Thots on Penal Substitution

Posted by: Allen Kehler
Church: Hague Gospel Church/SK Regional Coach Hague SK
Date: November 15th, 2010

Allen Kehler –

At a September meeting of EMMC regional reps and staff, one of our presenters raised a point regarding our Scriptural understanding of the theory on “penal substitution.”  Thanks Jack for stirring my heart!

In a blog entry by Thomas Schreiner, a renowned conservative evangelical theologian, puts into words some thoughts that resounded within me.  He writes (http://www.monergism.com/):

The Father, because of his love for human beings, sent his Son (who offered himself willingly and gladly) to satisfy his justice, so that Christ took the place of sinners.  The punishment and penalty we deserved was laid on Jesus Christ instead of us, so that in the cross both God’s holiness and love are manifested.  The riches of what God has accomplished in Christ for his people are not exhausted by penal substitution.  The multifaceted character of the atonement must be recognized to do justice the canonical witness. God’s people are impoverished if Christ’s triumph over evil powers at the cross is slighted, or Christ’s exemplary love is shoved to the side, or the healing bestowed on believers by Christ’s cross and resurrection is downplayed.  While not denying the wide-ranging character of Christ’s atonement, I am arguing that penal substitution is foundational and the heart of the atonement.

A clear understanding of Christ’s atonement is essential to our faithfully proclaiming the doctrine of Salvation.  Your thoughts!