How Is Jesus' Sacrifice "a Ransom for Many"? -

Why was "a ransom for many" needed?

The first man, Adam, was created perfect, or without sin.  He had the prospect of living forever but lost it by choosing to disobey God. (Genesis 3:17-19) When he had children, he passed on to them the defect of sin.  (Romans 5:12) For this reason, the Bible indicates that Adam "sold" himself and his children into slavery to sin and death.  (Romans 7:14) Being imperfect, none of them could buy back what Adam lost. - PSALM 49:7, 8.

God felt compassion for Adam's descendants in their hopeless situation.  (John 3:16) However, God's standard of justice required that he not simply overlook or excuse their sins without a valid basis.  (Psalm 89:14; Romans 3:23-36)  God loves mankind, so he provided the necessary legal mean for their sins to be not only forgiven but also eliminated. (Romans 5:6-8)  The ransom is that legal basis. 

Next time: How Is Jesus' Sacrifice "a Ransom for Many"? - How does the ransom work?

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