Equipping University

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.

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.

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.

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 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.