Why Did Christ Die?: Foundations - An Overview of Systematic Theology with R.C. Sproul

Summary

In this thought-provoking talk, Sproul delves into the significance of the substitutionary atonement and the profound theological concept of Christ as a substitute for humanity's sins. He explores the Old and New Testament teachings on atonement, using biblical rituals like the Day of Atonement as a foundation. Sproul highlights the necessity of a substitute to fulfill God's justice, discussing the dual aspects of expiation (removal of sin) and propitiation (satisfaction of God's justice). He also addresses the biblical covenant and the curse of sin, concluding with the powerful truth that Christ became a curse for us to bring divine blessing to humanity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The professor in the homiletics class reacted angrily to the substitutionary satisfaction theory of atonement, seeing it as outdated for modern times.
• 😀 The substitutionary theory of atonement is deeply rooted in the Biblical concept of redemption and is central to Christian theology.
• 😀 Karl Barth viewed the Greek word 'huper' (meaning 'on behalf of') as one of the most important words in the New Testament, reflecting the vicarious nature of redemption.
• 😀 In Christian theology, Jesus is referred to as the 'Last Adam,' who represents humanity and achieves redemption where the first Adam failed.
• 😀 The Old Testament’s Day of Atonement ritual involved animal sacrifices and the symbolic transfer of sin to a scapegoat, illustrating the concept of substitution in atonement.
• 😀 The blood of animals in the Old Testament sacrifices did not take away sins but pointed to the future atonement through Christ, who would fulfill the promise of redemption.
• 😀 The significance of blood in the Hebrew context was the idea of life being given as a substitute for the sinner’s death, highlighting the seriousness of sin.
• 😀 Atonement involves both expiation (removal of guilt) and propitiation (satisfaction of God’s justice), with substitution being necessary for both aspects.
• 😀 Expiation is about removing guilt from the sinner and transferring it to a substitute, while propitiation is about satisfying God’s justice for sin.
• 😀 The curse of the law, as seen in the Old Testament, represents the consequence of breaking the covenant with God, which Christ took upon Himself to redeem humanity from.
• 😀 Paul in Galatians emphasizes that Christ became a curse for us, fulfilling the requirements of the law and bringing the blessing of Abraham to the Gentiles.

Q & A

What is the significance of substitutionary atonement in Christian theology?

Substitutionary atonement is the doctrine that Christ took the place of humanity, bearing the punishment for sin that was rightfully ours. This concept is central to Christian salvation, as it emphasizes that Jesus' sacrifice reconciled humanity with God by satisfying God's justice through His death.

Why did the homiletics professor react negatively to the student's sermon on substitutionary atonement?

The professor was angry because he viewed the substitutionary atonement as outdated and inappropriate for the modern world. This reaction highlights the tension in some theological circles against classical views of atonement, which some believe are barbaric or prescientific.

How does Karl Barth's perspective on the atonement relate to substitution?

Karl Barth emphasized the concept of 'huper' (in behalf of), which reflects vicarious redemption, where Christ redeems humanity on our behalf. This aligns with substitutionary atonement, as Barth recognized the need for someone else to take the place of sinful humanity.

What is the biblical basis for Jesus being called the 'Last Adam'?

The New Testament refers to Jesus as the 'Last Adam' because, just as the first Adam represented humanity and through his disobedience brought death, the 'Last Adam' (Jesus) represents humanity and through His obedience brings life and redemption.

How does the Old Testament Day of Atonement illustrate the concept of substitution?

The Day of Atonement in the Old Testament involved two animals: a scapegoat, which symbolized the removal of sin, and a sacrificial lamb, whose blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat to reconcile God's people to Him. This ritual pointed forward to Christ’s ultimate act of substitutionary atonement.

Why is the shedding of blood central to the atonement in biblical theology?

In biblical theology, the shedding of blood represents the giving of life. The punishment for sin is death, and the blood sacrifice symbolizes the life of the sinner being substituted by the life of the animal or, ultimately, by Christ's death on the cross.

What is the difference between expiation and propitiation in the context of atonement?

Expiation refers to the removal of guilt, where sin is taken away and separated from the individual. Propitiation refers to the satisfaction of God's justice, where the penalty for sin is paid, and God's wrath is appeased. Both are essential in understanding Christ's complete work of atonement.

How does Christ fulfill the Old Testament sacrificial system?

Christ fulfills the Old Testament sacrificial system by becoming the ultimate and final sacrifice. His death on the cross replaces the need for animal sacrifices, as His blood is the true atonement that cleanses sin and reconciles humanity to God.

What role does guilt play in the theological discussion of atonement?

Guilt is a key issue in the doctrine of atonement because it is the reason for God's judgment. Through Christ’s substitutionary death, He removes the guilt of sin and satisfies the moral demands of justice, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to believers.

What does the concept of the curse in the Old Testament signify, and how does it relate to Christ’s atonement?

The curse in the Old Testament represents separation from God’s blessing due to sin. Christ, by taking on the curse for us, became ‘cut off’ from God, taking on the full penalty for sin, thus enabling believers to receive the blessings of God and be reconciled to Him.