[lelio]

If the Jews had somehow managed to block Jesus' crucifixion and He had died in old age of natural causes, there would be no salvation through Christ and no Christianity.

Really? I find that hard to believe.

[Licensed-To-Carry]

Yes really, that's exactly how Christianity works.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***Really? I find that hard to believe.***

About 40 years ago I read a Sci Fi short story about a man who tried to go back in time to rescue Jesus. The other scientists who had invented the time machine tried to stop him because they knew that Jesus had to die to save the souls of mankind.

I always thought that would make a good movie.

[sweetliberty]

"I find that hard to believe."

Why? Redemption required blood sacrifice. Because Jesus was the perfect sacrifice (Lamb of God), there is no more need for animal sacrifice. When that which is perfect comes, that which is imperfect will be done away. Anyway, since He is called the Lamb of God slain before the foundation of the world, the point is moot anyway. The only way He would have died of old age would have been to defy the Father, which He wouldn't have done, because He was one with the Father. He knew the purpose for which He had come. Everything in His life pointed to His death on the cross. He would rather there had been another way, but I don't think it ever occurred to Him to bail out.

[katana]

Hard to believe but it is in fact the real basis of the entire faith. Of course, the Resurrection is the other pillar. IMHO it takes most of us a long time to get our minds around the first part, if we ever do. The second part is a sheer act of faith.

[Wycowboy]

Check out Romans chapter 10 verse 9. Reason this out: Why else would He die? In that manner?