Ep 1232 | John Mark Comer & the Penal Substitutionary Atonement Debate

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Aug 20, 2025

The podcast dives into the controversy over John Mark Comer's rejection of penal substitutionary atonement (PSA). It explains PSA's significance to the gospel and the risks of dismissing it. The hosts draw on insights from theologians, discussing alternative interpretations of atonement and the implications for evangelical beliefs. There’s a critique on Comer's views and how they differ from traditional teachings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining foundational Christian doctrines amidst changing theological landscapes.

54:28

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INSIGHT

Comer's Endorsement Sparked The Debate

John Mark Comer publicly promoted a book that denies penal substitutionary atonement.
That endorsement sparked a wider evangelical debate about the gospel's core meaning.

insights

INSIGHT

What Penal Substitution Means

Penal substitutionary atonement (PSA) teaches Jesus bore humanity's punishment to satisfy God's justice.
The doctrine frames Christ's death as a legal transaction applied by faith for reconciliation.

insights

INSIGHT

Historical And Scriptural Support

PSA has deep historical roots from church fathers through Reformation theologians like Calvin.
Scriptural texts such as Isaiah 53 are cited as key prophetic support for substitutionary language.

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Critiquing Atonement: John's Gospel vs. Comer's Views

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Authority of Gospels vs. Epistles and Atonement Insights

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Alternate Perspectives on Atonement Theology

41:01 • 3min

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Examining the Debate on Penal Substitutionary Atonement

43:51 • 2min

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Theological Insights on Atonement and Sacrifice

46:05 • 2min

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Theological Tensions: Penal Substitutionary Atonement Examined

48:04 • 5min

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Exploring Penal Substitutionary Atonement and Its Biblical Basis

52:49 • 2min

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Toxic Empathy

How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion

Allie Beth Stuckey

In 'Toxic Empathy', Allie Beth Stuckey explores how progressives exploit Christian compassion by using empathy as a tool of manipulation. She delves into five heated issues: abortion, gender, sexuality, immigration, and social justice. Stuckey argues that progressives use catchy mantras to present their perspectives as empathetic, while ignoring the other side of the moral equation. The book is about submitting empathy to God’s definitions of love, goodness, and justice, equipping Christians with research-backed, Biblical truths to dismantle progressive lies that have permeated culture and the church.

Today, we dive into the controversy surrounding evangelical pastor John Mark Comer’s apparent denial of penal substitutionary atonement, or PSA, sparked by his endorsement of a book rejecting Christ’s substitutionary death for our sins. We unpack what PSA means, why it’s central to the gospel, and the dangers of dismissing it, with insights from theologians like Alisa Childers and Denny Burke.

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Timecodes:

(01:21) Court of Appeals Update

(04:50) John Mark Comer Controversies

(24:30) What is Penal Substitutionary Atonement?

(41:20) Book Review of "Lamb of the Free"

(44:50) Biblical Support for Penal Substitutionary Atonement

(50:31) Reactions to John Mark Comer

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