Substitutionary Atonement - The Essence of Christianity

As there has always been since the time of Christ, there are people who would seek to keep us from the forgiveness found in Christ through His substitutionary atonement. On forums like this, I often see those who would shipwreck the faith of God's elect, so it comes as no surprise. We know that wolves can be found where the sheep are.

Here's a simple example to explain why other views of the atonement are literally nonsense. If I, out of the blue, jump in front of a speeding train and get splattered on its windshield to demonstrate my love for you, you would rightfully think me crazy for doing so; however, if I jumped in front of that same train to push you out of its path, saving your life while giving mine, you would know my love for you, and you would not question the need for my actions. I died in your place, in the latter example. In the former, I just died.

Christ took a bullet for His elect. He drank fully of the cup of God's wrath, and He did that for those whom the Father promised Him.

Without Christ's substitutionary atonement, a man is dead in his sin.

 

Yes, Christ came to defeat sin, death and the devil, so we get "Christus Victor" as an explanation for *what* Christ did, but to answer the *how* question, we have PSA. Christ saves by becoming the "Second Adam" and taking the penalty that I deserve, on my behalf. On the flip side of that, He lives a life of perfect obedience, even unto death, for me.

 

Because I've lived a life of rebellion.