Substitutionary atonement; Christ's sacrifice reconciles sinners to God
The EFCA Statement of Faith affirms that Christ 'accomplished our redemption through the shedding of His blood and the resurrection.' The statement describes his death as an atoning sacrifice — a substitutionary act by which the guilt of sinners is addressed and reconciliation with God is made possible. Penal substitutionary atonement is the primary model in EFCA theological culture, though other complementary models (Christus Victor, moral influence) are also recognized as present in Scripture.
The EFCA's evangelical identity is closely bound up with the centrality of Christ's atoning death. Preaching, hymnody, and church life all revolve around the cross as the event that defines Christian faith and enables Christian salvation. The New Testament's multiple metaphors for atonement — propitiation, redemption, reconciliation, ransom — are all used in EFCA preaching and teaching.
The extent of the atonement — whether Christ died specifically for the elect (limited/definite atonement) or for all people (universal provision) — is a point on which EFCA members and churches hold varying views. The denomination's Statement of Faith does not specify, allowing both Calvinist and Arminian perspectives on this secondary question. The primary affirmation is that Christ's death is the only ground for forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
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
- EFCA Statement of Faith (2008), Article 2: Jesus Christ; Article 5: Salvation