Would you be interested in teaching more in-depth on this subject?
Doesn't have to be too deep. Just a little more information explaining the differences between the two?
Thanks
Sure Titus.
“While we were still powerless, at just the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. It’s rare that someone would die for a righteous person—though for a truly good person, someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Now that we’ve been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him! For if, while we were still enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, how much more—having been reconciled—shall we be saved through His life! Not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” Romans 5:6-11
Substitutionary atonement (SA) is the belief that Jesus died
in place of sinners, taking the penalty they deserved so they could be reconciled to God.
Representative atonement (PA) is the view that Jesus, as the
perfect representative of humanity, obeyed God on our behalf and offered himself in on our behalf, securing reconciliation through both his life and death.
Importantly, the biblical idea of propitiation should not be misunderstood as a
"commercial transaction" or mere substitution. Rather, it reflects God’s gracious initiative to reconcile sinners
through Christ, fulfilling his righteous purpose.
So, Titus, in exploring this subject, it's essential to consider what was accomplished
in and
through the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
One important point to note: the doctrine of
substitutionary atonement is often adopted because many theologians struggle with the idea of Christ suffering in the flesh and then being glorified by God. To reconcile this, they assert that Christ must have been deity in the flesh.
But if you're serious about examining what
God accomplished through Christ, you'll inevitably be led to challenge this traditional view. The reality is, very few Christians are willing to truly consider what Scripture reveals about God's work
through Christ, and that is where the deeper truth lies.
In a nutshell the difference is this:
Substitutionary Atonement (SA) view teaches that Jesus did
not need saving.
By contrast, the
Representative atonement (RA) view is entirely founded on the understanding that Jesus
needed to be redeemed from death and saved, and that through
his salvation, others may also be saved.
The NT only supports
Representative atonement (also known as Participatory Atonement)
For an example of
Representative atonement:
Hebrews 5:7 "In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence."
This understanding is consistent throughout the New Testament and even reflected in Christ’s own words, such as in Luke 12:50, which speaks of his “agony” and daily struggle in overcoming sin's flesh.
Essentially, the traditional doctrine of the Trinity has obscured this true view of Christ and the collaborative work God and Jesus accomplished for believers.
Substitutionary Atonement does not reveal the actual Victory God achieved through Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ!
The study of
"through" will lead you to the true knowledge of the atonement and take to you to the Original Gospel as taught by the Apostles.
Hope that helped.
