Thank Tom, you have made it clear.
So, a man who wants to be in heaven needs Christ as his Redeemer, because only through Him, this man might know the love of God and by beholding to Christ through faith he would be recreated in the image of God. This is the only way for sinners to be accepted in heaven.

This is what you said, right?

But, is this an answer to my question:
Why humanity needs redemption? Why through a painful redemption of the only begotten Son of God? Why not just forgives our sins and open the door of heaven? Why a peaceful man, a God’s believer who lives with faith in Him (not Christ) needs to be redeemed by the Son of God? Would he not be transformed to the image of God through the Holy Spirit?

And, according to your reasoning, how about those who died before Christ came, they didn’t know about Him, they didn’t know his mission, they didn’t know the love of God for it wasn’t demonstrated yet.

So, why humanity need redemption? Why not just forgives the sins of those who believed in God the Creator of heaven and earth and lived by the Spirit?

In His love

James S.

Very good questions, James.

Just because a person lived before Christ did does not mean that they could not know about Him. The Holy Spirit told Adam and Eve, and the others mentioned in the Old Testament, about Jesus Christ. The sacrificial system foretold His coming. The covenant God made with Abraham told of His coming. The Old Testaments is filled with stories telling of Jesus Christ and telling of those who knew of Him.

As to why humanity needed redemption, the answer is in the other posts. Mankind believed the serpents lies, which resulted in the ruination of the race. Man was bound by sin. The only way to freedom was through Jesus Christ. The truth must be told; the character of God must be presented. This was Jesus Christ's purpose, which the Holy Spirit presents to all who live, regardless of whether it's before the cross or after.

Jesus Christ is the true light which lightens *every* man who comes into the world. John 1:9. This has always been true.

As to why not just forgive the sins of those who believed in God, God does forgive sin. Jesus Christ prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." This is the character of God. He forgives, even before being asked. Just like the parable of the prodigal son shows. Or when the woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus. Or Adam and Eve. They didn't ask for forgiveness, but God forgave them and explained the plan of salvation.

God is forgiveness personified. There is no end to His graciousness. Because He forgives, He gave His Son.

Even though God forgives, this doesn't solve man's problem. Man needs to be reconciled. Man is alienated in his own mind, an enemy of God. The only way He can be reconciled is for God to send His Son.

Also, remember that it is not only for man that Christ was given, but there is the bigger picture to consider. Christ was a gift given for all. He sais, "If I be lifted up, I will draw *all* unto Me." (not all men, as in the KJV, but all, in the original).

It was only by Christ's work in giving His life for man that the unfallen angels and worlds were able to see the truth about God. It was through this work that the Great Controversy was won.

Tom and James, do either of you believe that Christ died to take the punishment that we deserve? Yes or No Please. I'd especially like Tom's answer, but I'm interested in yours too James.

I know the question was not directed at me but everytime I hear someone refer to punishment we deserve I cringe. There are two reasons why. The first is that it reflects a lack of understanding of the nature of the human race. We see humans as individuals when God thinks of us as one. The second follows. Saying we deserve punishment is akin to blaming a kidnapping victim for things she did under the influence of her kidnapper. If we don't understand creation we can never understand salvation.

Mark, since you asked for a one word answer, I'll give it to you: Yes

Why is it that so much of what you post seems to run contrary to your answer? What am i missing? Can you make a short guess at why I don't see that in what you've said before, then I'll leave you and James to dialogue some more . . .

Mark wrote:

Tom and James, do either of you believe that Christ died to take the punishment that we deserve? Yes or No Please. I'd especially like Tom's answer, but I'm interested in yours too James.

Unquote.

Do we (humanity) deserve punishment? What did we do? I didn’t ask to be born only to receive punishment. It is really unfair if I and others were borne only to deserve punishment of something we didn’t do, especially if that “punishment” is named DEATH.

I didn’t want to be born only for to die without knowing what my fault is, or because of the fault of another person. If that is the case, where my fate and others (humanity) is to be born only for to die due to some one fault; then God is unjust and really unfair if He let this happen without taking any action to safe me (humanity). I didn’t deserve the death caused by Adam’s fault! Am I correct?

So, in this case, I would answer you Mark; NO, I don’t believe Christ died to take the punishment that we deserve, because we didn’t deserve this punishment. But I don’t believe either that Christ died to take the punishment we didn’t deserve, because even sin is inevitable but God is not responsible and must make good what sin has destroyed. Am I correct?

In His love

James S

Tom.

Thanks for clarifying your thoughts in simple words.

So, Christ is a gift, and act part of God for the sake of humanity, to safe them.

Why? Is He responsible for what happened to man?

In His love

James S

Quoted from Darius post:
If we don't understand creation we can never understand salvation.
Unquote.

So, Darius, it is time you tell me; Why humanity need redemption? Why God could not just forgives those who lived by faith in Him and open the door of heaven for them? Would they not have a heart and attitude that suits them to live in heaven?

In His love

James S