Conclusion: Jesus’s death on the cross satisfied justice and redeemed Adam and all of his offspring from the death sentence. 

Discussion: The cross is the answer if the question is, “What is the remedy from the curse of death pronounced upon Adam and his posterity (Romans 5:12) and the curse of death brought upon Israel through the law?” (Galatians 3:10)  

It was through death on a cross that Jesus paid the penalty that was brought upon mankind through Adam. This death was the conclusion of three-and-a-half-years of Christ ministering unto the people and sacrificing his life on behalf of mankind. Though he was harmless and separate from sinners he was numbered with the transgressors (Hebrews 7:26, Mark 15:28).

This perfect life was given in order that he could purchase back what was lost through Father Adam, thus the just (Jesus) dying for the unjust (Adam). 1 Peter 3:18 (RSV), “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous (just) for the unrighteous (unjust), that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.”

His death on the cross allows the only hope of salvation for mankind. As the Apostle Paul explained, “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).

Dying on the cross, he not only bore the sin of the world, but also bore the curse that came upon the nation of Israel through the Law. For it is written, “Cursed is any man that hangs on a tree” (Galatians 3:13). By unjustly becoming a curse for them, he bore the full penalty brought upon Israel through their breaking of the Law therefore nailing it to the cross: Colossians 2:13-14 (NIV), 13 “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” It is through the death of Christ on the cross that he has secured an opportunity for salvation for all mankind – Jews and Gentiles alike.

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1276: “When Jesus Said, “It is Finished,” What Did He Begin?”
Absorbing the crucifixion through the eyes of bible prophecy
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Video Summary: “What Did Jesus’ Death and Resurrection Do?”

For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated video: “Why did Jesus have to die?”