Why Did Jesus Christ Have to Be Sacrificed?

Why did Jesus Christ have to be sacrificed? The Holy Bible tells us it was by God’s will (John 3:16-17) that Jesus Christ died for the sins of all mankind (John 1:29) (Colossians 1:19-20) (1 Peter 1:18-19) (1 John 1:7) (Matthew 26:28) (Romans 3:25). But why Jesus Christ? Why did Jesus have to die? Why didn’t God choose another plan, any other plan of salvation for mankind? These are great questions. The short answer is, because the very nature of God required Jesus’s death.

In order to understand the short answer, we have to go back to the beginning, in the book of Genesis, and scroll through mankind’s history to the end of earthly time as we know it, the book of Revelation. Before we go to Genesis, there are a few overarching truths, some of God’s foundational guiding principles; which frame the proper answer to this all-important question. These truths, which aren’t all inclusive by any means but are relevant to the topic at hand, include:

God is holy (Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2) (1 Samuel 2:2) (1 Peter 1:15-16).
God is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4).
God’s law is righteous, perfect, true (2 Samuel 22:31) (Psalm 19:7, 142) (James 1:25) (Psalm 18:30, 119:60) (Nehemiah 9:13).
God is just (Deuteronomy 32:4) (Psalm 50:6) (2 Thessalonians 1:6) (Revelation 16:7). Therefore, justice is important part of God’s law (Matthew 23:23) (Psalm 9:16).
Any breach of God’s law requires justice be served (Romans 6:23) (James 2:10) (Joshua 24:19) (Romans 2:12) (Galatians 3:10).
Every human is a sinner, unrighteous (Romans 3:9, 10, 23) (Psalm 14:3, 143:2).
All who sin need forgiveness (Hebrews 8:12, 10:17-18) (Colossians 1:14, 2:13) (Romans 4:7) (1 John 1:9).
Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22 – ESV) (Matthew 26:28) (Ephesians 1:7).

The first instance of a sacrifice or offering to the Lord we see in the Bible, was actually two offerings; one made by Cain and the other by his brother Abel (Genesis 4:3-5). Abel’s offering to God required the shedding of blood.

The second instance of a sacrifice presented to the Lord, which we see in Scripture, was a burnt offering by Noah to God. God had made a covenant with Noah to spare the lives of him and his family from the coming world-wide flood (Genesis 6:18). After the Great Flood God made another covenant with Noah; to never again to destroy the earth by water (Genesis 9:11). Also after the flood “Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it” (Genesis 8:20). There are several interesting points regarding this verse. This is the first covenant made by God recorded in the Bible. Also, Scripture does not record any instruction from God to Noah to offer a sacrifice. Nor does the Bible offer any previous instruction to anyone regarding offerings or sacrifices. Yet, after Noah exited the ark he build an altar and sacrificed a burnt offering to God. Furthermore God, who knew beforehand this burnt offering would take place, made provisions for it.

Before the flood, God instructed Noah to “bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female … Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground … (Genesis 6:19–20). God further instructed Noah to “… Take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate … and also seven pairs of every kind of bird, male and female, to keep their various kinds alive throughout the earth (Genesis 7:1-3). In this way, when Noah sacrificed a burnt offering of clean animals and clean bird to God, no species of bird or animal would have to be eliminated because of sacrifices. We can see God’s covenant with Noah required the shedding of blood.

The third instance of sacrifice or offering to the Lord recorded in Scripture involved Abram (later Abraham) and the second covenant by God recorded in the Bible. While Abram was living in the land of Canaan (Genesis 13:18; 23:19), the word of the Lord came to him in a vision. God promised Abram a son of his own flesh and blood would be his heir; and his offspring would be as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:1-5). The Lord commanded Abram to bring Him animals and birds. Abram brought these to the Lord, cut the animals in two, but not the birds, and arranged the halves opposite each other. As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and the Lord told Abram about the future enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt. When darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. Then the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates (Genesis 15:9–18). Again we see, God’s covenant with Abram required the shedding of blood.

More than four hundred years later (Genesis 15:13), after the Israelites had been released from slavery in Egypt and they were marching in the desert, God called Moses to meet Him at the top of Mount Sinai. It was here God gave His Law to Moses, who then left the mountain and told the Israelites all the words and laws God gave him. Early the next morning, Moses built an altar at the foot of the mountain where the Israelites sacrificed young bulls and presented fellowship offerings and burnt offerings to the Lord. Moses splashed blood against the altar, read the Book of the Covenant to the people and sprinkled blood on the Israelites after they agreed to follow God’s Law. Then Moses said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words” (Exodus 24:1–8). Once again we see, God’s covenant with the Israelite people required the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:16–18).

God’s Law, also known as Mosaic Law, The Law or Old Covenant; included numerous statutes regarding sacrifices; one of which was for the chief priest to make atonement, once a year, for the sins of the people on the horns of the altar. This annual atonement was to be made with the blood of the atoning sin offering (Exodus 30:1,2, 10).

The Sacrifice to the Lord was to be Without Defect

According to the Old Covenant, or Mosaic Law, no animal with a defect was to be sacrificed to the Lord (Deuteronomy 15:21). Stated another way; the sacrifice was to be without defect. This law is repeated numerous times in Scripture. Examples include: (Exodus 29:1) (Leviticus 1:3, 10; 3:1, 6; 4:2, 23, 28, 38; 5:15, 18; 6:6; 9:2, 3; 14:10). In fact, the only passage in the Bible I can find which allows offering an animal with a deformity as an offering to the Lord is a freewill offering (Leviticus 22:23). For what purpose(s) would God require the animals sacrificed to Him be without defect? There are several:

One of the fundamental truths of Scripture, as stated earlier is, God is holy (Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2) (1 Samuel 2:2) (1 Peter 1:15-16). Because God is holy His name must be praised (Leviticus 22:31-33), not profaned (Leviticus 22:31-33.
Proper offerings to the Lord are holy to Him (Leviticus 27:30, 32). Therefore, any offering by man to God should be something valuable to the man.
As King David said, “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24).
The Levitical priesthood offered to the Lord the best and holiest part of everything given to them (Numbers 18:25-32).

Another way to profane God’s name is to treat the sacred offerings to Him with disrespect (Leviticus 22:1-2). The prophet Malachi sums up this sin very well. “But you profane it (the Lord’s name) by saying, ‘The Lord’s table is defiled,’ and, ‘Its food is contemptible.’ And you say, ‘What a burden!’ and you sniff at it contemptuously,” says the Lord Almighty. “When you bring injured, lame or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?” says the Lord. “Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king,” says the Lord Almighty, “and my name is to be feared among the nations (Malachi 1:12–14).

I believe the most important reason for God’s strict rules on this matter is because the Old Testament sacrifices, however flawed, represented the most holy future sacrifice; Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). More on this shortly.

The Priest Presenting the sacrifice to God was to be Without Defect

A Levite who had a defect was not allowed to present food offerings to the Lord, could not go near the curtain or approach the altar. To do so would desecrate the Lord’s sanctuary (Leviticus 21:16–23). For what reason(s) would God require the Levitical priest presenting food offerings to Him be without defect? Because the Levitical priests (though human and flawed) represented the coming priesthood of Melchizedek and the chief priest Jesus Christ. Both the sacrificial animal and the Levitical priest offering the sacrifice were a foreshadowing of Jesus, the Lamb of God and chief priest.

Old covenant sacrifices did not forgive sins

The purpose of the Old Covenant or Mosaic Law, was to make humans conscious of our sins (Romans 3:20). A person had to obey The Law perfectly in order to be considered righteous in God’s eyes. To break one part of the law was the same as breaking the entire law (James 2:10). Such a person was cursed (Ga 3:10) because there is no human who can keep God’s Law without error. There is no one righteous under the law (Romans 3:10). Therefore, the Law brings wrath (Romans 4:15). Under the Law, day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins (Hebrews 10:11). The annual sacrifice to atone for sin (Exodus 30:10) only served as an annual reminder of sin because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins (Hebrews 10:1-4).

The Need for a New Priest

The Bible poses an interesting question. “If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood – and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood – why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?” (Hebrews 7:11). Scripture continues, “He of whom these things are said (referring to Jesus) belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests (Hebrews 7:13-14).

God had established an eternal priesthood in the order of Melchizedek long before the tribe of Levi was conceived or the Levitical priesthood came into existence. Five kings, one of which was Kedorlaomer; fought against the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah and two others. Sodom and Gomorrah were defeated. Abram’s nephew, Lot, his family and possessions were carried off by the victors. Abram and his men fought against the victorious kings and rescued Lot and his family. Melchizedek, who was king of Salem at that time and priest of God Most High, met Abraham who was returning from battle. Melchizedek blessed Abram who then gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything (Genesis 14:9-20). Melchizedek was without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. Abraham, being the lesser, was blessed by the greater, Melchizedek. Abraham the lesser, paid the tenth to the greater, Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:1-10).

It was God who called Christ to be the priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:5-6; 6:20-21; 7:17). As a result, the ministry Jesus received from God, as eternal high priest (Hebrews 5:9; 6:20-21), is superior to the Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 8:6). But how, specifically, is Jesus, as the high priest in the order of Melchizedek, superior to the Levitical priesthood? Great question. Here are some of the ways:

Levitical priests sin (Leviticus 4:3). Jesus never sinned (Hebrews 4:14-15).
Levitical priests were appointed based upon ancestry. Jesus was appointed based upon the power of an indestructible life (Hebrews 7:15-16).
Levitical priests were appointed without any oath. Jesus was appointed by an oath from God (Hebrews 7:20-21).
Levitical priests died. Jesus lives forever (Hebrews 7:23-24).
Levitical priests cannot save people (Hebrews 10:11). Jesus saves completely (Hebrews 7:25).
Levitical priests offer sacrifices day after day which can never take away sins (Hebrews 10:11). Jesus’ sacrifice of his body, once for all, has made perfect forever those who are being made holy (Hebrews 10:10, 12–14). And where sins have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary (Hebrews 10:18).

The Need for a New Covenant

Under the Old Covenant man couldn’t keep the Law perfectly as required. The law was powerless to save, having been weakened by man’s sinful nature (Romans 8:3). God found fault with the people (Hebrews 8:7-8). Mankind was in mortal danger of suffering eternal separation from God. Since the law made nothing perfect, God introduced a better hope, by which we could draw near to Him (Hebrews 7:18-19); a New Covenant (Hebrews 8:13). Furthermore, if the priesthood was going to be changed from Levitical to the order of Melchizedek, then the Law would have to be changed also (Hebrews 7:11-12). The New Covenant, of which Jesus is mediator, is superior to the Old Covenant, since the New Covenant is established on better promises (Hebrews 8:6). Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant (Hebrews 7:22); the mediator of a new covenant (Hebrews 9:15).

The New Covenant Sacrifice Paid the Debt for All Sins

So, what is the New Covenant? In short, it is God’s plan to save mankind from eternal destruction for breaking His Law. Sin separates mankind from God who is perfectly holy. So, God devised a plan for sinful man to be brought back into right relationship with Him. By His plan of salvation which we call Grace (John 1:17), God, at just the right time, sent his One and Only Son Jesus Christ to earth as a human. Jesus lived a sinless life on earth and then allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross to die in our place for our sins. By the death of Jesus, the debt was paid for the sins of all people, satisfying God’s holy requirement. At the time of Jesus’ death on the cross, sin was defeated for those who believe in Him. When Jesus arose on the third day, death was defeated forever. A short time later, Jesus ascended into Heaven to be with God, His Father. One day Jesus will return to earth. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, because of His sacrifice for them, will spend a glorious eternity with Him. Those who do not accept Jesus as Lord and Savior will go to eternal torment. This is the basic message of the fall and redemption of mankind relayed to us in God’s Word.

The New Covenant is Superior to the Old Covenant

How is the New Covenant (Grace) superior to the Old Covenant (The Law). In several ways:

Under the Old Covenant the Levitical priest served in an earthly sanctuary; a tabernacle (Hebrews 9:1–2). Under the New Covenant, But when Christ serves in a more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands; is not a part of this creation (Hebrews 9:11).
Under the Old Covenant the Levitical priests used the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer to make those who are ceremonially unclean, clean on the outside. Under the New Covenant Jesus did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12–13).
Under the Old Covenant the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper (Hebrews 9:9). Under the New Covenant the blood of Christ, who offered himself unblemished to God, cleanses our consciences from acts that lead to death (Hebrews 9:14).
Under the Old Covenant the law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming (Hebrews 10:1). Under the New Covenant grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17).
The New Covenant has made the first one (Old Covenant) obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear (Hebrews 8:13).

Why did Jesus Christ have to be sacrificed?

Back to the central question. Why did Jesus Christ have to be sacrificed?

Let’s look at that question through the lens of God’s holiness, His law, mercy and justice. Because God Almighty is holy and just, the righteous requirement of the law had to be met (Romans 8:4). Some may say “Because God is God and makes all the rules, He could decide in His mercy, to simply forgive and forget the sins of mankind.” That doesn’t work. For God to allow the guilty party to go free without punishment would, indeed, be merciful to the perpetrator. However, it would violate God’s perfect justice which, in turn, would violate His holiness. God’s law said the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Justice required the penalty be paid.

Another aspect to consider is, since the sin was committed in the flesh, God condemned the sin in the flesh (Romans 8:3); thereby meeting the righteous requirement of the law (Romans 8:4). Therefore, the penalty for the violation of law must be paid “by flesh.” Consistent with God’s law, the sacrifice or payment of the penalty for sin “by flesh”, must be “without defect“. This is not referring to a physical defect, as it was in the case of animals being sacrificed in the Old Testament. The human sin in the flesh, even if it is physical in nature, originated in the heart of man (James 1:14-15) (Proverbs 19:3) (Romans 1:24) (Mark 7:20-22). So the sacrifice would have to be without defect, or sin, in the heart. Every human has failed that test as we have already discussed. The two humans who had the best chance, since they initially lived in a world without sin or death, was Adam and Eve. They both failed miserably. If you and I had been there instead of Adam and Eve, we would have failed as well.

So God’s holiness required the payment for the sins of mankind to be paid “in the flesh” by one who was without sin. Enter, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29); Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23); Jesus who is God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14, 18) (Philippians 2:6). The Christ was the only way for God to redeem mankind while, at the same time, meeting every requirement of God’s holiness, law, mercy and justice. Jesus Christ willingly gave up the glory of heaven, walked this earth in the flesh, lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15) (1 Peter 2:22) (1 John 3:5) (2 Corinthians 5:21), went to the cross where he bore the sins of the world in His body (1 Peter 2:24), and died on the cross (John 19:30) so that you and I might have the hope of eternal life (John 3:16).

God’s law was upheld by the death of Jesus, thereby providing justice. Through this process, mankind received mercy when a way was provided for them to escape The Law and death. God’s love and holiness is also proven pure.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1–4).

Amen and hallelujah!

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Old Testament History and The Law Related to Sacrifices