Why was the crucifixion necessary ?

[Gambit]

Here is another question I asked at an Alpha course to which I received no answer - not even an unconvincing one!

I asked why there had to be a crucifixion. Couldn't Jesus have come to earth, done the miracles, sermon on the mount, last supper etc. then said “The Romans are coming to arrest me but they will not find me – I am going to my father - be nice to each other and I will return one day (as he ascended into Heaven).” that way you could still have the condition that you have to believe in Jesus but cut out the nasty crucifixion bit. The answer from the vicar was that the crucifixion was the heart of being a Christian. That seemed like circular logic to me – we are Christians because of the crucifixion and the crucifixion made us Christians.

Perhaps another one for the theists on this forum.

Regards

Grimesy

I think I answered this in the other thread.

The crusifiction was a physical manfestation of the turmoil and suffering Christ endured on a spiritual level. He endured this so we would have some idea of the cost of salvation/attonement for sin.

This was so good I had to pause 'Stairway to Heaven' for it. I was right at the crescendo too; no shit.

Tell me now, oh wise sage - How would we know the significance of the cost, given that all we have witnessed is a man dieing and a bunch of texts that are barely substantial to begin with? If you mention the holy ghost I'm going to strangle you with your own corporal mortification device.