Atonement

In Christianity, sin separates humanity from God, as portrayed in Genesis 3, the account of the Fall. Atonement refers to the process of reconciling humanity with God—to make “at one” what has been divided. Central to this is the death and resurrection of Jesus, which is believed to effectively remove the barrier caused by sin and restore the relationship between God and humanity.

Sacrificial Models of Atonement

Old Testament Foundations

Early Christian thought draws on Jewish sacrificial practices:

• Scapegoat (Leviticus 16:20-22): The High Priest would symbolically transfer the sins of the people onto a goat, which was then sent into the wilderness, representing the removal of sin.

• Passover Lamb: The blood of the lamb saved the Israelites from death during the Exodus, symbolizing liberation and protection. In Christian theology, Jesus is called the “Lamb of God”, whose sacrificial death brings new life.

Jesus as Sacrifice

The New Testament, especially the Epistle to the Hebrews, presents Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial offering. His death is expiatory, meaning it removes guilt and restores the relationship with God.

The Ransom Model

Anselm of Canterbury in Cur Deus Homo (Why God Became Man) argued that human sin created a debt to God. Jesus’ death acted as a propitiation, satisfying God’s justice and turning away divine wrath.

Gustaf Aulen in Christus Victor emphasized that Jesus’ death was a victory over the powers of death and evil. Humanity was enslaved by sin and death, and through Christ, God liberated humanity, demonstrating Christ as the victorious redeemer.

Penal Substitution

Developed during the 16th Century Protestant Reformation, this model emphasizes God’s justice.

• Jesus, the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53), takes upon himself the punishment for human sin, satisfying divine justice.

• Through the Cross, humanity is freed from punishment, and God’s justice is upheld.

• Scriptural support includes Isaiah 53 and Galatians 3:13.

Moral Influence Model

First articulated by Augustine and later by Peter Abelard, this view focuses on the ethical and moral impact of the crucifixion.

• Jesus’ death demonstrates the depth of God’s love.

• Observing such selfless love should inspire humanity to repent, live morally, and follow God’s example.

• The emphasis is less on satisfying justice and more on transforming human hearts.

Summary

Christian atonement is a multi-faceted concept:

• Jesus’ death reconciles humanity with God, restores the relationship broken by sin, and demonstrates divine love.

• Theological models highlight different aspects: sacrificial, ransom, penal, and moral influence, each providing insight into the meaning and significance of Christ’s work on the Cross.