For not without a cause did Life come to death.  Not without a cause did the Fountain of life, whence we drink in order that we may live, drink His cup which He was not bound to drink.  For death was not Christ’s due portion. As to the question whence death has come, let us look to our origin.  Sin is death’s parent.  Had there been no sin, no one would have died ....

So He was crucified, that on the Cross He might show the dying-out of our old man; and He rose, that in His own life He might show our new life.

-- Augustine of Hippo, Sermon 231