The 10 most Commonly referred to points against PSA

[TomL]

Exactly, Jesus did certainly die as our substitute. And the cross certainly expresses God’s judgment on sin.

But I don't see God the Son became man so that by his suffering and death he could pay the price of sin. This seems to be based on an idea of punishment as a kind of payment, a repayment; the criminal undergoing punishment ‘pays his debt to society’, as we say. It takes a divine man, however, to pay our debt to divine justice.

Now, I can make no literal sense of this idea, whether you apply it to criminals or to Christ. I cannot see how a man in prison is paying a debt to society or paying anything else at all to society. It's punishing a lawbreaker by being locked up in a prison cell.

I think what PSA does is mix up God's Wrath with man's Wrath.

There is vast difference between the wrath of God and the wrath of man. God’s wrath is holy and always justified; man’s is never holy and rarely justified.

It may be of surprise to many but there is actually no biblical,statement that Christ paid for sin.

The Bible teaches forgiveness not payment though Christ certainly paid a great deal to reconcile us.

Romans 3:21–26 (RSV) — 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it, 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; 23 since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins; 26 it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies him who has faith in Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:18–20 (RSV) — 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

 

[Anja]

It may be of surprise to many but there is actually no biblical,statement that Christ paid for sin.

The Bible teaches forgiveness not payment though Christ certainly paid a great deal to reconcile us.

Romans 3:21–26 (RSV) — 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it, 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; 23 since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins; 26 it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies him who has faith in Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:18–20 (RSV) — 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Oh I like that one. That clears up the whole dilemma. Thanks for sharing that Tom. I always like it when I can learn something.

 

[TomL]

Oh I like that one. That clears up the whole dilemma. Thanks for sharing that Tom. I always like it when I can learn something.

You are welcome

 

[Diserner]

You do realize PSA is a theory? One among several and that there has never been an official theory of atonement in the church.

Using the word "theory" is dismissive of the Biblical testimony.

I do not believe there is room for competing hypotheses in this area, Scripture is just that clear.

 

[Johann]

Using the word "theory" is dismissive of the Biblical testimony.

I do not believe there is room for competing hypotheses in this area, Scripture is just that clear.

If you can-you can download an excellent book in PDF format re PSA by William Graig

https://evangelicalarminians.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Craig.-The-Atonement.pdf

 

[TomL]

Using the word "theory" is dismissive of the Biblical testimony.

I do not believe there is room for competing hypotheses in this area, Scripture is just that clear.

No, it is just a reflection of the truth. There has never been a single atonement theory in the church. And PSA goes back only to the reformation

 

[civic]

No, it is just a reflection of the truth. There has never been a single atonement theory in the church. And PSA goes back only to the reformation

Ditto

 

[civic]

Using the word "theory" is dismissive of the Biblical testimony.

I do not believe there is room for competing hypotheses in this area, Scripture is just that clear.

Exactly and PSA is anti-biblical. Its a false theory and an assault on the nature and character of God. Jesus said His atonement was a substitute, covered sin, provides forgiveness, a ransom.

We see God the Son described His own death, the Atonement in 4 ways. Theology begins with God. He said His death was a Substitution, a Ransom, a Passover, a Sacrifice and for forgiveness of sins- Expiation.

1- Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 Substitution, Ransom

2-No man takes my life I lay it down and I will take it up again- John 10:18 Substitution, Ransom

3- I lay My life down for the sheep- John 10:15 Substitution, Ransom

4- Jesus viewed His death as the Passover John 6:51

5-just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a Ransom for many- Matthew 20:28

6-I Am the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep- Substitution, John 10:11

7-Jesus said in John 11:50- nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish- Substitution

8 -This is my blood of the Covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins- Matthew 26:28

Who put Jesus to death, who was responsible ?

Acts 2:23
this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.

Acts 2:36
“Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

Acts 4:10- Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole…

Acts 5:30- The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree

Matthew 16:21
From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life

Matthew 20:18-19
“We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will deliver Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. And on the third day He will be raised to life."

Matthew 27:1- When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

Matthew 27:35- When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots.

Mark 15:24- And they crucified Him. They also divided His garments by casting lots to decide what each of them would take


conclusion: The One who made Atonement for my sins completely left out PSA and not once mentioned it or hinted at it in any way, shape or form. He said His death was a substitution, ransom, Passover, sacrifice and for forgiveness of sins- expiation. There was no wrath from the Father to the Son. The anger, wrath, vengeance, retribution as the Apostles taught in Acts and Jesus taught in the gospels came from evil and wicked men.

hope this helps !!!

 

[Diserner]

There has never been a single atonement theory in the church. And PSA goes back only to the reformation

Argument from authority.

When it suits a doctrine you don't like you throw out the church and the reformation like a hot potato.

 

[TomL]

Argument from authority.

When it suits a doctrine you don't like you throw out the church and the reformation like a hot potato.

Actually, you could say it is an argument from a lack of authority.

It is not clearly taught in scripture, and it began with the reformation

Other than that, there is no need to get personal

 

[civic]

Actually, you could say it is an argument from a lack of authority.

It is not clearly taught in scripture, and it began with the reformation

Other than that, there is no need to get personal

Ditto that happens when one has trouble defending their position.

 

[TomL]

Ditto that happens when one has trouble defending their position.

Don't I know it.