The unique and sacrificial death of Christ on the cross of Calvary is the very heart of the Christian gospel. Starting from the main biblical teaching on the subject and the model of a major rescue, the significance of the Lord's death is first highlighted, set in context and illustrated. Then the historical events are seen against the wider canvas of God's holy character and man's sin. In demonstrating the triumph of the Lord's death, the author introduces the biblical concepts of sacrifice, substitution, propitiation, redemption, reconciliation and justification. Christ did not die in vain. His sacrifice is effective and fruitful.