Category: The Atonement Series

This series discusses the major theories of the atoning work of Christ including his Incarnation, life, suffering, death, and resurrection. This includes the fact of the Atonement, the extent of the Atonement, and various theories about how the Atonement actually works.

  • Discussion 26: Repentance Enablement

    Richard

    THE ATONEMENT SERIES: PART 9 [Click here for the companion YouTube video] QUESTION: We are often told in the NT to repent for the forgiveness of sins. Do you think that we can, on our own, sufficiently repent so as to repair our broken relationship with God? If repentance means the death of our sinful Read more

  • Discussion 25: Vicarious Repentance

    Richard

    THE ATONEMENT SERIES: PART 8 [Click here for the companion YouTube video] QUESTION: The Gospel story as recorded in Mark has as its first event, John the Baptist preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus’s first words in Mark are similar, for people to repent and believe in the Gospel. Do Read more

  • Discussion 24: Governmental Theory

    Richard

    THE ATONEMENT SERIES: PART 7 [Click here for the companion YouTube video] QUESTION: Does God have the freedom to forgive sinners without punishing them? If so, why was it necessary for Christ to suffer and die on the cross? GOVERNMENTAL THEORY was developed by a Dutch lawyer and theologian named Hugo Grotius. He developed it Read more

  • Discussion 23: Penal Substitution

    Richard

    THE ATONEMENT SERIES: PART 6 [Click here for the companion YouTube video] QUESTION: Consider a scenario where someone brutally rapes and murders a loved one, such as a wife or daughter. The person is caught, tried in court, and sentenced to death. Would justice be served if the judge allowed an innocent volunteer to be Read more

  • Discussion 22: Moral Influence Theory of the Atonement

    Richard

    THE ATONEMENT SERIES: PART 5 [Click here for the companion YouTube video] QUESTION:  Christians are often told to live a Christ-like life and to ask themselves, “What would Jesus do?” In addition to being an example of how we should live a Christian life, should the life of Christ separately excite, inspire, and influence us Read more

  • Discussion 21: Satisfaction Theory of the Atonement

    Richard

    THE ATONEMENT SERIES: PART 4 [Click here for the companion YouTube video] QUESTION:  We are told many places in Scripture to honor God. But if we do things that do not honor God, is God somehow robbed of honor? That is, is it possible for God’s honor to increase and/or decrease? ST. ANSELM OF CANTERBURY Read more

  • Discussion 20: Recapitulation Theory of the Atonement

    Richard

    THE ATONEMENT SERIES: PART 3 [Click here for the companion YouTube video] QUESTION: It is commonly preached that Christ died for our sins, that the penalty of sin is death and that Christ took on this punishment in our place. If so, was the life and teaching of Christ before his suffering and death important Read more

  • Discussion 19: Ransom to Satan Theory of the Atonement

    Richard

    THE ATONEMENT SERIES: PART 2 [Click here for the companion YouTube video] QUESTION: Mt 20:28, which reads, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” What do you think that this verse is trying to communicate by referring to Christ’s Read more

  • Discussion 18: Introduction to Atonement Theories

    Richard

    THE ATONEMENT SERIES: PART 1 [Click here for the companion YouTube video] QUESTION: Sinful nature and sinful actions result in a broken relationship with God. Christ’s atoning work allows for this broken relationship to be healed. How do you personally think that Christ’s atoning work did this? For a Christian, what is the relative importance Read more