Rethinking the Atonement

Rethinking the Atonement

Beyond the Depraved Doctrine of Original SinBeyond the Depraved Doctrine of Original Sin

Original Sin

• Genesis 3

• Romans 5:12-21

• 1 Corinthians 15:22

Original Sin

• everyone is born sinful

• everyone is condemned because of that sin

• it is a condition, not something you do

Original Sin

• destroys all freedom

• concupiscence

• total depravity

Original Sin

• Irenaeus

• Augustine

• Luther

• Calvin

The Big Question:How much freedom do human beings have?

The Big Question:How much freedom do human beings have?

Jesus’ Ambivalence:John 9:1-12

Jesus’ Ambivalence:John 9:1-12

What happens if you abandon Original Sin?

What happens if you abandon Original Sin?

The Crucifixion becomes a solution

in search of a problem.

The Crucifixion becomes a solution

in search of a problem.

Versions of the Atonement

Versions of the Atonement

Three FamiliesThree Families

ExampleExample SatisfactionSatisfaction

VictoryVictory

SatisfactionSatisfactionHuman sin defrauds God of the honor he is due; Christ’s infinite merit redeems that honor.

Hebrews 10:10

Human sin defrauds God of the honor he is due; Christ’s infinite merit redeems that honor.

Hebrews 10:10

Penal Substitution

Penal Substitution

Jesus takes on the punishment that is

deserved by human sin.

Romans 3:23-36

Jesus takes on the punishment that is

deserved by human sin.

Romans 3:23-36

Moral Exemplar

Moral Exemplar

Jesus life — and crucifixion — set an

example for all humankind.

John 15:13

Jesus life — and crucifixion — set an

example for all humankind.

John 15:13

RecapitulationRecapitulationChrist succeeded where Adam failed — and he

thus unites all of humankind with God.

Romans 5:18-19

Christ succeeded where Adam failed — and he

thus unites all of humankind with God.

Romans 5:18-19

Ransom CaptiveRansom Captive

Sin delivered humanity into Satan’s hands; God gave Jesus in a swap.

Mark 10:45

Sin delivered humanity into Satan’s hands; God gave Jesus in a swap.

Mark 10:45

Christus Victor

Christus Victor

In Jesus’ death, God conquered all the

powers of evil.

Hebrews 2:14

In Jesus’ death, God conquered all the

powers of evil.

Hebrews 2:14

Last Scapegoat

Last Scapegoat

Jesus’ death shows the bankruptcy of the sacrificial system.

Hebrews 10:1-4

Jesus’ death shows the bankruptcy of the sacrificial system.

Hebrews 10:1-4

Divine UnionDivine Union

On the cross, God shows ultimate solidarity with

the human experience of godforsakenness

Matthew 27:46

On the cross, God shows ultimate solidarity with

the human experience of godforsakenness

Matthew 27:46

SatisfactionPenal Substitution

Moral ExemplarRecapitulation

Ransom CaptiveChristus Victor

Last ScapegoatDivine Union

SatisfactionPenal Substitution

Moral ExemplarRecapitulation

Ransom CaptiveChristus Victor

Last ScapegoatDivine Union

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