Growth in our Christian experience begins with death. First, the death of Christ on the cross makes our new life possible—free from Satan’s dominion, free from sin’s condemnation and its penalty of death. Best of all, Christ’s death brings reconciliation between God and humanity. JTL17 3.1
Second, the death of self makes it possible for us to take up the life that Christ offers, to walk in newness of life. When we participate with Christ in His sacrificial death, Satan’s power is defeated. Without the cross there could be no forgiveness of sins, no eternal life, no victory over Satan and no growth in Christ. JTL17 3.2