What follows are some of the views or theories of the atonement that developed over the centuries. The list is not exhaustive. Only the penal substitution view (#6 below) carefully follows the teaching of Scripture. The other theories/views either are or lead to heresy, and have been instrumental in the starting of sects or cults.
This information can be found in many good systematic theologies. I am publishing the summary here as an easy reference for the folks in my Bible study class, but hopefully others can benefit as well. In many ways, tracing the development of these views of the atonement can help one appreciate the deep value of what Christ accomplished for those who trust in Him.
1. Ransom to Satan Theory
- Definition: Christ’s death was a ransom paid to Satan to purchase captive man from Satan’s control
- Claimed as support: Matthew 20.28; Mark 10.45; 1 Corinthians 6.20
- Condition of man prior to Christ’s work: In bondage to Satan
- View results: Christ’s death brought God’s victory over Satan, thus it purchased man’s redemption and freedom from bondage to Satan
2. Dramatic Theory
- Definition: Christ is victorious in a divine and cosmic conflict of good vs. evil and wins man’s release from bondage
- Claimed as support: Matthew 20.28; Mark 10.45; 1 Corinthians 15.51-57
- Condition of man prior to Christ’s work: In bondage to evil
- View results: Christ’s death brought God’s victory over Satan and evil, thus it purchased man’s redemption and reconciliation from its bondage to evil
3. Example Theory
- Definition: Christ’s death provided an example of faith and obedience to inspire man to be faithful and obedient—to live a good life
- Claimed as support: 1 Peter 2.21; 1 John 2.6
- Condition of man prior to Christ’s work: Spiritually alive and capable of good effort (according to Pelagius)
- View results: Christ’s life and death was the perfect example of faith and obedience, thus it brought inspiration to live well
4. Moral Influence Theory
- Definition: Christ’s death demonstrated God’s love, which causes man’s heart to see God’s goodness and to repent
- Claimed as support: Romans 5.8; 2 Corinthians 5.17-19
- Condition of man prior to Christ’s work: He has a sickness in his soul and needs to be, as it were, revived
- View results: Christ’s death demonstrated God’s love toward man, thus man is moved to accept God’s forgiveness
5. Governmental Theory
- Definition: Christ’s death demonstrates God’s high regard for His law and His hatred toward sin, and Christ’s death would offer an acceptable rationale to forgive sin
- Claimed as support: Psalm 2, Psalm 5; Isaiah 42.21
- Condition of man prior to Christ’s work: A violator of God’s moral law
- View results: Christ’s death was a substitute for the penalty of sin, thus it is legal for God to forgive those who accept Christ as their substitute
6. Penal Substitution Theory
- Definition: Christ’s death was a substitutionary sacrifice that satisfied the demands of God’s justice and wrath upon sin, paying the penalty of man’s sin while man receives the blessing of Christ’s righteousness
- Claimed as support: John 11.50-52; Romans 5.8-9; Titus 2.14; 1 Peter 3.18
- Condition of man prior to Christ’s work: Totally depraved and incapable of doing good or earning God’s favor
- View results: Christ through His death bore the penalty of sin in man’s place, thus, as a gift, man is granted repentance and faith, and can accept Christ’s substitution as payment for man’s sin, which brings forgiveness, imputes righteousness, and reconciles man to God
