The doctrine of penal substitution states that God gave himself in the person of his Son to suffer instead of us the death, punishment and curse due to fallen humanity as the penalty for sin. The belief that Jesus died for us, suffering the wrath of his own Father in our place, has been the wellspring of the hope of countless Christians through the ages.

However, an increasing number of theologians and church leaders are questioning this doctrine, claiming, for example, that it misunderstands the nature of God's judgment; that it divides the Trinity; or that it misreads crucial texts such as Isaiah 53 or Mark 10:45. The doctrine has been pro-vocatively described as 'a form of cosmic child abuse'. In recent years, the criticisms - including some from within the evangelical constituency - have intensified. Furthermore, the debate is no longer confined to the academy, and has now found its way into popular Christian books and magazines.

In response, Jeffery, Ovey and Sach offer a fresh articulation and affirmation of penal substitution. In Part 1 they make the case that the doctrine is clearly taught in Scripture; that it has a central place in Christian theology; that its neglect has serious pastoral consequences; and that it has an impeccable pedigree in the history of the Christian church.

In Part 2, the authors then engage systematically with over twenty specific objections that have been brought against penal substitution. Their clear exposition and analysis, and charitable but firm responses, are accessible to all with a serious concern for the issues.

Pierced for our transgressions and Anatomy Of The Soul

Write a review

TGBS
The Good Book Stall
Average rating of0.0
Many authors theologically minded or socially aware have attempted to explain the whole area of penal substitution. It is an area which probably, more than any other theological conundrum sets traditions against each other. Since St Anselm wrote about God becoming human, we have been at odds with theories of atonement – that Christ died on the cross as a substitute for sinners that God imputed the guilt of our sins to Christ. This book, taken from one tradition notably, argues strongly with examples taken from Old and New Testament scripture, that this theory has a central place in Christian theology, that to neglect it is to negate the pastoral consequences. Catholics, indeed the whole early church did not agree with this theory basing their theoretical understanding on the catholic idea of penance. Many theology theoreticians have argued for and against and this book looks at twenty specific objections, some from erudite evangelicals as well as some catholic traditionalists, and the authors attempt by clear exposition and analysis and a charitable but firm series of responses to answer the doubts. Criticism will not go away by just writing another book on the subject, but the authors have been brave enough and intelligent enough to realise that now may be a good time to enter the discussion again.

Over 14,000 churches and schools have upgraded to an Advance Account and we‘d love to welcome you into this free program. We know that church volunteers and school teachers often use their own money, then have claim it back on on an expense form. We can take all of that hassle away by invoicing your church or school directly and delivering your order straight away.

Opening an account is quick and easy, with most accounts being approved and setup within a few hours of filling in the form below (on weekdays, not weekends). As soon as we‘ve approved the application we‘ll send you an email to let you know that its done.

Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account