Theology in the Raw Is Penal Substitionary Atonement Biblical? Dr. Andrew Rillera
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Nov 24, 2025 Dr. Andrew Rillera, an expert in Biblical Studies and author of "The Lamb of the Free," challenges the traditional view of penal substitutionary atonement. He discusses the distinctions between various types of sacrifices in the Old Testament, arguing that some grave sins cannot be addressed through sacrifice alone. Rillera emphasizes Jesus’ death as an act of solidarity with Israel’s covenant failures rather than a mere substitution for individual sins, reshaping our understanding of atonement and divine justice. His insights encourage a participatory view of Christ's redemptive work.
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Host Praises Book's Exegetical Rigor
- Preston Sprinkle introduces Andrew Rillera as a former student and notes the book's exegetical density.
- He praises the book's thorough research while admitting he remains unconvinced on some readings.
Sacrifices Purify Sanctuary, Not Penal Substitution
- Old Testament sacrifices mainly created shared sacred meals and purified the sanctuary rather than bearing judicial penalties.
- Kippur (atoning) offerings decontaminate God's space but cannot substitute for covenant curses or punishments for grave moral sins.
Let Textual Detail Shape Theological Claims
- Read scholarly literature across traditions before settling on a sacrificial interpretation, since debates contain nuanced positions.
- Test interpretive claims against the grammatical and cultic details of sacrificial texts rather than theological presuppositions.
