Did Jesus die for the sins of the world?
Although Christian theologians have argued about this question for centuries, the Bible is very clear about the answer.
When John the Baptist first introduced Jesus, he said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
Jesus Himself said, “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3:16&17).
After meeting Jesus and hearing what He had to say, a group of former unbelievers came to the following conclusion, “Now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42).
Referring to Himself, Jesus also said, “For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” and “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh [my body], which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:33&51)
Another time, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Later He added, “I did not come to to judge the world, but to save the world.” (John 12:47)
Building on the words of Jesus, the Apostle Paul writes, “God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them...God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:19-21)
Writing later, the Apostle John says, Jesus is “the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” and “the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.” (1 John 2:2 & 4:14)
The Bible is very clear, “God wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth…He is not willing that any should perish…[Jesus] suffered death, so that by the grace of God, He might taste death for everyone.” (1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9, Hebrews 2:9)
Of course, all of these passages also teach that Jesus died for you! “Christ died for our sins [your sins]...and He rose again the third day...Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name [this includes you!]." (1 Corinthians 15:3&4, Acts 10:43) When Christ died on the cross, He had you in mind! He died in your place to take away all of your sins and to give you eternal life with Him in heaven. Simply “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31) "For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not by [your] works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9). God's forgiveness and salvation is a free gift that is received by simple childlike faith (trust) in Jesus Christ alone! “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
