The Wooden Throne with Jeremy Treat (Doctrine of Atonement)
Mar 20, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, Jeremy Treat, Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Reality LA and author of "The Crucified King," dives deep into the doctrine of atonement. He explores the atonement as an enthronement ceremony and how it reshapes our understanding of the gospel. Treat discusses the multifaceted nature of atonement, connecting Christ's humiliation to his exaltation, and challenges listeners to rethink conventional views of victory. Through vivid metaphors, he illuminates the complexities of forgiveness and the communal mission within God's kingdom.
Dr. Jeremy Treat highlights that atonement is a transformative event that reconciles humanity with God and restores creation's unity.
Viewing the cross as an enthronement ceremony emphasizes the intersection of humiliation and glory, reshaping our understanding of discipleship.
Deep dives
Introduction to FTC Talks
The podcast introduces FTC Talks, a series of conversations led by faculty members from Midwestern Seminary that aim to address various ministry-related topics. These discussions will cover themes such as women's discipleship, the importance of community in faith, and how every Christian can serve as a counselor. The purpose of these talks is to inspire listeners to better serve their local churches while connecting them with ministry leaders nationwide. Participants can register for these free talks, enhancing their theological understanding and engagement in ministry.
Connecting with Local Church
In the podcast, Jonathan Griffiths discusses his book, 'Gathered for Good', which emphasizes the significance of gathering in local churches as a crucial aspect of spiritual growth and community. He stresses that church involvement fostered by consistency in attendance is essential for building relationships and contributing to the community's spiritual health. Griffiths' insights focus on biblical wisdom and empathy, urging listeners to see the value of investing time and resources in their church families. Through this approach, he presents a compelling argument for why Christians should prioritize church gatherings in today's challenging environment.
The Atonement and Its Significance
The discussion shifts to the doctrine of atonement, led by Dr. Jeremy Treat, who elaborates on how the cross embodies a complex relationship between humiliation and exaltation. Treat explains that atonement connects humanity with God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that through the cross, Jesus's sacrifice reconciles believers with God while also restoring the unity of creation. He highlights that the event of atonement is not merely a transaction but signifies a profound transformation that has both individual and cosmic implications. This perspective invites deeper contemplation of the richness of the gospel beyond reductionist views.
Kingdom Through the Cross
The conversation addresses the unconventional perspective of viewing the cross as an enthronement ceremony rather than simply a tragic defeat. Treat emphasizes that while the cross represents suffering, it simultaneously marks Jesus's reign as king, revealing how humiliation and glory intersect in the Christian narrative. The significance of this perspective lies in understanding that believers are invited to adopt a similar life pattern of engaging in self-giving love, echoing the heart of the gospel. This transforms the understanding of discipleship, urging Christians to embrace their own journeys of suffering, which can lead to communal and divine glory.
Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley are joined by Dr. Jeremy Treat to discuss the doctrine of atonement.
Questions Covered in This Episode:
When and how did we learn about the atonement?
What is the event of the atonement? What does the word mean?
How is the cross an enthronement ceremony?
What do we gain when we view the atonement with this lens?
Is there a predominant theme in the atonement?
How do the atonement, resurrection, and ascension connect?
How have theologians talked about atonement using humiliation and exaltation?
How does that truth change the way we live?
What can be the hardest part of the atonement to begin to understand?
Helpful Definitions:
Atonement:
At onement; two things that have been torn apart are being brought back together to be one again.
How sin has separated us from God and what God has accomplished to make us at one with Him again.
Guest Bio:
Jeremy Treat (PhD, Wheaton College) is Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Reality LA, a young and thriving church in the heart of Hollywood, California. He is also an adjunct professor of theology at Biola University and is the author of several books including but not limited to; Seek First: How the Kingdom of God Changes Everything and The Crucified King: Atonement and Kingdom in Biblical and Systematic Theology.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Mark 1:14-15, Mark 15, Philippians 2, John 12, Romans 8:17, Matthew 5-7
Midwestern Seminary is excited to announce FTC Talks, exclusive conversations with MBTS faculty about ministry related topics. Completely online and FREE, you can sign up for any and all FTC Talks today at mbts.edu/ftctalks to reserve your spot. Join us for talks about women's discipleship, God's heart for the nations, gospel-driven ministry, Spurgeon's pastoral ministry, and how every Christian is a counselor. We hope these conversations will spur you on in your service to the local church and help you connect with even more ministry leaders and friends across the country. Sign up today at mbts.edu/ftctalks.