WHY MANKIND NEEDS A HELPER

Why a Helper Is Needed

Jesus came to the earth "to give his soul as a ransom in exchange for many." (Matthew 20:28) A ransom is the price paid to buy back, or to bring about the release of, someone or something.  The verb form of the Hebrew word rendered "ransom" conveys the idea of covering, or atoning, for sins.  (Psalm 78:28), was used particularly to refer to the price paid to ransom prisoners of war or to release slaves.  To satisfy the demands of justice, one thing is given in exchange for another of corresponding value.

Mankind came into slavery because of the first man's rebellion against God. As shown in Genesis chapter 3, that perfect man-Adam-chose to pursue a course of disobedience to Jehovah God.  By doing so, he sold himself and his unborn descendants into slavery to sin and and death.  For himself and all his offspring, Adam thus forfeited the gift of perfect human life. -Romans 5:12, 18, 19; 7:14.

In ancient Israel, God arranged for animal sacrifices to atone for, or cover,the sins of the people.  (Leviticus 1:4; 14:20, 35) In effect, the life of the sacrificial animal was given in place of that of the sinner.  (Leviticus 17:11) Consequently,  "the day of atonement" could also be spoken of as the "day of the ransoms." -Leviticus 23:26-28.

Next time: Conclusion of Why a Helper Is Needed

Watchtower, 2000