One of the theological areas that critics of Christianity will commonly point to as problematic is the penal substitutionary atonement. This doctrine is also heavily opposed by those who are in the process of deconstructing their faith.
From the perspective of critics, the idea that Jesus took on mankind’s punishment of sin and died in their place is unthinkable. To them, God is portrayed as a wrathful monster who must be satisfied by the death of an innocent sufferer.
Despite the negative picture that deconstruction teachers paint of the penal substitutionary atonement, Jesus did die in place of sinful man to satisfy justice. The idea that God unjustly punished Jesus is not an accurate depiction, because Jesus is God, hates sin, and willingly died in place of mankind to bring reconciliation.
God is not a monster, but rather is the Savior who laid down His life to atone for the sins of all people. Furthermore, the penal substitutionary atonement is an important doctrine of the Christian faith because of its centrality to the gospel message.
Defining Penal Substitutionary Atonement
Penal substitutionary atonement teaches that Jesus died in place of sinful mankind, bearing the punishment for their sins to satisfy God’s holy wrath against sin. Because of Jesus’ substitutionary death on the cross, people who place faith in His death and resurrection can be reconciled to God.
Since people can easily distort this doctrine, one must remember that Jesus is not an unwilling sufferer who endured God’s wrath. Instead, Jesus is God and willingly gave His life to save mankind.
Before providing an examination of central Bible verses related to penal substitutionary atonement, a theological definition may clarify this doctrine. According to Theopedia, an online theological encyclopedia, this doctrine “refers to the doctrine that Christ died on the cross as a substitute for sinners” and “was a full payment for sins, which satisfied both the wrath and the righteousness of God, so that He could forgive sinners without compromising His own holy standard” (“Penal Substitutionary Atonement,” Theopedia).
Specifically, mankind’s sin was placed on Jesus, and He endured the punishment for the sins of the world.
Biblical Basis for the Doctrine
Scripture teaches that mankind is sinful, because of being born into the race of Adam and because of personal decisions to sin against God (Romans 3:23; 5:12). Because of mankind’s sinfulness, they are unable to be in a relationship with holy and righteous God (Isaiah 59:2).
The Lord loves His creation, including mankind, but He hates sin and cannot arbitrarily forgive sin. Offering forgiveness without satisfying His holy wrath or justice would compromise His character. For this reason, a substitute was needed so that a perfect person could die in the place of mankind, satisfying God’s justice so that people could receive forgiveness of sins.
God the Son willingly chose to add humanity to His divinity and came to earth as a servant (Philippians 2:6-8). He never sinned and was perfect (Hebrews 4:15). To save mankind from slavery to darkness and sin, Jesus willingly gave His life (John 10:18). He died in the place of mankind, enduring the punishment that sinful man deserves (Romans 3:25).
Christ satisfied or propitiated, the holy wrath of God (1 John 2:2). As 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (NLT). On the third day after His death, Jesus was physically and bodily resurrected, a key aspect of the Gospel message presenting Jesus’ atoning sacrifice (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
One of the clearest passages about the penal substitutionary atonement is Isaiah 53:5, which declares, “he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Christ, the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53, bore mankind’s sins in His body and died so that those who trust in Him would be saved and receive eternal life (1 Peter 2:24).
As is taught in these multiple passages, the penal substitutionary atonement is found in Scripture because Jesus did die in place of mankind. As the perfect sacrifice, Jesus effectively endured the punishment for mankind’s sin and is the atoning sacrifice for all who believe in Him (1 John 4:9-10).
The idea of an innocent sacrifice atoning for sinful man is not a new one, as the Old Testament has multiple illustrations of this concept. Many sacrifices in the Old Testament prefigured the need for substitutionary atonement. For instance, the Mosaic Law had multiple requirements for offering animals in sacrifice for sins (Leviticus 5:5-7).
These sacrifices did not provide salvation but prefigured and looked forward to Christ’s atoning death (Hebrews 10:1-14). Significantly, the Passover lamb is a perfect illustration of Jesus’ death on the cross, which specifically occurred during the celebration of Passover (John 19:14). Before the Israelites left Egypt, God sent the last plague on Egypt, which consisted of the death of all the firstborn children (Exodus 11:4-6).
Because the Israelites were directed to kill a lamb and smear its blood over their doors, the firstborn Israelite children were not killed but were passed over (Exodus 12:6-13). In the same way, the spotless Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, was sacrificed to atone for the sins of the world (John 1:29).
The Importance of Atonement
This doctrine is not only important because it is taught in the Bible, but as has been demonstrated through the examination of Bible verses, having a proper understanding of the penal substitutionary atonement is paramount because of its connection to the Gospel message. If a person rejects the truth that Jesus died in their place on the cross for their sins, then they cannot be saved.
People cannot just view Jesus’ death on the cross as an example of love that people should emulate. Scripture reiterates the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ death (Hebrews 9:28), which is required for the forgiveness of sin because “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).
As has been recognized by numerous theologians throughout time, as they studied the Bible, the penal substitutionary atonement doctrine is essential to the good news of Jesus Christ. Theologian Charles Ryrie stated in his book, Basic Theology, of the importance of the substitutionary atonement: “Only the substitutionary death of Christ can provide that which God’s justice demands and thereby become the basis for the gift of eternal life to those who believe” (Chicago: Moody).
To deny this essential doctrine of atonement is to deny the very basis of the Gospel message.
Jesus Christ: The Sacrifice and Savior
While there have been numerous wrong depictions of the penal substitutionary atonement, the Bible presents the correct view that Jesus died as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of all people. Unlike the negative picture painted by critics and those who participate in deconstructing their faith, Jesus was not an unwilling victim who suffered God’s monstrous wrath.
Christ is God and willingly came to earth to save mankind by lovingly offering His life in place of sinful mankind to satisfy His holy standard. Numerous biblical passages present the truth that Jesus died as an atoning sacrifice and His saving death on the cross is prefigured in the Old Testament, specifically in the Passover lamb. Believers can rejoice knowing that Jesus is both their perfect Sacrifice and Savior, who died and was raised to bring eternal life to all who believe.
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Sophia Bricker is a freelance writer who enjoys researching and writing articles on biblical and theological topics. In addition to contributing articles about biblical questions as a contract writer, she has also written for Unlocked devotional. She holds a BA in Ministry, a MA in Ministry, and is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing to develop her writing craft. As someone who is passionate about the Bible and faith in Jesus, her mission is to help others learn about Christ and glorify Him in her writing. When she isn’t busy studying or writing, Sophia enjoys spending time with family, reading, drawing, and gardening.
