How did Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross redeem humanity from sin?
Christ's sacrifice on the Cross redeemed humanity by offering a sacrifice of infinite love, obedience, and reparation that outweighed the infinite offense of human sin against God. In Catholic theology, this is not penal substitution (God pouring out wrath on an innocent victim), but vicarious satisfaction and redemptive love: as the New Adam and Head of the human race, Jesus freely offered His life as a fragrant offering to the Father. Through His precious blood, He purchased our freedom from the slavery of Satan, canceled the debt of sin, and reopened paradise.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 613-618
- 1 Peter 1:18-19
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