In Catholicism it means that we were estranged from God the Father and God being benevolent, as well as stern when necessary, decided to give us sinners another chance through his only son Jesus Christ.
Because people sinned, he died, or so that people would not sin?
He died and suffered so that we might once again have a relationship with God and a path to His knee, heaven. Think of it to the lesser extent of a soldier dying that his brothers may live, except in Jesus' case we are given the option of eternal life. That is up to us all because another of Gods great gifts is free will and to sin or not to sin is up to us all.
Or something entirely different? Thanks for not flaming me but simply explaining.
LOL, no flames. I'm a Catholic but not the best of Catholics for sure. Many here are much more conversant than I in the scriptures and I have been a sinner in my life. I'm trying to do better but the liberals are entirely too much temptation at times which causes me to utter unChristian commentary :-}
LOL....I'm not Catholic and agree with your explanation.
Sinless Jesus took upon himself the sins of the world so that believers may be reconciled to God the Father.
Now try to explain the triune God. ; *)