The theories of the Atonement of Christ

[InLove]

Thank you, Dondi.

I am still studying the theories. But in my heart (in the Spirit), I somehow figured that my answer would be something along these lines. I know it sometimes sounds like I have something against theological study. I certainly don't. It's just that the various theories are trumped, in my opinion, by the Spirit of God's Love. I realize this doesn't sound very learned, but I think it conveys the essence of that in which I place my trust. That said, I want to add that I appreciate people like yourself and others who have the ability and are willing to explain things with such insight and patience.

I'm still reading with the idea that I will eventually vote on the poll. Just want to be sure that my vote reflects my inclination.

InPeace,
InLove

[Prober]

Originally Posted by Dondi

"To obey is better than sacrifice."

Access to God means discovering God's love, where before we strain with our sins and never find peace. Instead of straining with sin, why not allow God's love to change you so that the burden of obedience to Him is light and is a delight.

Amen! Absolutely!

[lunamoth]

Originally Posted by Dondi

I voted a combination of theories. I believe in the redemptive work of Jesus on the Cross, for there has to be a way for sinful man to be reconciled back to God. That Christ torn down the veil that separates us from a Holy God, lest we depair when we face God and proclaim, like Isaiah, that we are people with unclean lips (or anything else that is unclean - our righteousness is as filthy rags). I think it is important to realize that we have no boast before God, lest our pride convince us that we are righteous before God, as if our efforts alone are what brings us to Him. This puts us all on the same playing field, so that no one can claim to be holier than thou. This salvation through Christ, since it levels the playing field, brings unity as brothers and sisters, for our focus is on God rather than ourselves.

Beyond the work of the Cross, there is another level of atonement that speaks to us individually. For Christ didn't come merely to save us, but to conform us into His image. And I would put forth that this, rather than salvation, is the primary goal of God for us. The atonement, or at-one-ment as another pointed out, is the process of living according to His will in the power of the Spirit, who is the change agent in our lives to lift us toward that end. So important is this that salvation is almost secondary. The grace God provides through Christ is meant to cover our foul-ups, to put it nicely. though we focus on our sins, and how God will forgive us, we should be aware that God is more concerned about our character. God can forgive any sin, but what use is it to forgive sin if there isn't any change in the sinner. We can go week to week to confession or go to God ourselves for forgiveness, but if you think that God is please with our confessing the same sins over and over, you've missed the point completely. "To obey is better than sacrifice."

Access to God means discovering God's love, where before we strain with our sins and never find peace. Instead of straining with sin, why not allow God's love to change you so that the burden of obedience to Him is light and is a delight.

Wonderful insights Dondi.

But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
(1 Samuel 15:22)

I also like:

12On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
(Matthew 9)