Substitutionary atonement; Christ's death provides universal provision for all
The Church of the Nazarene affirms substitutionary atonement: Christ died in the place of sinners, bearing the penalty of sin and satisfying divine justice. The Articles of Faith state that Christ was 'raised from the dead on the third day, to provide for our justification.' The Nazarene tradition also strongly emphasizes the universal provision of the atonement — Christ died for all people, not only for the elect — consistent with its Arminian theology.
The governmental atonement theory (associated with the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition, in contrast to strict penal substitution) has historically influenced Nazarene theology: Christ's death demonstrates both God's love and his justice, providing a just basis for the forgiveness of repentant sinners. This does not minimize the substitutionary dimension but frames it within a theology that emphasizes God's universal saving will.
The atonement is also central to entire sanctification in Nazarene theology: through the cross, Christ not only secured forgiveness for sins committed (initial salvation) but also provided for the cleansing of the sin nature itself (entire sanctification). The full provisions of the atonement include both justification and sanctification, making it possible for believers to live in 'perfect love' in this life.
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
- Church of the Nazarene Manual, Articles of Faith, §VI: Atonement