The question of what Christ accomplished for us on the cross has to do with the heart of the gospel message and the salvation that the gospel offers. And at the core of the Bible's teaching about Christ's saving work is what is known as the 'penal substitutionary' view of the atonement -- that Christ was my substitute who bore on the cross the penalty for sin that I deserved.
Recently some who would consider themselves evangelical (especially some associated with the emerging church) have questioned or criticized or diminished this understanding of the atonement. But now, in response, a growing number of evangelical theologians and Christian leaders are re-affirming the fact that this understanding of what Christ accomplished on the cross is truly essential to the authentic Gospel.
In this crucial essay, J.I. Packer re-asserts the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement that he has explained and defended for decades.
I'm thankful for Biblical scholars like Packer who serve the Church by defining, describing and defending the fundamentals of authentic, Biblical Christianity.
Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned he stood,
Sealed my pardon with his blood,
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
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