What does atonement mean?

NOTE: Atonement, or "penal substitution" is a vital, yet controversial, doctrine in Christianity! It is primarily considered central to reformed theology (Calvinism). Since it is a well-known and widely held theological doctrine in the modern church, I include it here for your consideration. Personally I hold to the sacrifice model. Jesus' took away our sins by his shed blood to save us from the consequences of sin. I do not believe God hated Jesus, tortured Jesus, damned Jesus, or forsook Jesus at any time.

"Penal substitution" is a specific theological view within Christian soteriology (the study of salvation) that explains the atonement—the reconciliation between God and humanity through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ—using the concept of legal substitution and punishment. This doctrine is particularly associated with Reformed theology but is present in varying degrees in other Christian traditions as well. Here are the key elements of penal substitution:

Sin and God's Wrath:
Penal substitution begins with the understanding that humanity is sinful and has violated God's righteous standards. According to this view, God's wrath or judgment is directed against human sin.

Substitutionary Atonement:
The core of penal substitution is the belief that Jesus Christ, as the sinless Son of God, willingly took upon himself the punishment that humanity deserved for its sins. In other words, Jesus acted as a substitute for sinners, bearing the penalty on their behalf.

Legal and Forensic Framework:
The model often employs legal and forensic language, framing the atonement in terms of a legal transaction. Jesus, the innocent one, is seen as taking the place of guilty humanity in a legal sense, satisfying the demands of divine justice.

Satisfaction of God's Justice:
Advocates of penal substitution argue that Jesus' death on the cross satisfied the justice of God. By enduring the punishment for sin, Jesus made it possible for God to remain just while also justifying those who have faith in Him.

Imputation of Righteousness:
Central to penal substitution is the idea of the imputation of righteousness. Through faith in Christ, believers are said to have Christ's righteousness credited to them, while their sins are imputed to Christ on the cross.

Biblical Basis:
Proponents of penal substitution point to biblical passages, such as Isaiah 53:4-6 and Romans 3:21-26, as key texts supporting this doctrine. These passages are interpreted to emphasize the substitutionary and atoning nature of Christ's death.

It's important to note that while penal substitution is a significant and widely accepted view in many Christian circles, there are other theories of atonement within Christianity. These include the moral influence theory, Christus Victor (Christ the Victor), the governmental theory, and others, each offering different perspectives on the meaning and mechanism of the atonement. Different Christian denominations and traditions may emphasize one theory over others, or they may hold to a combination of these views.

We at EZsalvation hold to Free Grace theology.

[bloodboughtbigphilr]

That's brilliant Brother. Great Gospel message The free offer of eternal life goes to all everywhere and a gift to be received not a reward to be earned.

[Bentoto]

Excuse me, what do you believe or teach in your channel on how to be saved and go to heaven for eternity?