Understand how Christ saves humanity and explore different theories of atonement.
Last lesson you explored Christian concepts of sin, original sin, and salvation. Here are 4 questions to refresh your memory.
Saviour: Jesus saves humans from sin and death. John 3:16 captures this: "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Redeemer: Jesus redeems (buys back) humanity from slavery to sin. Romans 5:8 says, "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Redemption emphasises Christ's costliness—his death was the price.
Mediator: Jesus mediates between God and humans. He bridges the gap created by sin. 1 Timothy 2:5: "There is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus." He represents both God and humans.
What is atonement? Atonement means "at-one-ment"—the act by which Jesus reconciles humans to God through his death. Christians believe Jesus's death makes it possible for humans to be forgiven.
Key scripture: Romans 3:25 says Jesus is "the propitiation for our sins" (KJV). Propitiation means "appeasement" or "satisfaction of justice." Jesus's death satisfies God's justice and enables forgiveness.
Three major atonement theories:
The Incarnation: The Word (Jesus) became flesh and lived among us (John 1:14). This is necessary because God must become human to die and be raised. Only a divine-human figure can redeem humanity.
The Crucifixion: Jesus died on the cross as the payment for sin. This is where the actual redemption happens.
The Resurrection: Jesus rising proves the victory is complete. Sin and death are defeated. Believers can rise with Christ to new life.
Together: The three events form a unified story. Incarnation makes redemption possible. Crucifixion accomplishes redemption. Resurrection confirms redemption's power.
| CATHOLIC | Emphasises Jesus as sacrifice in the Eucharist. Atonement is tied to the sacramental system. Works and grace cooperate in salvation. |
| REFORMED/EVANGELICAL | Stresses penal substitution. Jesus bore our guilt and penalty. Salvation is through faith alone in Christ's work. |
| ORTHODOX | Sees atonement as theosis. Christ's incarnation and victory over death deify human nature. Atonement is transformation, not forensic payment. |
| LIBERAL | Sees atonement as moral influence. Jesus's example of love and justice calls us to transformation. Atonement is about inspiration, not payment. |
It makes sense that sin requires payment. Honour and justice matter. It respects God's moral character. But critics say it makes God seem like a cosmic accountant.
It emphasises God's love and transformation over debt-payment. Jesus's example is powerful. But critics say it doesn't adequately address the reality of sin and judgment.
It takes sin and justice seriously. It explains Christ's suffering as bearing our penalty. But critics say it makes God seem violent and arbitrary.
Early Church fathers saw Christ's resurrection as victory over Satan and death. Not payment, but triumph. Modern theologians are recovering this view as balanced and biblical.
The Incarnation (God becoming human in Jesus) is essential to atonement. Why?
Key scripture: Hebrews 4:15 says Jesus "has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." He is fully human and fully divine, able to understand us and save us.
Task: Write a 12-mark evaluation comparing atonement theories.
Suggested approach:
Statement: "'The most important Christian belief is that Jesus died for our sins.' Evaluate."
What this means: Is atonement the core of Christian faith, or are other beliefs equally or more important?
Structure: