The Atonement
The Atonement: What the Cross Accomplished, and How Christians Understand It
Why did Jesus have to die? The New Testament answers with a wealth of images: a ransom paid, a victory won, a substitute in our place, a love that changes hearts, a new humanity begun. Across the centuries Christians have drawn these into models of the atonement. They are best held not as rival theories but as facets of one saving death. Each page below explains one, with its Scripture and its history, and where Christians place the emphasis differently.
The RansomMark 10:45Christus Victor, the Victory Over EvilColossians 2:15Substitution, He Took Our PlaceIsaiah 53:5The Great Exchange2 Corinthians 5:21Reconciliation, Brought Back to God2 Corinthians 5:19The Love That Changes UsRomans 5:8Recapitulation, a New HumanityRomans 5:19The Lamb of God, the SacrificeHebrews 9:12
More on who he is, and what he didThe Offices of ChristThe Blood of ChristThe Creeds in the New TestamentThe Covenant Names of GodThe Attributes of GodThe Paradoxes