Some truths are uncomfortable. Some Christian doctrines confront us with realities we’d rather not face. The substitutionary atonement of Christ is one of them.
Simply put, substitutionary atonement is the biblical teaching that Jesus Christ died in our place—as our substitute—to bear the penalty for our sins so that we could be forgiven and made right with God.
In other words, we deserve judgment, but Jesus—out of love—took that judgment upon Himself.
The word atonement refers to making things right—restoring broken fellowship between God and mankind. The word substitutionary means Jesus stood in our place. He bore what we deserved so that we could receive what we never could earn: forgiveness and eternal life.
The Apostle Paul didn’t beat around the bush:
“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.” – 1 Corinthians 15:3
Note that Paul was likely quoting from an early church creed when he penned those words.
Isaiah, writing centuries before Christ, made it equally clear:
“He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities…” – Isaiah 53:5
Over and over, the Bible affirms it: Jesus didn’t just die—He died for us. In our place. Because of our sin.
However, not everyone accepts this doctrine. In fact, many reject it quite passionately.
Some in today’s theological circles argue it paints God as angry or cruel. Some say it’s akin to “cosmic child abuse”—a father punishing his innocent son for others’ wrongdoing.
Others reject the idea because they’re uncomfortable with judgment, wrath, or even the idea of sin being serious. Indeed, some don’t think they’ve sinned anywhere near to the degree that would require divine judgment. I once met a lady who said she didn’t even like it when preachers used the word “sin.”
Many prefer to think of Jesus as a teacher, a moral example, or a symbol of resistance against injustice. This is particularly the case in liberal or progressive circles. (See my article: “Are You a Conservative, Liberal, or Progressive Christian?”)
Yes, Jesus is our example. He is also our teacher. He does stand against evil and oppression. No argument from me on any of those points. But He is also the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
If we take the Bible seriously—and especially if we believe in the authority of Scripture—we must face what it clearly teaches. Here’s a sample of verses that affirm substitutionary atonement, all from the King James Version (my favorite):
- “All we like sheep have gone astray… and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” – Isaiah 53:6
- “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
- “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21
- “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us…” – Galatians 3:13
- “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree…” – 1 Peter 2:24
- “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God…” – 1 Peter 3:18
- “The Son of man came… to give his life a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
- “This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” – Matthew 26:28
- “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” – John 1:29
- “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” – 1 John 4:10
This isn’t just a theological debate for academics or seminary students. (Frankly, it shouldn’t be a debate as the Bible couldn’t be clearer). This is about your soul. Jesus didn’t die to start a religion. He died to redeem broken people. He died for you.
The cross is not a metaphor. It is the moment when God stepped into our place—when Jesus took what we deserved so we could receive what only He could give. If we strip the cross of its meaning—if we say Jesus died only to inspire us—we lose the power and truth of the Gospel.
You don’t have to understand every nuance of theology. But you do have to decide: Will you accept what Jesus did for you?
Thank you for Reading!
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