Jan. 9 issue
Atonement mystery
By John A. Hertzler Harrisonburg, Va.Since the Mennonite Brethren achieved consensus that the atonement was substitutionary (“Canadian MBs Find Unity on Atonement,” Nov. 21), then I suggest that at least the adjective “penal” be stricken from their atonement paradigms.
Who would demand this punitive payment? And to whom would it be paid?
Also, regarding the statement, “Did God abuse his Son? No … The violence of the cross is the violence of self-sacrifice,” let me add that the scapegoating, the crucifying, the violence was not God’s but all ours.
Jesus did voluntarily lay down his life in that he did not resist but was willing to suffer and die, to assume the role of the innocent victim, to save the world, including me.
But certainly when all of our theories are exhausted there is still much mystery in the atonement upon which to earnestly and lovingly contemplate.
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