Atonement in Protestantism

[ntchristian]

Having been raised in the immersion-baptism practice of the Eastern Orthodox Church, it has been easy for me to accept and be comfortable with the Protestant churches which baptize exclusively by immersion. However, as to Protestant atonement views, I have concerns. The only Protestant atonement theory I could come close to accepting would be the Governmental view. I couldn't even consider the view held by Roman Catholics, namely Satisfaction. I still remain strongly attached to the Ransom view held by Orthodoxy. I was wondering if there is a prevalent view among Baptists. I would assume it would be penal substitution, which I could never accept. That said, would holding to the Ransom view be acceptable among Baptists? To me, it is the one scriptural view, as Jesus described His own death.

 

[Reformed]

Penal substitution is the dominant view among Baptists, so you have assumed correctly.

 

[ntchristian]

Penal substitution is the dominant view among Baptists, so you have assumed correctly.

What about my question, would holding to the Ransom view be acceptable among Baptists?

 

[Reformed]

What about my question, would holding to the Ransom view be acceptable among Baptists?

Acceptable? It depends. Baptists are a melting pot of sorts. You can always find a Baptist church somewhere that believes in something off the wall. Also, there is a difference between what your church teaches and what you believe. You can hold to the ransom view and attend a church that teaches penal substitution. As long as you are not trying to challenge the established view of the church you will most likely be fine. Then again, how important do you consider your atonement view? If you consider it a primary issue you may not want to go to a Baptist church to begin with.

 

[ntchristian]

Acceptable? It depends. Baptists are a melting pot of sorts. You can always find a Baptist church somewhere that believes in something off the wall. Also, there is a difference between what your church teaches and what you believe. You can hold to the ransom view and attend a church that teaches penal substitution. As long as you are not trying to challenge the established view of the church you will most likely be fine. Then again, how important do you consider your atonement view? If you consider it a primary issue you may not want to go to a Baptist church to begin with.

Thank you for that detailed response. I do consider it a primary issue, but it seems this would be an issue in any Protestant church, not just Baptist, or am I mistaken?

 

[Reformed]

Thank you for that detailed response. I do consider it a primary issue, but it seems this would be an issue in any Protestant church, not just Baptist, or am I mistaken?

Most definitely. Reformed Presbyterian churches hold to penal substitution as their primary atonement view. Liberal denominations like the United Methodist Church may hold to penal substitution in name only. There are so many denominations under the Protestant umbrella that it is impossible to cover them all in a message board thread.

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[ntchristian]

Most definitely. Reformed Presbyterian churches hold to penal substitution as their primary atonement view. Liberal denominations like the United Methodist Church may hold to penal substitution in name only. There are so many denominations under the Protestant umbrella that it is impossible to cover them all in a message board thread.

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I understand that, thanks. I couldn't give up the Ransom view, but I know I can't be Orthodox anymore, too.

 

[utilyan]

I understand that, thanks. I couldn't give up the Ransom view, but I know I can't be Orthodox anymore, too.

Ransom view might work. Who do you think Jesus is paying off? If he is paying off God thats practically penal. Is he paying off the Devil in your case?

 

[Reformed]

I couldn't give up the Ransom view, but I know I can't be Orthodox anymore, too.

I think you will find that there are many Baptist pastors and elders who will appreciate your honesty. As long as you are not advocating for your atonement view and remain open to the teaching of God's word, you may be welcomed.

 

[Alofa Atu]

The Cross is only part of the greater atonement process. It is the blood & perfect sacrifice provided at the gate and courtyard of the sanctuary, but a final atonement was needful in the day of atonement, which did not take place at the cross, but is taking place now (Revelation 9:13-15, 14:6-12; Leviticus 16; Daniel 7:9-10, 7:22(a)).

 

[Dave G]

Ransom view might work. Who do you think Jesus is paying off? If he is paying off God thats practically penal. Is he paying off the Devil in your case?

He's paying His Father.

Acts 20:28 mentions being purchased.
From what?
For His wrath and out of the hand of judgment and eternal punishment ( Psalms 103:4 )
.
Also, He purchased the believer from this:
" Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." ( Titus 2:14 ).

See also Psalms 130:8, Psalms 49:15, Psalms 71:23, Psalms 107:20.

 

[utilyan]

He's paying His Father.

Acts 20:28 mentions being purchased.
From what?
For His wrath and out of the hand of judgment and eternal punishment ( Psalms 103:4 )
.
Also, He purchased the believer from this:
" Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." ( Titus 2:14 ).

See also Psalms 130:8, Psalms 49:15, Psalms 71:23, Psalms 107:20.

Not everyone believes he is paying off Father thats why I had to ask.

Your quote says more about paying iniquity rather than God. Just find a single verse stating The FATHER was PAID.

Ransom Theory -->Ransom theory of atonement - Wikipedia

Most people who subscribe to ransom think he is paying off Satan.
SDA, Jehovah witness, some eastern orthodox is paying off God or SIN.

 

[ntchristian]

Not everyone believes he is paying off Father thats why I had to ask.

Your quote says more about paying iniquity rather than God. Just find a single verse stating The FATHER was PAID.

Ransom Theory -->Ransom theory of atonement - Wikipedia

Most people who subscribe to ransom think he is paying off Satan.
SDA, Jehovah witness, some eastern orthodox is paying off God or SIN.

I thought SDA believed in penal substitution.

 

[37818]

The Cross is only part of the greater atonement process.

False, it was completed on the cross, John 19:28. So Jesus said, John 19:30, prior to His physical death.

 

[37818]

I thought SDA believed in penal substitution.

There is SDA teaching which is a denial of the finished work on the cross.

Christ's ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary :: The Official Site of the Seventh-day Adventist world church

 

[utilyan]

I thought SDA believed in penal substitution.

In SDA the DEVIL ends up taking the punishment in all sin. It still might be a future event even.


What is your opinion though? Who is being paid off with ransom?