Why penal substitution

Solidarity is not atonement, only its prerequisite. We need more than a mere example to redeem us. What we need is for the divine Son to live and die for us. Our problem is not merely that we need a great teacher to show us how to live.

Of all the atonement theologies, only penal substitution best captures the God-centered nature of the cross. Before we can speak of the horizontal entailments of the cross, we must first speak of the vertical—namely the triune God, in his Son, taking his own demand on himself so that we, in Christ, may be justified before him Rom —2. Other atonement views either miss or undermine this point. For them, the object of the cross is either our sin forms of recapitulation , or Satan ransom theory , or the powers forms of Christus Victor.

But what they fail to see is that the primary person we have sinned against is our great and glorious triune Creator and Lord, and as such, the ultimate object of the cross is God himself. Penal substitution best accounts for why the divine Son had to die, and why he alone saves. With Paul, may we alone glory in and preach Christ crucified 1 Cor Stephen J. Purchase a Print Edition. Our work is possible by the generosity of our readers. Give Today. Read Now » Ask a Question ».

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By Jonathan Leeman. Recently Added. Join us ». Eddy eds. Simon J. He also provides some practical application of the doctrine of substitution to the Christian life. Jarvis J. You can follow him on Twitter at drjjwilliams. Purchase a Print Edition. Our work is possible by the generosity of our readers. Give Today. Read Now » Ask a Question ». Resources Donate. What Is Penal Substitution? Article Elsewhere I defined penal substitution in the following way: Jesus died a violent, substitutionary death to be a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of Jews and Gentiles.

By: Jarvis J. Supporting Ligonier. Renewing Your Mind. Ligonier Connect. Reformation Study Bible. Reformation Bible College. Stay in Touch. Coram Deo All people have a sense of guilt for their transgressions no matter how hard they try to suppress it. Leviticus —19 Jeremiah 1 Corinthians —9 1 John Particular Atonement John Christ Our King Revelation