Divine justice demanded the life of the perfect man Adam and took that life.

Divine justice could receive nothing as a substitute for Adam except the life of a perfect human being.

Adam was put to death because he was a sinner.

The one who would redeem Adam must die _as_ a sinner, yet without sin.

And all this Jesus did.
[229]It is important here for us to see why Jesus came to earth, grew to manhood's estate and died.