Definition
The penal substitutionary view of the atonement holds that the most fundamental event of the atonement is that Jesus Christ took the full punishment that we deserved for our sins as a substitute in our place, and that all other benefits or results of the atonement find their anchor in this truth.
Summary
All people are in need of a substitute since all are guilty of sinning against the holy God. All sin deserves punishment because all sin is personal rebellion against God himself. While animal sacrifices took on the guilt of God’s people in the OT, these sacrifices could never fully atone for the sins of man. For that, Jesus Christ came and died in the place of his people (substitution), taking upon himself the full punishment that they deserved (penal). While there are other theories of the atonement, which point to other valid aspects of what happened in Christ’s death, the penal-substitutionary element of the crucifixion secures all other benefits that come to God’s people through the death of their representative.
Podcasts
The Toxic Effect of Taking Jesus for Granted
This message by Gary Millar is a meditation from the Gospel of Luke on the betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Why You Need a Priest
In this sermon on Hebrews 2:14–18, Lewis Allen preaches on why we need Jesus to be our high priest and how this gives us confidence in him.
Articles
3 Reasons I Changed My Mind About Penal Substitution
Was it really a theological revolution if I never had a serious atonement theology to begin with?
How Jesus Fulfilled the Passover
The message of Passover is the message of Good Friday: salvation through substitution.
Getting to the Heart of Atonement
Everything we need for forgiveness, for the removal of God’s anger, and for reconciliation with him can be found in Jesus.
The Satanic Doctrine of a Wrathless Cross
The Devil doesn’t mind a shiny trinket around your neck so long as it’s not a shining treasure in your heart.
How Did Jesus Suffer Eternal Punishment in Only 3 Hours?
Hell is an infinite sentence, since it’s punishing an infinite crime. And sin is an infinite crime, since it’s treason against an infinite God.
God Will Give You Everything You Need
Because he loves you, God will not give you everything you want. Only everything you need.
3 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Good Friday Sermon
Preaching the cross is imperative for any gospel minister. Here are three mistakes to avoid when you do it on Good Friday.
Scandalized by the Substitute: A Response to Young and Gungor
To lose our sight of God’s righteous justice is to lose our grasp of his fathomless love. To promote the cross but not the atonement is to not promote the cross at all.
