For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Yes, most Christians would agree that the reason for Christ's horrible death on the cross was in order to save us from our sins. But, there is at least one other reason as well.
[Christ] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:14)
…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word; and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Ephesians 5:25-27)
So, Christ not only died to save us from our sins, but also for the purpose (important to him) of purifying his people who make up the church. He wants to be able to present a church without blemish and that is holy and blameless. I think those Christians who believe their freedom in Christ gives them unbounded license should strongly consider this.
