Theories of the Atonement - 1274 Words

Erickson (1998) says there are a few theories on the atonement depending on how your read certain scripture, the theories are as follows: The Socinian Theory (1998:801); This theory speaks of Christ on the Cross as a perfect example of what kind of dedication followers of God must do, there is no connection to a sacrificial death whatsoever. The moral influence theory (1998:802); This theory believes the cross was an example of God’s love and not much more. The Governmental theory (1998:806); This theory sees the death of Christ on the Cross as atonement and also as a picture to the believer as to how serious sin is, and it must not be taken lightly. The Ransom Theory (1998:810); In this theory it is proposed, and quite popularly so, that†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Accordingly reconciliation proceeds by doing away with sin, and the method of doing this was by the atoning death of Christ† (Morris 1965:250). What is being said, and the conclusion we have already come to, yet are just confirming, is that sin was our problem, God through Christ on the cross was our solution, this is our atonement, Christ’s death on the Cross, and this is our Gospel. â€Å"Moved by the perfection of His Holy love, God in Christ substituted himself for us sinners. That is the heart of the cross of Christ†¦ What God in Christ has done through the cross is to rescue us, disclose Himself and overcome evil† (Stott 2006:195). â€Å"So in Christ, believing in Christ, incorporated in Him, we can face the law without any fear, without any tremor or quiver† (Lloyd-Jones 2003:336). The good Doctor here is speaking about the law given to the Israelites for them to be set apart from other nations, and for them to be set apart for God, the law was impossible to keep, yet there was a way around it with the animal sacrifices, this Jesus fulfilled completely in His atoning death on the cross, the law no longer has any power over those who believe in Jesus. â€Å"If he was going to accomplish the work that the Father sent Him to do, and if people were going to be redeemed for God, then it was necessary for Him to die on the cross†¦there was no other way for God to save us than for Christ to die in our place† (GrudemShow MoreRelatedThe Theological Theory Of Atonement1634 Words   |  7 Pagespersonal style to form their ideas of what the atonement means. In the second century, Irenaeus and Athanasius formed their beliefs into a model of atonement. They are usually regarded as being the first to outline the theory of atonement called the recapitulation theory. Their work set the tone for all the other theories that followed. This model dominated atonement theology of the early church throughout the first millennium. The recapitulation theory is based off Platonst views that the church fathersRead MoreJesus Christ and the Atonement Theories Essay1658 Words   |  7 Pageswould forgive us for our sins. Atonement is the action of putting things right between us and God. This story illustrates a very simplified version of one Atonement theory. Jesus, the Pan, accomplished Atonement by sacrificing himself for mercy and forgiveness. He died for us so God would forgive our sins. The Atonement theories themselves are different explanations to help interpret what God actually did to save us. In each of the four Atonement theories Jesus is the bridge that connectsRead MoreRelationship Between Incarnation And Atonement Essay1671 Words   |  7 PagesThe Relationship Between Incarnation and Atonement The incarnation and atonement of Jesus Christ are the enduring elements of the Christian theology. Many theologians have spent their time discussing and developing these Christian doctrines on how they came about, and how relevant they might be. According to Anselm, incarnation is a central doctrine of Christianity, followed by atonement. In order to ponder on the relationship between atonement and incarnation focusing on Anselm’s idea of satisfactionRead MoreThe Atonement And Its Effect On The Cross Of Calvary1288 Words   |  6 PagesThe Atonement The word â€Å"Atonement† is frequently used in the Old Testament. Nevertheless, in regards to the New Testament, the King James Version of the Bible mentions â€Å"Atonement,† only once, which is found in (Rom. 5:11.) 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Furthermore, other versions, such as, the NRSVA, NIV, ASV and others uses the word â€Å"Reconciliation† as an alternative. Perhaps, when one seeks the etymology and the meaning of the word, this phrase simply can be seen as at-one-ment, which can be translated as the state of oneness of two whoRead MoreEssay Topic: Discuss Point of View as a Technique and Theme in ‘Atonement’.1716 Words   |  7 Pagesparticular themes in such books as the Atonement by Ian McEwan, Jane Austen and many other authors. Using these styles has been spoken of as heightened literary skills which delivers to the reader what the author desires to reveal of their characters. It is an advanced and old style that can be used to bring forth the many perceptions created by the writer. This essay will discuss how point of view is used as a technique and thereupon the theme of atonement within free indirect style, variable internalRead More Christianity and Lib eralism by Gresham Machen-Machen Essay1738 Words   |  7 Pagescontinuum, from respect for Word of God as a literature to doubts regarding the canonicity of particular writings to a rejection of the Bible. Second, Machen makes connections the rejection of the Bible to the rejection of â€Å"‘mechanical’ theories of inspiration, the theory of ‘dictation,’ the superstitious use of the Bible as a talisman,’ or the like,† (PAGE 63) without discussing regarding things like infallibility and inerrancy that liberals believe. However, Machen clearly and strongly indicatesRead MoreTransformation in Flying with the Eagle, Racing the Great Bear928 Words   |  4 Pagestry to make a sense of the world,† (Alan Watts). Myths are shown as symbolic tales of the distant past that are passed down from generation to generation. One particular way to look at mythology and the study of myths is through Joseph Campbell’s theory of a monomyth, or the basic pattern throughout all myths around the world. This pattern Joseph Campbell describes, he conveys to happen in all classic myths, which he in turn calls, the hero’s journey. The hero’s journey is a series of stages or a