Have you been told the Easter story so many times that it doesn't even sink in anymore? Maybe you gloss over it every year knowing it is a great story but not understanding how it really applies to you. But there is a reason that an incredible event which happened over two thousand years ago is still talked about today. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, while the people waved palm branches at him with excitement knowing that the man who has performed so many miracles was in their presence. These same people would later scream for him to be crucified just a couple of days later. This did not take Jesus by surprise, he knew what had to be done. But why? Why did Jesus have to die?
Death was beaten, Christ has the ability to do what had never been done before; he rose himself from the dead and fulfilled prophecy. Death was never a part of God’s original plan, but because of the fall of man in the garden, death was necessary. Christ rising from the dead shows he is more powerful than the outcome of sin.
Substitution, Christ took our place on that cross. We deserved to be killed for our sin but instead, Christ took our sin and died in our place.
Perfect sacrifice, Jesus is the son of God only he could save us. No other god, no other hero could redeem humanity.
Justice, the truth of our fallen humanity was revealed and met with justice by his death and resurrection.
When Jesus died on the cross for us he atoned for our sins. Atonement by definition means: to cover; to expiate. In terms of the cross, atonement is the reconciliation of God and humankind through Jesus Christ.
So how? How did Jesus actually atone for our sins?
There are 6 classical atonement theories, you can read over the brief description of them and figure out which one(s) resonates with you. It is important to remember that no matter which one you think is “most right” that all of them have the basic truth: Jesus died on the cross for our sins and because of that we can be saved through him and have a life that far exceeds our current one.
Christus Victor- This is a theory of conquest based on 1 John 3:8, the evil powers of the devil were destroyed by Jesus. Humankind was set free from the bondage of sin because of the power of the cross.
“The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” 1 John 3:8
Ransom Theory- Who had to pay this debt? Based on Mark 10:45. Jesus pays the debt of sin to the Devil or God and humankind is free of their debt to sin. Jesus dying on the cross was the price to resolve the debt.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
Recapiltaion or Second Adam- The ultimate do-over, the original Adam messed up in the garden therefore God had to send his son as the “second Adam” to redeem humanity based in Romans 5:12-21 (vs 18-19)
“Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”
Anselm or Satisfaction theory- God is Lord to whom we owe honor too. Sin offended the honor of God therefore Jesus had to die to balance the injustice. The balancing started at the incarnation of Jesus and ended at his death. This debt was to be paid to God, not the devil, unlike in the ransom theory where some believe the debt was owed to satan.
Penal Substituion- This theory is basically an add-on to the Satisfaction theory. Based on Isaiah 53, we sin, sin angered God so Christ absorbs wrath instead of us. God can forgive sinners because Jesus took the punishment of sin.
Isaiah 53:4-6, “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Moral influence- This is an example of God’s love, it is an emotional response to the cross. Jesus died to bring a beneficial change to a fallen world. Jesus dying on the cross inspired others to be better and the Holy Spirit was sent after him to continue the positive change.
These atonement theories are meant to spark discussion and thoughts to understand scripture better, they are not meant to divide. Honestly, I believe in a combination of them and they all bring different and unique elements. If you understand that God sent his son to die for us so our sin can be atoned for then you understand enough. God wants to be with you eternally and he knew the only way was through the sacrifice of his son.
John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that who should ever believe in him, will not die but have eternal life.”
“The tomb where soldiers watched in vain
Was borrowed for three days
His body there would not remain
Our God has robbed the grave”
-Elevation Worship, Resurrecting.
Sources: Theology notes. Resurrecting lyrics, Essential Music Publishing. Stephen D. Morrison: 7 Theories of Atonement Summarized.
