The Atonement
Originally Taught: Spring 2007
The Atonement in the Scriptures
54k
The cross is everywhere! You see crosses all over TV in backgrounds and
hanging around the neck of Hollywood stars and entertainers. It is used
as a prop in concerts. It is on professional athlete’s hats and helmets
and uniforms and ear lobes and necklaces. In this day and age, crosses
can be spotted on everyone from professional athletes to celebrities to
teenage girls trying to look cool. In the general public, the cross has
been emptied of meaning. The cross is not a peripheral issue or a
secondary theme; it is the central, indeed crucial doctrine of the
faith. The doctrine of the cross is the doctrine of the atonement and
it is found throughout the Scriptures. Indeed, the whole of the Bible
points to the atonement – the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
The Doctrine of the Atonement
62k
The atonement is the crucial point of the Christian faith. The
importance of the cross is reflected in part by the attention given by
Scripture to Christ’s death. Matthew devoted a full third of his gospel
to the final week of Christ’s life. Similarly, Mark allotted 37
percent, Luke 25 percent and John an amazing 42 percent. Leon Morris
wrote that “The atonement is the crucial doctrine of the faith. Unless
we are right here it matters little, or so it seems to me, what we are
like elsewhere.” How can this sin be forgiven? Job posed the questions
thousands of years ago, asking, “How can a mortal be righteous before
God?” (Job 9:2). The answer is found in the nature of God the Father
and in the significance of Christ’s life and death.
Historical Views of the Atonement
50k
A study of the atonement brings a rich meaning to the work of Christ on
the cross. The Bible uses a multitude of descriptions and motifs to
describe this work. The variance in terminology within Scripture has
consequently led to numerous theories of the atonement in an attempt to
encapsulate the entirety of the cross-work of Christ into a single
emphasis. In choosing to land on a single understanding, proponents
reveal their views in other areas of doctrine (such as the doctrine of
man and sin and even the doctrine of God). In this chapter, we will
look at the differing views put forth by men and held dearly by
believers throughout the history of the church.
Did Christ Descend Into Hell?
39k
It is important to realize that the phrase “he descended into hell”
does not appear in the Bible. Instead, the words are found in the
Apostles’ Creed, where we read that Christ “was crucified, dead, and
buried, he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the
dead.” The question before us is this: “What does it mean that Christ
“descended into hell”?
For an updated study of this topic go here for handouts and here for the audio recording.
The Atonement: Limited or Unlimited?
114k
Did Christ die for everyone? Again, for many of us, the question is
ridiculous: “Of course He did.” However, there are many throughout
history and today who would answer in the negative. The difference in
thought on this matter has led to much controversy in the church and on
some occasions, division. Several books have been written on both sides
of the issue and both sides have been guilty of over-statement and
caricature. In this chapter, we will attempt to discuss the issue
openly, honestly, biblically, and in brotherly love. As teacher, I will
take my cues from John Newton, the famous pastor/theologian who wrote
“Amazing Grace.” He once wrote that he had “been thirty years forming
my own views . . .; how unreasonable within me to expect all this
should take place in another person; and that, in the course of a year
or two." Newton patiently taught doctrine to his church for years at a
time. We will attempt to understand this most controversial of
doctrines in one chapter! God help us all!