The character of God demands JUSTICE.
And JUSTICE for sinning requires death. But God in His MERCY takes it upon Himself.
Lesson from Mathematics:
* The mathematical cosmological constant, which governs the physics of the universe, if it were off a fraction either way, the universe would collapse or explode.
* When we violate this same God's moral laws a fraction, either way, it is called SIN. We too should be destroyed, except for His intervening MERCY to make a way.
For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive;
and plenteous in mercy to all them that call on you.
Psalm 86:5