Some basics on the atonement for class lecture. HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION The church has never creedally determined the doctrine of the atonement. Several models of atonement have dominated the landscape since the patristic period. Each of these contains an element of truth, and has some biblical grounding, though some can go in quite perverse directions if they are isolated and detached from others. Below, I list several of the main theories of the atonement. There are, of course, various ways to... Read more

Aulen again, quoting passages from Luther’s Galatians commentary: “To destroy sin, to smite death, to take away the curse by Himself, to bestow righteousness, bring life to light, and give the blessing: to annihilate the former, and to create the latter: this is the work of God’s omnipotence alone. But when Scripture ascribes to Christ all this, then is He Himself the Life, and Righteousness, and Blessing — that is, in His nature and His essence He is God. Therefore... Read more

Aulen again, quoting passages from Luther’s Galatians commentary: “To destroy sin, to smite death, to take away the curse by Himself, to bestow righteousness, bring life to light, and give the blessing: to annihilate the former, and to create the latter: this is the work of God’s omnipotence alone. But when Scripture ascribes to Christ all this, then is He Himself the Life, and Righteousness, and Blessing — that is, in His nature and His essence He is God. Therefore... Read more