Understanding Co-Atonement in Christ's Suffering

The concept of co-atonement, as discussed, revolves around the idea that there is nothing lacking in Christ's sufferings, yet St. Paul expresses a unique participation in this suffering through the church. This perspective is rooted in Colossians 1:24, which raises the question of what it means to complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions. The discussion highlights the Judaic understanding of messianic labor pains, emphasizing the notion that faithful suffering contributes to the fulfillment of divine plans. Ultimately, it asserts that the suffering endured by believers has inherent redemptive value as it is intertwined with Christ's sacrifices.