God is holy and just, and sin cannot be overlooked. The penalty for sin is death, and without the shedding of blood, there can be no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22). Jesus' death on the cross provided the necessary payment for our sins, satisfying God's justice and making it possible for us to be forgiven. Without Jesus' sacrifice, we would be unable to approach a holy God, and our sins would remain a barrier between us and him.