Christ's death on the cross is of first importance (1 Corinthians 15:3). He was afflicted, pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities. Through his death, the Lord has laid upon him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:1-10). Christ had to die. Scriptures attest that his death was instrumental in bringing the unjust to God (1 Peter 3:18).