
Jesus’ death and resurrection solidify our hope in eternal life. If He had never died, we would not have the promise of everlasting life. In John 3:36, we see that whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. This promise becomes meaningless without His atoning death. If we are not redeemed, we cannot enter into the fullness of eternal life promised to us by God. John 3:16 tells us that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
We are assured in Romans 5:21 that grace reigns through righteousness leading to eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. This confidence is what motivates us to share the Good News, urging others to accept the gift of salvation. Without this gift, our eternal destiny remains uncertain and bleak. Thus, the implications of Jesus’ death extend far beyond this life—they affect our eternity.
The Call to Discipleship
Finally, Jesus’ death establishes the foundation for discipleship. The call to follow Him comes with the understanding of His sacrifice. In Luke 9:23, Jesus says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” This call requires us to be aware of the price that Jesus paid on our behalf, exemplifying the ultimate act of love and obedience to God’s will.
If Jesus had never died, the model of discipleship and sacrificial living would not exist. We would lack the example of true love—one that calls us to serve others and gives of ourselves for the greater good (Mark 10:45). Every day, as we embrace this call to walk in His footsteps, we are reminded of the price He paid and the tremendous value He sees in each one of us. Our lives become a testament to His love and grace in action.
Final Thoughts
So, what if Jesus never died? The implications are staggering and touch every aspect of our faith. Without His death, we would lack forgiveness, grace, hope, and purpose. We would not fully understand God’s love or the value of sacrifice, nor would we have the assurance of eternal life. Jesus’ sacrifice and the promise of His resurrection remind us of the incredible hope we hold as believers. It’s important for us to recognize the immense love behind His death and to walk in the light of that reality. Together, we can share this good news with others, ensuring they, too, can experience the fullness of life that comes through Christ alone.
As we ponder these truths, we are invited to reflect on how deeply Jesus’ act of love shapes our lives today. Our faith should respond to this great love with gratitude and obedience as we strive to share this amazing gift with the world.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4