1 Systematic Theology II The Doctrine of ChristThe Death of Christ and The Meaning of the Death of Christ - Atonement Good timing with the approach of Easter

2 The Death of Christ “The death of Christ is the very heart of the gospel and occupies a large portion of the theology of the Bible. While it is not the central or unifying theme of Scripture, it is nevertheless a pervasive subject and one that on a practical level one meets most often. This is understandable in view of the fact that nearly all of human history to date has been struggling with the problem of sin, and its only remedy, of course, is found through the death of the Savior” (McCune, p. 155).

3 The Fact of the Death of ChristOld Testament Types, Analogies and Symbols Garments of Skin God’s slaying of animals to make skin coverings for Adam and Eve (Gen 3:21) “appear to signal the initiation of blood sacrifice as the medium of approach to God” (McCune, p. 156). Abel’s Lamb “…in keeping with the garments of skin in Genesis 3, God expected an expiatory offering from both of the men. If that is the case, Abel brought an acceptable sacrifice in faith and Cain brought neither an approved sacrifice nor the requisite faith. In other words, an atoning death was required and Abel obeyed (Gen 4:4)” (McCune, p. 156). Old Testament Sacrifices OT sacrifices required the offering of a perfect animal according to the prescriptions of the Law of God. The shedding of blood was a graphic reminder of the wages of sin: death. This system was carried out for centuries of Israel’s history and prepared the way for Christ’s sacrificial death. The Bronze Serpent When God sent a judgment of fiery serpents that brought death to many, the divinely revealed remedy was to look to a bronze serpent in faith and live (Num 21:6-9). Jesus likened this serpent on a pole to his own lifting up as an atoning sin-bearer, with faith being the means of eternal life (John 3:14-15). The Passover Lamb The death angel passed over those households who obeyed God’s command and put blood on their doorposts (Exod 12:1-32). This became an annual observance in Israel (Exod 12:42-51). Both John the Baptist (John 1:29) and Paul (1 Cor 5:7-9) make a connection between the Passover and the sacrifice of Christ. These are in a different order than McCune. Animal skins were more likely given for something that would last longer than fig leaves. With regard to Cain and Abel’s offerings, intention is the key issue, not what was offered. The text emphasizes that Abel brought the very best, seeking to honor the Lord. In contrast, Cain appeared only to be fulfilling a duty.

4 The Fact of the Death of ChristOld Testament Prophecies The Seed of the Woman Gen 3:15 is the protoevangelium. While this initial saying was obscure, the story of redemption in the rest of the Bible makes its meaning clear. The Suffering Servant Isa 52:13 – 53:12 tells of the Servant of Yahweh who would be the sin-bearer of His people (Isa 53:6). The NT affirms that this is Jesus Christ (Acts 8:32-35). The Cut-Off Messiah Daniel’s prophecy of the 70 weeks and its interpretation include this statement: “So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress. Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing” (Dan 9:25-26a). This is a prediction of the death of Christ. The Smitten Shepherd Jesus applies the prophecy of Zech 13:7 to Himself when he says in Matt 26:31: “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, 'I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.’” Serpent and seed of the woman appear to be on two levels: humans and snakes, Christ and Satan (cf. Rom 16:20).

5 The Fact of the Death of ChristThe Preaching of John the Baptist “He subsumed all the Old Testament types, symbols, and prophecies of the death of Christ into one concise expression: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29; cf. v. 36) (McCune, p. 159). The Teaching of Christ Himself Early in His ministry the central message of Christ’s teaching was the Kingdom of God. However, even then, Jesus alluded to His coming death (John 2:19; 3:14-15). It was only in the last year of His ministry that Christ began to teach openly about His death (Matt 16:21). The Preaching of the Apostles The death and resurrection of Christ were the centerpieces of apostolic preaching in the early church (Acts 2:23; 3:11-16; 1 Cor 15:3-4).

6 The Necessity of the Death of ChristAt Caesarea Philippi Jesus said that “He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day” (Matt 16:21). He had to go, but He went also went willingly (John 10:18), in order to: To Fulfill God’s Eternal Purpose “Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour” (John 12:27). To Be Obedient to the Will of the Father “Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come (In the roll of the book it is written of Me) To do Thy will, O God’” (Heb 10:7, citing Psa 40:6). “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt” (Matt 26:39; cf. vv. 42, 44). To Fulfill Prophecy As illustrated in the Garden of Gethsemane: Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place...Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? How then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen this way?” As illustrated with the disciples after His resurrection: Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44).

7 The Nature of the Death of ChristDeath Means Separation Physical death is the separation of the soul and spirit from the body; spiritual death is the separation of a person from God. The second death is the permanent and final confirmation of spiritual death. Jesus Was Separated from God He experienced physical death, and He also experienced a judicial separation from the Father on our behalf (Matt 27:46; 2 Cor 5:21). Jesus’ Spirit and Soul Were Separated from His Body For Jesus, the order was a judicial separation from the Father (spiritual death), then the separation for His soul and spirit from His body (physical death).

8 The Meaning of AtonementThe meaning of the atonement comes from the Hebrew word kipper. Kipper basically means to expiate or remove. The idea is the removal of guilt associated with sin.

9 The Foundations of the Atonement of ChristA Penal Satisfaction of God’s Holiness/Justice – “This is a satisfaction rendered to divine justice for the sin of man and all its effects” (McCune, p. 171). While Jesus’ sufferings were different from that of the rest of the human race, they were the legal equivalent of the infinite debt that sinners owed. Holiness is the Fundamental Attribute of God Holiness governs love, not the other way around. Holiness makes penal suffering necessary; love makes it voluntary and willing. Sin Contradicts God’s Holiness and Creates Guilt Guilt is the legal and moral liability that arises from an infraction of God’s moral law, i.e., sin. Guilt Demands Punishment Punishment is God’s proper reaction against any violation of His being and will. Sin is punished because it must be punished, and it’s punishment must be equal to the crime.

10 The Foundations of the Atonement of ChristA Substitution of the Righteous for the Unrighteous – Jesus became a voluntary, pure (free from sin) substitute for sinners and suffered the punishment that the sins of the world deserved. Substitution Seen in the OT Sacrifices On the Day of Atonement, two goats constituted one sin offering (Lev. 16:5); one was slain, signifying payment for sin; the other was sent into the wilderness, signifying the removal of guilt. Substitution Taught Directly in Scripture See Isa 53:1-9; 2 Cor 5:21; Gal 3:13; 1 Pet 3:18 Substitution Seen in the Greek Prepositions Used Anti – “in place of, in stead of” (Mark 10:45) Huper – “in behalf of, in the stead of, for the sake of” (Mark 14:24) Peri – “for, on behalf of, concerning” (1 Pet 3”18) The Nature of the Substitution Jesus was judicially reckoned a sinner by God (2 Cor 5:21). Jesus Himself did not become a sinner.

11 The Categories of the Atonement of ChristThe Atonement of Christ in Terms of Sacrificial Expiation (Removal of Guilt) Sacrifice Presupposes Guilt Guilt means liability to punishment. The punishment for sin against God is death. Christ bore our guilt by His death. Sacrifice Must Be Understood in Terms of OT Sacrifice An innocent and blemish-free animal was offered as a sacrifice for sin and made atonement for sin, thus enabling forgiveness by God. Yet even OT sacrifices had their ultimate basis in the sacrifice of Christ (Heb 9:11-12).

12 The Categories of the Atonement of ChristThe Atonement of Christ in Terms of Redemption/Ransom (Freedom from Bondage) Redemption Presupposes Bondage or Servitude To redeem means to buy out of slavery by the payment of a price. The unredeemed are slaves of sin (John 8:34; Titus 3:3). Christ has paid the price of our redemption (Titus 2:14). The Biblical Terms for Redemption/Ransom See McCune, pp

13 The Atonement of Christ – Part IIThe Doctrine of Christ The Atonement of Christ – Part II

14 The Categories of the Atonement of ChristThe Atonement of Christ in Terms of Propitiation (Removal of Wrath) – The atoning death of Christ satisfied God’s holy, judicial anger at sin (1 John 2:2). Propitiation Presupposes Wrath (John 3:36; Rom 1:18) God’s Wrath is Based on His Holiness Wrath is God’s holy anger administered by His justice against sin. God’s Wrath is Judicial in Nature Wrath is the settled opposition of God’s holiness against evil. It is the only proper attitude God can have towards sin. God’s Wrath is a Transient Disposition, Not an Attribute As such, it can be placated by atonement. The Basic Biblical Terms for Propitiation See McCune, pp

15 The Categories of the Atonement of ChristThe Atonement in Terms of Reconciliation (Removal of Enmity) Reconciliation Presupposes Enmity and Alienation In addition to guilt and servitude, sin also produces estrangement, enmity, and hostility between the offender and God. Thus the need for reconciliation (Rom 5:10). The Biblical Idea of Reconciliation Reconciliation is the removal of hostility and the restoration of peace, harmony, and favor. Reconciliation between God and men is only possible by blood atonement (2 Cor 5:18-19; Col 1:19-20).

16 The Categories of the Atonement of ChristThe Atonement in Terms of Reconciliation (Removal of Enmity) The Theological Meaning of Reconciliation – In reconciliation, the relationship between God and sinful man is changed. Mutual estrangement is removed through the atonement and harmonious relations and peace are established. The Godward Aspect of Reconciliation See Romans 5:8-11. “The verb reconcile in Romans 5:10 is used twice and both times in the aorist tense, suggesting something achieved or finished. The believing sinner receives this objective and accomplished reinstatement to favor (Rom 5:11); he does not make the reconciliation” (McCune, p. 196). 2 Cor 5:18-21 affirms that reconciliation is objective and a finished work accomplished by God. The Manward Aspect of Reconciliation As already stated, man receives the objective reconciliation that has been judicially accomplished by God. Man is reconciled to God when he turns to Him in repentance and faith.

17 The Efficacy of the Atonement of ChristWhat does Christ’s life possess that enables it to satisfy God’s holy demands in the areas of guilt, slavery, wrath, and enmity? The answer is the perfect obedience of Christ “This notion of obedience is proclaimed in one way or another throughout the written revelation of God and in the history of salvation. The original prohibition in Eden is predicated on the absolute right of God to command His image bearers as He wills and their reciprocal acquiescence and unquestioned obedience to His demands (Gen 2:16-17). This requirement was neither rescinded nor modified for post-Fall humans…Now, of course, no sinner can ever “keep the commandments”...Nevertheless the divine mandate still goes out – someone must keep God’s righteous requirements for life to be available to anyone. Atonement for sin must be made that encompasses a righteousness consisting of obedience in all the facets and aspects of divine expectations before the broken relationship with God can be mended and reciprocal love and communion restored” (McCune, pp ). As our substitute, Christ both perfectly fulfilled the Law of God and bore the penalty of all its infractions by human beings.

18 The Efficacy of the Atonement of ChristTheologians see this obedience as having two aspects: Active Obedience – Christ perfectly fulfilled all the demands of God’s law throughout His entire life. Such is necessary to stand in the presence of God with approval. Passive Obedience – The passive obedience of Christ caused Him to pay the penalty of broken law. The results of both aspects are credited to the sinner’s account by faith. Scriptural Proof of Christ’s Obedience Isa 52:13-53:12 – Both active and passive obedience are present in this section, but the dominant one is passive. John 6:38 – Both aspects are present. Romans 5:19 – Both aspects are present. Hebrews 2:10, 5:8 emphasize passive obedience. Be careful not to draw a hard line between active and passive obedience. One feeds into the other. Passion, in this context, is from the Latin pati, meaning to suffer. It does not mean that Christ was passive, but that his sufferings made atonement.

19 The Extent of the Atonement of ChristThere is both a universality and a limitation in the atonement of Christ. The Universality of the Atonement of Christ Infinite and Sufficient for All Sin Christ’s sacrifice paid the price for the sins of the whole world (John 3:16; 2 Cor 5:19; 1 Tim 2:6; 1 John 2:2). The atonement is unlimited; the application of the atonement and its benefits varies. Salvation Available to All and All Invited to Partake Universal Language of Invitation (John 3:16; 7:37; Titus 2:11; Rev 22:17) Universal Love of God (Matt 5:44-45) Universal Mandate to Evangelize (Matt 28:19; Luke 24:46-47)

20 The Extent of the Atonement of ChristThe Universality of the Atonement of Christ Salvation Available to All and All Invited to Partake Universal Gospel Message – The whole world is under the duty to repent and believe the gospel (Acts 17:30). Universal Objects of Prayer (1 Tim 2:1-5) Universal Sanctification (Heb 10:29; 2 Pet 2:20-21; 1 Cor 7:14) Summary Christ died as a substitute for all, but the difference is in the benefits of the atonement and how those benefits are applied. This sanctification is short of salvation itself.

21 The Extent of the Atonement of ChristThe Universality of the Atonement of Christ A Drawing of All This is sometimes called the general call. It comes via the Word of God to those who hear the gospel. Restraint of Sin and General Blessings Known as common grace, this includes: the restraint of sin, a work of the Holy Spirit based on the death of Christ whereby he exerts a hindering power on depravity and prevents its full manifestation. general blessings given to all mankind, such as sun, rain, and fruitful seasons (Acts 14:16-17).

22 The Extent of the Atonement of ChristThe Limitations of the Atonement of Christ (Matt 1:21; 20:28; 26:28; John 10:15; 15:13) Efficient Only for Believers Only those who appropriate the work of Christ by faith receiving its redemptive benefits (John 3:16b; 20:31; Rom 10:13; 1Tim 4:10). Secures Salvation and All Its Blessings for Believers An Effectual Call to Salvation The Holy Spirit works in the hearts of the elect to make the general call effectual and bring new birth, based on the atonement of Christ. The Gifts of Repentance and Faith Because of depravity, no one naturally repents and believes. Faith and repentance are ultimately part of the salvific fruit of the atonement. Both are given by God alone. Certainty of Final Salvation The eternal security of the believer is based on the finished, atoning work of Christ (Rom 8:31-39). Other Benefits for Believers Only Forgiveness of sin Justification before God Ongoing cleansing from sin Access to the presence of God in prayer Previous scriptures speak of “the world”, “all”; these speak of a subset of those terms.