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1, 2, and 3 John
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Theories of the Atonement
Part of JesusWalk -- Behold the Lamb of God
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How can sinful man ever be accepted by a holy God? Many theories have been put forward to try to explain what is said in the scripture. All seem to have some aspect of the vast, complex truth of the atonement. Theories generally follow one of two directions::
- Subjective . The effect of the cross on the sinner.
- Objective . What the atonement achieves quite outside the individual.
These are over simplifications of the various theories, but enough to give you the gist of the argument.
- Moral Influence Theory . Describes the subjective effects of Christ's cross on the sinner. Abelard teaches that when we look at the cross we see the greatness of divine love, which delivers us from fear and produces in us an answering love, putting aside selfishness and sin. Popular among scholars in the liberal school.
- Atonement as Victory . Sees sinful people as belonging to Satan. God offers his Son to Satan as a ransom, but Christ cannot be held in hell and rises the third day in victory. Popular with the early church fathers.
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Anselm's Satisfaction Theory
Five-week Bible study for the Lent or Easter season, Lamb of God, is available in PDF, Kindle, and paperback. Videos are available on YouTube. . Sin dishonors the majesty of a sovereign God. To offer appropriate satisfaction to the offense would require one as great as God himself, but must be offered by a one who is man. Thus the God-man is needed to provide full satisfaction for sin.
- Penal Substitution . The wages of man's sin is death. Christ endures death and God's punishment for sin in our stead. Popular with the Reformers.
- Sacrifice . Christ's saving act is a sacrifice for sin.
- Governmental Theory . Grotius argues that Christ did not bear our punishment, but suffered as a penal example whereby the law is honored while sinners are pardoned.
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The English word "atone" means "to supply satisfaction for, expiate," and derives from Middle English at + one, "to become reconciled." (Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition.)
References: Leon Morris, "Atonement, Theories of the," in Walter A. Elwell (ed.), Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (Baker, 1984), pp. 100-102. Geoffrey W. Bromiley, "Atone," International Standard Biblical Encyclopedia 1:352-360. C.M. Tuckett, "Atonement in the NT," Anchor Bible Dictionary 1:518-522. Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology (Zondervan, 1994, 2000), pp. 579-582, 586.
Copyright © 2022, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastorjoyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.
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In-depth Bible study books
You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format.
- 28 Advent Scriptures
- 1, 2, and 3 John
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter & Jude
- 1 & 2 Thessalonians
- 1 & 2 Timothy
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Apostle Paul
- Abraham, Faith of
- Christ Powered Life (Romans 5-8)
- Christmas Incarnation
- Colossians and Philemon
- Conquering Lamb of Revelation
- Daniel
- David, Life of
- Early Church: Acts 1-12
- Elijah
- Ephesians
- Galatians
- Gideon
- Glorious Kingdom, The
- Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
- Great Prayers of the Bible
- Hebrews
- Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
- Isaiah
- Jacob, Life of
- James
- Jesus and the Kingdom of God
- JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
- John's Gospel
- Joshua
- Lamb of God
- Listening for God's Voice
- Lord's Supper
- Luke's Gospel
- Moses the Reluctant Leader
- Names and Titles of God
- Names and Titles of Jesus
- Philippians
- Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books
- Resurrection and Easter Faith
- Sermon on the Mount
- Psalms
- Seven Last Words of Christ
- Songs of Ascent (Ps 120-134)
- Revelation
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