Hebrews 9:16-17
For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive.

We can grow so used to the idea of Christ's resurrection that we tend to overlook his death. But as the nails were driven through his hands and the spear thrust into his side, our Lord and Savior died.

So, why was the death of Jesus necessary? Why couldn't God have spared the life of His Son? Because "the wages of sin is death" [Romans 6:23] and "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins" [Hebrews 9:22].

We could say that Jesus was executed, but that implies he was guilty of a crime punishable by death. Jesus was completely innocent, so his death was more of a murder. Yet Christ was no victim. He willingly laid down his life as a sacrifice to the Father, on our behalf. Speaking of his life, Jesus said: "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father." [John 10:18]

Through the death of Jesus, the new covenant between God and man was established. Through Christ, "God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross." [Colossians 2:13-14]

Jesus was dead, killed by those he came to save. His body was placed in a borrowed tomb, but it did not stay there. On Sunday morning, Jesus was brought back to life by God. His death was necessary for forgiveness, just as his resurrection is necessary for our redemption.