This was your original question:

"but I am at a total loss when it comes to understanding how Jesus dying on the cross translates into me being forgiven for my "sins".


I answered it!

There are "eternal principles and laws" at play and they are strict. Are you as young as your avatar? If so, then you have not had the time or experience to understand the depths of the mysteries of Gods kingdom. Even the prophets, who received visitations and visions were lacking complete understanding, by their own admittance.