Christ died as our substitute, bearing sin's penalty to reconcile us to God
Churches of Christ affirm penal substitutionary atonement as the scriptural explanation of the cross. Christ bore the penalty of human sin in his death, satisfying divine justice and making forgiveness possible. His blood cleanses from sin (1 John 1:7), and his death is the ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Reconciliation with God is possible only through Christ's atoning sacrifice.
The Restoration Movement's preaching tradition has consistently emphasized the centrality of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (the gospel, 1 Corinthians 15:1–4) and the response of faith and baptism as the means of accessing the benefits of that atonement. The cross is the foundation of all proclamation in Churches of Christ.
Key Distinctions
- Primary theory:
- penal substitution — Christ bears the penalty of sin in place of sinners
- Scope of atonement:
- universal — Christ died for all people
- Propitiation affirmed:
- yes — Christ's death satisfies divine justice
Scripture References
Sources
- Alexander Campbell, The Christian System (1839)
- Gospel Advocate (official publication)