Before we begin today's study, you should know that when Jesus lived on earth, the Roman government would execute certain criminals by nailing them to poles, or trees or specially made crosses. Such a death is called crucifixion. This excruciatingly painful and shameful death was reserved for the worst criminals. Perhaps some of you are wondering why God ordained that the righteous Messiah should die such a painful and shameful death. The reason Jesus had to die such a horrible death is because sin is such a horrible crime.
Sin is the problem of the world.
If God is going to forgive you and me of our sins without compromising His righteousness, then God must judge our sins with a just and complete judgment . He cannot forgive our sins in just any sort of way. God is a righteous Judge and must properly punish every sin. The penalty for sin is death and the eternal fires of hell. This penalty must be payed in full .