The truth of the matter is, take away the false philosophical notions the literal payment theory imbibes, and the whole system it is part and parcel to, i.e., the system of Calvinistic theology, fails. Sola Scripture is nothing more than a sophistical myth. There is not a system of theological though that does not assume, recognized as such or not, a system of philosophy. What is so ironic, is that the one system of thought that prides themselves in Sola Scripture or Sola Biblica (sp ?) , is based upon false philosophical error of men like Augustine and Calvin. One such philosophical error being that sin lies in the constitution of the flesh and not in the will.