Christ's death reconciles humanity to the Father; ransom paid for sin
Armstrongism affirms that Christ's death on the cross accomplished reconciliation between humanity and God. Jesus paid the ransom price for human sin through the shedding of His blood. His sacrifice satisfied divine justice and made possible the forgiveness of sins and the restoration of relationship with God. The atonement is sufficient and completed; no additional sacrifices or works can add to it.
However, Armstrongism emphasizes that the benefits of atonement must be appropriated through faith and obedience. The atonement provides the legal ground for forgiveness, but believers must repent, believe, and obey God's commandments to receive its benefits. This combines substitutionary atonement theology with an expectation of ongoing moral obedience as the response to grace.
Key Distinctions
- Primary theory:
- substitutionary — Christ's death reconciles humanity to the Father
- Scope of atonement:
- universal opportunity — all will eventually have a chance
- Propitiation affirmed:
- yes
Scripture References
Sources
- Herbert W. Armstrong, Mystery of the Ages
- Philadelphia Church of God doctrinal statements