#185 Questions on Crucifixion and Atonement (Replay)
Sep 14, 2023
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In this archival episode, NT Wright answers listener questions on the crucifixion, atonement, and forgiveness. They discuss Lent's connection to Jesus' sacrifice and address concerns about penal substitutionary atonement. They interpret Paul's writings, explore Isaiah's passage's larger context, and delve into the power of forgiving persecutors.
37:44
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Quick takeaways
Lent should be a time of intentionality and reflection, while Easter celebrates joy and new creation.
Jesus' crucifixion was not about punishing him for sins, but providing a way for God to dwell with sinful humanity through Jesus' blood.
Deep dives
Forgiveness and Sacrifice in the Context of Lent
During the podcast episode, the hosts discuss the significance of Lent and its association with penitence and sacrifice. They explore the observation of Lent in various Christian traditions, emphasizing the need for intentionality and reflection during this period leading up to Easter. They highlight the importance of not only focusing on the penitential season of Lent but also experiencing the celebration of Easter, which should be a time of joy and new creation. The discussion touches on personal experiences with Lent and the challenges of maintaining discipline in different circumstances. The hosts underscore the value of both simplicity and complexity in understanding the theological concepts surrounding Lent and Easter.
Understanding the Necessity of Jesus' Crucifixion
In this segment, a listener raises a question about the necessity of Jesus' crucifixion as a blood sacrifice and its connection to the concept of atonement. The hosts delve into the context of animal sacrifice in the ancient world and the biblical understanding of sacrifice as a means of cleansing rather than punishment. They explain that Jesus' crucifixion was not about punishing him for the sins of humanity, but about providing a way for God to dwell with sinful humanity through the blood of Jesus. They clarify that while substitutionary atonement is a part of this understanding, it should not be conflated with the concept of sacrifice in pagan religions. The hosts also highlight the distinctions between different types of sacrifices in the Bible, such as the Passover sacrifice and the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement, and stress the significance of Jesus' sacrifice in fulfilling God's covenant promises.
Examining the Views on Penal Substitutionary Atonement
The hosts address a listener's question regarding Tom Wright's views on penal substitutionary atonement. They explain that Wright seeks to understand the mind of Paul, the apostle, and explore the original meanings of biblical passages related to substitution and atonement. They argue that Wright's interpretation does not deny the concept of substitutionary atonement but places it within a larger framework of victory over the powers of darkness. They emphasize that the victory achieved through Jesus' death and resurrection includes substitutionary elements, particularly in relation to God's judgment and the breaking of the power of sin and idols. The hosts encourage a nuanced understanding of substitutionary atonement that recognizes its connection to Christus Victor, the idea of Christ's triumph over powers of evil. They emphasize the need to see both these concepts working together rather than pitting them against each other.
Examining Jesus' Words on the Cross: 'Father, Forgive Them'
The hosts discuss the significance of Jesus' words on the cross, particularly his plea for God to forgive those who crucified him because they did not fully understand the gravity of their actions. They note that these words were specifically directed toward the Roman soldiers involved in the crucifixion, as depicted in the Gospel of Luke. They highlight the radical aspect of this forgiveness that goes against the norm of calling for God's judgment on the perpetrators. The hosts also highlight how these words of forgiveness resonate throughout history, inspiring Christians facing persecution to forgive their persecutors. They point out that ultimate forgiveness lies in God's hands, and while we may not know if those specific individuals were forgiven, the act of offering forgiveness is a way to remove the burden of evil from ourselves.
From the archives: Just in time for Easter we bring you a show (recorded before lockdown) in which Tom answers listener questions on the crucifixion, the nature of atonement and forgiveness.
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