The God FAQ

Could God have just forgiven everyone without Jesus having to die on the cross?

What do Christians mean when they say "Jesus is the answer"?

Could God have just forgiven everyone without Jesus having to die on the cross?

Jesus said that he did nothing but what He saw his Father do[1] . This implies that the pain, sorrow and humiliation Jesus suffered on the cross is a physical manifestation of what God suffered by our betrayal of him by sin. The crucifixion is the one moment in time in which that suffering was borne[2]. God knew what he was getting into, by investing freedom of choice into his creation, and made preparation for our salvation before we were made[3]. So in a sense, God did just forgive everyone, but we must accept the sacrifice he made on our behalf, his Son, and turn away from evil to receive it. It takes His mercy plus our repentance to receive pardon[4].

What do Christians mean when they say “Jesus is the answer”?

Jesus referred to himself as the Way, Truth, and Life[5], and also as the Resurrection[6], and the Door[7]. It is because of Jesus, that anyone who seeks an answer to any question, a solution to any problem, or help in any difficulty can ask God for these things[8]. Those who believe in him, also depend on him in times of trouble, though they must still obey him to see the benefits of his rule[9].

When will Jesus return?

Jesus said that no one but the Father knows when that time will occur[10]. However, he did say that we could judge when that time was near by observing fulfillment of prophecy concerning the end of the present age[11], and will not be caught unprepared if we are diligent in prayer and in looking for his coming.[12].

[1] Jn 5:19 - Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

[2] He 9:25-26 - Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

[3] Rev 13:8 - And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

[4] Ac 3:19 - Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Ez 18:30,32 - Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.[32] For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

[5] Jn 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

[6] Jn 11:24 - Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live

[7] Jn 10:9 - I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved

[8] Ro 8:32 - He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

[9] Lu 6:47-48 - Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

[10] Mk 13:32 - But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

[11] Mt 24:32 - Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

[12] Mk 13:34-35 - Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.