Was Jesus really crucified for our sins ?
A critical and careful reading of Paul’s claim
When we read Paul’s letters—a man who never saw Jesus in life nor was his disciple—we find the repetition of a phrase that became the cornerstone of Christian doctrine :
"Christ died for our sins."
This brief statement, cited by Paul in his epistles (such as in 1 Corinthians 15:3), appears at first glance to be a grand proclamation of salvation. However, it is also an enormous claim that holds within it profound questions about logic, justice, and meaning.
Let us ask ourselves—with sincerity and courage—some essential questions:
Does divine justice require that an innocent man be crucified so that sinners may be forgiven ?
Did Jesus himself really teach that he came to be an atoning sacrifice?
Or was it Paul, influenced by pagan cultures of redemption, who invented this doctrine and then attributed it to Jesus ?
These questions may seem shocking, but they are necessary for anyone who seeks to follow the truth with integrity.
1. The idea of redemption through the crucifixion of an innocent one
If we carefully analyze the logic of this idea, we will see that it clashes with the very concept of justice.
How can an innocent one be punished in place of the guilty ?
How could a just God accept to kill the purest of his creatures to atone for the sins of others ?
Imagine that a human judge said to a criminal:
"You have stolen and murdered, but instead of punishing you, I will kill my innocent son and set you free."
Could we consider this judge just ? Or would he be a judge who despises justice ?
If the reason that God gave us rejects this example, how could we attribute to Him something even more extreme ?
2. What did Jesus himself teach ?
Returning to the four Gospels—the oldest sources of the life of Jesus—we see that his teachings emphasized repentance and good deeds :
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." (Matthew 4 :17)
"If you want to enter life, keep the commandments."
(Matthew 19 :17)
"Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Mark 11: 25)
He never said : "Believe that I was crucified for you and all your sins will be forgiven." Instead, he preached personal repentance and inner reform.
If the forgiveness of sins depends on repentance and obedience,
where does the Pauline doctrine fit, which claims that only the blood of the crucified forgives sins ?
3. Paul and doctrinal invention
Paul was not an eyewitness to the life of Jesus. On the contrary :
He did not accompany Jesus in his ministry.
He did not witness his supposed crucifixion.
He did not hear his teachings directly.
He only appeared after the ascension of Jesus (according to Islamic belief) and then claimed to have had a mysterious vision on the road to Damascus.
It is striking that Paul himself admits that he did not receive his message from human beings :
" For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ."
( Galatians 1 : 12 )
Is it prudent to base a central doctrine on a personal vision, without witnesses or evidence beyond the account itself ?
4. The influence of Roman and Greek culture
In Paul’s world, the idea of "redemption through blood" was common :
The pagans offered sacrifices to appease wrathful gods.
Myths spoke of gods who died to atone for human sins.
These notions easily infiltrated the minds of the Hellenistic peoples, making the idea of a crucified and dead god feel natural to them.
Did Paul—coming from a culture of multiple religions—perhaps become influenced by these traditions ?
Did he introduce them into the faith in Jesus ?
5. The individual responsibility of the human being
If we reflect on the justice of God, as described in the sacred scriptures, we will find a solid principle :
"The soul who sins shall die." ( Ezekiel 18 : 20 )
"Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their fathers; each one shall die for his own sin."
(Deuteronomy 24 :16)
This is simple and comprehensible justice :
Every soul bears its own guilt.
No human sacrifice nullifies responsibility.
Why would Jesus be the exception to this principle, and his death be a means of unconditional forgiveness ?
6. Divine forgiveness is greater than any blood
God is merciful and forgiving ; He does not need the shedding of blood to forgive.
Consider this prayer taught by Jesus :
"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."
( Matthew 6 : 12 )
Did he condition forgiveness on a sacrifice or a crucifixion ?
Or did he link forgiveness to human repentance and the act of forgiving others ?
Where is the truth ?
The doctrine that Jesus was crucified for our sins is not an explicit teaching of Jesus himself but a monumental construction based on the visions and interpretations of Paul.
If you free yourself from the authority of emotion and fear and examine the core of the teachings, you will discover with simplicity :
God does not punish an innocent one for the crimes of the guilty.
The path of salvation is sincere repentance and returning to God.
Jesus—peace be upon him—was a great prophet, not a crucified god.
One last word
When someone tells you :
"Jesus was crucified for your sins."
Ask yourself :
Where did Jesus say this clearly ?
Where is the justice in executing an innocent one to save the guilty ?
Is God, who created this vast universe, incapable of forgiving sins without crucifying His beloved servant?
Seek with your mind and your heart, and you will find the truth that fills the soul with peace :
God does not wrong anyone and does not need blood to have mercy on His servants.
In the end, ask yourself sincerely :
Does the Merciful God need an innocent prophet to be killed in order to forgive people ? Or is His mercy broader and His power greater ?
In Islam, we believe that God is just and does not make anyone bear the sin of another, and that sincere repentance and good deeds are the path to forgiveness.
Jesus, peace be upon him, called people to worship God alone and to return to Him in repentance. He never said he came to be a sacrifice for everyone.
Think with your mind and heart: if God is capable of everything, why would He need to have someone crucified ?
The truth is clear :
God is just and merciful.
Every soul is responsible for its own deeds.
God’s forgiveness does not require blood or crucifixion.
I ask God to guide you to the truth and to illuminate your heart with faith.
And peace be upon those who follow the guidance.
