Why cannot God just forgive everyone?
The question of why Christ had to die instead of simply pardoning people is central to Christian theology and is often addressed in terms of God's justice, holiness, and love. Here’s a summary of the main theological reasons:
- God’s Justice Requires Atonement
Christianity teaches that sin is a serious offense against a holy God. According to divine justice, sin must be punished. Simply pardoning sinners without addressing the offense would compromise God's justice. Christ’s death is seen as satisfying the demands of justice by bearing the penalty for sin on behalf of humanity.
Key Verse: Romans 3:25–26 – "God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement... to demonstrate his righteousness."
- Substitutionary Atonement
Jesus' death is viewed as a substitution—He died in the place of sinners. This idea is rooted in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, where animals were offered as substitutes for human sin. Christ, as the "Lamb of God," fulfills this system once and for all.
Key Verse: Isaiah 53:5 – "He was pierced for our transgressions... the punishment that brought us peace was on him."
- Expression of God’s Love
The cross is also a supreme expression of God’s love. Instead of abandoning humanity, God chose to suffer with and for us, making reconciliation possible. This love is not sentimental but sacrificial.
Key Verse: John 3:16 – "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son..."
- Victory Over Sin and Death
Christ’s death and resurrection are also seen as defeating the powers of sin, death, and evil. This victory opens the way for new life and restoration.
Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:54–57 – "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
Summary:
According to Christian theology, Christ had to die because God's justice demands that sin be dealt with. His death satisfies justice, demonstrates God's love, and makes forgiveness possible without compromising God's holiness. Simply pardoning without atonement would violate the moral order that God Himself upholds.