Many have often asked the question "Why did Jesus have to die?", or "Since God is omnipotent, then why could He not just simply forgive us? Why did Christ have to make satisfaction?"
First of all, the question is not about the absolute power of God,
There are three common opinions amongst theologians as to this question of the necessity of the atonement of Christ:
[1]. There are some, such as the Socinians, who have denied the necessity of the atonement altogether.
[2]. There are some, such as Augustine (De Trinitate, 13.10) who have supposed the idea of a hypothetical necessity. They affirm that the atonement was necessary because God decreed it and that it was the most fitting way for man's redemption. However, they would not confess an absolute necessity, as the Reformed have traditionally done.
[3]. The opinion of the Reformed (which will here be defended) is that the atonement was of an absolute necessity, on account of the justice and holiness of God, which requires that satisfaction be made in order to remit sin.
Argument #1 - Justice is an essential attribute of God. On the supposition of man's sin, God's exercise of His justice is of a moral and rational necessity, since the act of justice consists in giving each person what he is due. Since this justice demands that sinner must be punished, either the sinner of substitute in his place must undergo the said punishment, in order that the justice of God may be properly fulfilled and satisfied.
Objection: This violates the freedom and liberty of God and His will.
Answer: The freedom and liberty of God is exercised in matters of positive right, but not of natural right. God can do anything, that is, anything which is consistent with His holy nature.
Argument #2 - God's holiness is such that He cannot admit a sinful creature into communion with Himself, unless satisfaction be made to His justice. 2 Corinthians 6:14 says "for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?". See also Habakkuk 1:13 says "Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity."
Argument #3 - If God were not to punish sin, He would become like the sinner. This is expressly taught in the Scripture: "Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son. These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes." (Psalm 50:20-21). Therefore, it is necessary that satisfaction be first made to God's justice, in order for a sinner to receive redemption and salvation.
Argument #4 - The sanction of the law threatens death as the punishment of sin:
"But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:17)
"Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them." (Deuteronomy 27:26)
"Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." (Romans 1:32)
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
These divine threatenings and sanctions must be executed either on the sinner, or upon a Surety in his place.
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