Did Jesus Have to Be God to Pay for Our Sins?

by Jerry Wierwille

In 1098, Anselm of Canterbury wrote Cur Deus Homo (“Why God Became Man”) to demonstrate the rational basis explaining why Jesus had to be God incarnated as a human being. The basis of his argument can be summarized as follows:

1) God is an infinite being.
2) A transgression against God is of infinite scope and consequence.
3) God’s justice demands payment for transgression against Him.
4) Humankind cannot repay God the infinite debt they owe Him.
5) Only an infinite being can pay the price necessary for an infinite offense.
6) Jesus’ life was of infinite value and made atonement for sin.
7) Therefore, Jesus is God and had to become a human and pay the penalty for sin and satisfy God’s justice.

What we need to ask: “Is it true that Jesus had to be God to pay for sins?”

Romans 3:23-26
“All have fallen short” --- our universal need for redemption
What is our “debt”? How does Christ pay our debt?

1 John 2:2; 3:5; 4:10
“Atoning sacrifice” – propitiation and expiation

Romans 5:12-21
How is God’s justice satisfied in the death of Jesus?
Adam vs. Adam – the cause of sin and the restitution for sin
Evaluation of the “Satisfaction Theory of Atonement”

Ephesians 1:17

Redemption — forgiveness and grace vs. justice and mercy


For more information visit lhim.org