Substitutionary atonement is the fourth in our eight-part series, “Putting The Fun In…” where we are discussing Christianity’s “fundamentals” (or essentials). Substitutionary atonement is what happened when Jesus died on the cross. He was our substitute, enduring God the Father’s hatred of sin and taking our punishment for our sins. Christ substituted himself for us. And his death atoned or covered our sins. Our accepting him as our Lord leads to salvation.
0:00 – Introductions
2:50 – “Substitutionary” means taking the place of someone else. “Atonement” is the idea of covering—specifically the covering of sin.
4:10 – Atonement involves an innocent party taking on the punishment that was due to a guilty party.
4:25 – Jesus’ death on the cross accomplished three things: Sacrifice, Substitution, and Atonement.
- Sacrifice: Jesus chose to die to take the sins of humankind
- “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
- As a shepherd, Jesus sacrifices his life for his sheep (John 10:11) to pay for our sins.
6:14 – 2. Substitution: Christ died as our substitute.
- In the “Great Exchange,” he took our sins, and we received his righteousness.
- “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
9:35 – 3. Atonement: Jesus blood covers us. Now when God looks at Christians, instead of seeing enemies, he only sees the righteousness of Jesus (2 Cor. 5:21).
10:40 – So What?
- The substitutionary atonement makes me sick of my sin. God hates sin but also loves humans. When I look at the cross, I see my sins causing Christ’s suffering.
- I never have to second-guess God’s love again.
14:15 – Thank you and Close
