Substitutionary atonement is the act of restoring balances by substitution. For example, one might say that if you take an apple from a store and eat it, you need to replace it with a substitution, such as another apple or money. In the event of a wrongful act committed which cannot be undone, a substitution must be found as a recompense; the correction of imbalances created.
In Christian theology, substitutionary atonement is a doctrine which states that Jesus Christ died on the Cross as a propitiatory substitute provided by God for all sins. Hence, according to this doctrine, he in some way dealt with the punishment that all sinners deserve, enabling them to have their sins forgiven by God.
Among those who pioneered the notion of substitutionary atonement were Anselm of Canterbury, Thomas Aquinas, Hugo Grotius, John Calvin, John Miley, and others. Most contemporary Christian evangelicals adhere to some variation of substitutionary atonement theory.
Key texts
- Isaiah 53:5 - "...he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (KJV)
Anselm & Aquinas
Some theologians have argued that the punishment due to humans was actually inflicted upon Jesus in his passion. Initially formulated by Anselm of Canterbury in his classic 11th century work Cur Deus Homo (or Why God Became Human), it was expanded upon in the 13th century by Thomas Aquinas in his magnum opus, the Summa Theologica. Aquinas' interpretation of Anselm's thinking was that by taking humankind's punishment, Jesus earned "merit", through which the sacraments can convey grace and enable salvation. Known as the commericial or satisfaction theory, Aquinas' view is the dominant view of the Roman Catholic Church.
Calvin & Calvinism
Anselm's views were further developed by 16th century Church reformer John Calvin and those who followed his teachings. Calvinism, following Anselm, generally holds to a penal or punishment model, arguing that Christ's death on the Cross was a substitute for the punishment of the Elect, those chosen by God for salvation. Calvinism rejects the notion of merit, however, affirming instead the idea of sola gratia, or salvation by grace alone.
Grotius & Arminianism
17th century theologian Hugo Grotius developed a particular view of substitutionary atonement known as the forgiveness, moral government, or governmental theory. Grotius theorized that Jesus' sacrificial death occurred in order for the Father to forgive while still maintaining his just rule over the universe. Thus, Jesus' suffering and death served as a substitute for the punishment due humankind, enabling God to forgive human sinners while maintaining his just rule. This theory, further developed by theologians such as John Miley (in his 19th century work Atonement in Christ), became the dominant view in Arminianism and Methodism.
See also
External links
Last updated: 08-21-2005 01:56:49
