What is the atonement?

[markalan]

That assumes the immortality of the soul, or some similar concept. The theologians have been debating that for centuries. From what I see in the Bible, the wages of sin is Death, and the Christian hope is Resurrection to new Life.

"Spiritual death" fits equally well with the ECT or the annhiliation understanding ... ECT is eternal punishing, annihilation is eternal punishment.

 

[TrevorHL]

Greetings again markalan,

Knowing what Christ's death means comes first ... but I would say it does not exclude a deeper understanding of God's plan as revealed in Scripture.

I consider what you state above are a significant part of the two parts of the Gospel of the Kingdom and Name,

Acts 8:5–6,12 (AV): 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Yes, a true understanding of what was accomplished in the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus is important and forms part of the things concerning the Name of Jesus Christ. We participate in this process by an affectionate belief which leads to water baptism for the identification with his death and resurrection as stated in my earlier post.

This participation is only the start of our walk in Christ and for the rest of our lives we need to live a crucified / resurrected life motivated by the love of Christ.
.
Galatians 2:20 (AV): I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[markalan]

Greetings again markalan,

I consider what you state above are a significant part of the two parts of the Gospel of the Kingdom and Name,

Acts 8:5–6,12 (AV): 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Yes, a true understanding of what was accomplished in the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus is important and forms part of the things concerning the Name of Jesus Christ. We participate in this process by an affectionate belief which leads to water baptism for the identification with his death and resurrection as stated in my earlier post.

This participation is only the start of our walk in Christ and for the rest of our lives we need to live a crucified / resurrected life motivated by the love of Christ.
.
Galatians 2:20 (AV): I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Kind regards
Trevor

The expression "affectionate belief" is one I have not heard before ... is it the same as saying "loving relationship"?

 

[TrevorHL]

Greetings again markalan,

The expression "affectionate belief" is one I have not heard before ... is it the same as saying "loving relationship"?

This was a favourite expression used by a prominent pioneer of my fellowship in his writings in the 1850-1860s. Perhaps there is some resemblance but belief is much the same as saying faith, and I consider "affectionate" as well as covering the actual acceptance of what is taught by the reading of the Word or the preaching of the Gospel, it indicates the wholehearted acceptance and the response of the heart and mind and this is powerful to motivate similar to what Paul states in Galatians 2:20..

Kind regards
Trevor