The Gospels are not as clear on this pint as one might wish. In Matthew 20:28, he says he is giving his life as ransom for many. Well, that sort of means that….. sort if. But it culd also me he is leading an uprising, and does not expect to survive the battle.

During the last supper, he reminds us to think of him when we eat or drink, and that the wine/blood is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Certain of the letters are more explicit on this point. First Corinthians 15:3 and Romans 5:8 both address the point. But these are the words of others, not Jesus.

I’ve always had a bit of trouble wth this concept. Which of my sins did he die for? If it’s all of them, that sounds like a free pass. I’m sure that is not what is meant. Centuries later, the church decided that we are all guilty of the original sin, of Eve eating the fruit in the Garden of Eden. This feels like something made up after that fact, to paper over a hole. If we are all guilty of at least this sin, then we all have to go to church, put money in the collection plate, and be forgiven. Bit of a racket, that.

What d you think about this?