Theories of Atonement
On the first Sunday after the Resurrection, I preached on “CHRISTUS VICTOR – CHRIST IS VICTORIOUS” from I Corinthians 15. The message developed several of the following theories of atonement. The message focused on the final two theories listed below:
1. The Ransom Theory (God pays off Satan).
Introduced by Origen Adamantius in the third century — Eastern Orthodox?
2. The Satisfaction Theory (Jesus appeases God by being a ritual human sacrifice).
Introduced by Anselem, in the late 11th century — Roman Catholic
3. The Moral Theory (Jesus’ death is an example for the rest of humanity to emulate).
Introduced by Abelard in the 12th century. — Liberal Christians
4. The Acceptance Theory (Atonement comes from the arbitrary choice of God).
Introduced by Scotus circa 1300.
5. Penal-Substitution Theory (God’s mercy replaces his wrath). Introduced by Reformation theologians circa 1520. – Reformed.
6. The Governmental Theory
God publicly demonstrated his displeasure with sin by punishing his own sinless Son as propitiation. Christ’s suffering and death served as a substitute for the punishment humans might have received. Introduced by James Arminius & Hugo Grotius. – Wesleyan / Holiness
7. Christus Victor Theory
Christ voluntarily dies to defeat the power of evil and liberate humanity from the slavery of sin. The Orthodox Church view is based upon Irenaeus’ theory of “recapitulation” where Jesus became what we are so that we could become what he is. — Eastern Orthodox & Lutheran
GROUP PREDOMINATE THEORY
Roman Catholic Church Satisfaction Theory
Eastern Orthodox Churches Ransom Theory
Eastern Orthodox & Lutheran Christus Victor Theory
Conservative & Mainline Protestants Penal Substitution Theory
Wesleyan / Holiness Governmental Theory
Word-faith Movement Ransom Theory
Liberal Christians & post Christians Moral Theory or a non-violent theory
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