The answer begins with the story of creation.
God created the first man, Adam, who sinned by disobeying God. The book of Romans says, “The payment for sin is death.” (Rom 6:23) (God’s Word Translation) Therefore, Adam eventually had to die because he disobeyed God.
Sadly, Adam’s disobedience started a terrible “chain reaction” of sin that has been passed down to every generation. Romans (5:12) also says, “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone…” We all die because we inherited this sin that came from Adam.
To free Adam (and all of us) from the death penalty, God’s justice required that another perfect man had to die in Adam’s place. Since all people are imperfect sinners – being children of Adam – Jesus offered to give his perfect life as an equal substitute for perfect Adam.
The Bible refers to Jesus dying as a substitute for Adam as the RANSOM. 1 Timothy (2:5-6) (NKJV) says, “…the Man Christ Jesus…gave Himself a ransom for all…”
Jesus giving his life as a ransom for Adam will take away the death penalty upon Adam and all of his children in God’s future Kingdom.
But how does that work and when will it happen?
Because Jesus was faithful, God rewarded him by bringing him back to life as a divine spirit being in heaven. In God’s future kingdom, Jesus will use his power to bring back to life everyone who has ever died.
Faithful Christians go to heaven. The rest of mankind will have an opportunity to live a happy life on earth, serving God forever if they agree to obey him and gradually overcome their sinful ways. Everyone will receive a lot of help in learning to always do what is right.
So, why did Jesus have to die? To be a “RANSOM” for Adam, so that everyone who has ever died will have the opportunity to come back to life in God’s future kingdom.
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