In our latest session, we explored one of the richest and most essential themes in all of Christian theology: the atonement. The cross of Christ stands at the center of our faith—but how exactly does it work? How do we understand what happened on that Friday outside Jerusalem?
Many of us grew up hearing one particular view of atonement—most often penal substitution. While this is a biblically grounded and historically affirmed perspective, it is not the only one the Church has embraced. In fact, as we unpacked in the video, the Christian tradition is filled with multiple, complementary atonement theories, each highlighting a different aspect of Christ’s saving work.
Are All Atonement Theories True?
That was Susan’s excellent question, and it opened up a powerful conversation. The short answer? Yes—and no.
Each major theory embraced by the historic Church (Penal Substitution, Ransom Theory, Christus Victor, Satisfaction, Moral Influence, Governmental, and Recapitulation) captures something true about the cross. But none of them, on their own, are exhaustive. They each spotlight one angle of the diamond, and together, they help us behold the full brilliance of God’s redemptive work in Christ.
Recapitulation: The Most Comprehensive View?
Some have argued that Recapitulation—the idea that Christ retraces and reverses Adam’s failure—may be the most inclusive framework. This model, associated with early Church Fathers like Irenaeus, sees Christ not only paying a penalty or setting an example, but re-doing humanity itself. In doing so, it arguably contains elements of every other model: substitution, victory, healing, and moral transformation.
Whether or not it’s the most complete, it reminds us that Jesus’s work is cosmic in scope and deeply personal in application.
Penal Substitution and the Problem of Limited Atonement
We spent time walking through Penal Substitution, the most familiar theory in Protestant circles. In this view, Jesus takes on the penalty of sin in our place. But we also explored the theological tension this creates: If Christ died for all, why are not all saved? This question gave rise to debates between Calvinists (who argue that Jesus died only for the elect) and Arminians (who argue that the benefits of Christ’s death are applied by faith).
This is not just theological hair-splitting—it gets at the heart of how we understand divine justice, free will, and the nature of grace.
Ransom Theory and the Power of Story
We also discussed the Ransom Theory, which understands Jesus’s death as a ransom paid to free us from slavery to sin, death, and the devil. Using C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as a vivid illustration, we saw how the power of story can communicate deep theological truth.
But we also asked: Does God owe Satan anything? Does Jesus trick the devil? While Ransom Theory reflects biblical language (Mark 10:45, 1 Timothy 2:6), it carries some difficulties when pressed too far. Still, it emphasizes Christ’s triumph over evil and our liberation, which are core to the gospel.
Mystery and Majesty: Holding the Tension
One of the most meaningful parts of this session was when we stepped into the mystery of the incarnation. What does it mean that Jesus “emptied himself” (Phil. 2)? How could he be fully divine and fully human—and how does that relate to the atonement?
We affirmed that Jesus did not stop being divine, but voluntarily relinquished certain privileges of divinity—omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence—so that he could fully identify with us and become the perfect substitute. This is a mystery, but a glorious one. The atonement is not only about what Christ did, but also about who Christ is.
Why This Matters
All of this theological work matters because it points us back to the heart of the gospel. We don’t just need to know that Jesus died—we need to know why and how. Understanding the multi-faceted nature of the atonement:
- Deepens our worship
- Strengthens our faith
- Equips us to share the gospel more clearly and compassionately
And perhaps most importantly, it helps us say: “This is what God has done for me.”
