2C- Atonement

Question 1

What is atonement

Answer 1

Atonement is the process by which men and women are reconciled with God through death of Jesus on the cross

Question 2

Why is atonement needed

Answer 2

Reconciliation was necessary due to sin- Gen 3 was the ‘fall of mankind’- tells us how sin first came into the world (eating forbidden fruit)

Question 3

Explain biblical models of atonement

Answer 3

Early models contain this concept- practice of scapegoating in Leviticus 16- priest would symbolically lay the sins of people on a goat which was then thrown into the wilderness

Also refer to passover lamb- the blood of the lamb ‘saved’ the Hebrews from death- Jesus is referred to as the ‘lamb of God’

Question 4

Explain the early model of Christus Victor

Answer 4

Ransom model (early model)- Jesus’ death was ransom payment to redeem humanity from sin
Origen said Jesus’ death was ransom paid to Satan
Humanity is bound by sin and the devil

Question 5

Explain the 20th century model of Christus Victor

Answer 5

Aulen- popularised christus victor in 20th cen
However rather than Jesus’ death being a ransom payment this model shows a victory over the powers which hold mankind in bondage eg sin, death

Asserts humanity is set free through Jesus’ victory of the cross

Supported by 1 Timothy 2:6- ‘gave himself as a ransom for all people’

Question 6

explain the model of substitution: satisfaction

Answer 6

Satisfaction: Anselm 11th cen- God’s honour was so offended by sin only way it was satisfied was through sacrifice of Jesus- too big a debt to be paid by humans to God gave Jesus
Anselm says ‘compensation for the whole offence of humanity’
The atonement was a propitiation- a way of turning away the wrath of God

Question 7

explain the model of substitution: penal substitution

Answer 7

Penal Substitution- expounded in 16th cen protestant reformation- focused on God’s justice- based on Suffering Servant songs (Isaiah 53)- it describes a figure who suffer unjustly

sins of humanity needed to be punished- jesus took the place of humanity by dying on cross so justice had been served- was full payment for sins

Question 8

Explain the model of moral example

Answer 8

Augustine- in the ‘city of God’ described Jesus as the sacrificial offering for sin
Restated by Peter Abelard
Jesus died to show how much he loved humanity- designed to show love of God
Jesus’ death was to influence humanity towards moral improvement
Favoured by modern liberal theologians