Penal substitution atonement offered freely; unlimited atonement; divine healing included
The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel teaches that Christ's death is a substitutionary atonement: Jesus bore the penalty for human sin on the cross, satisfying divine justice and making reconciliation with God possible. The atonement is unlimited — Christ died for all humanity, making salvation potentially available to all who believe. The Church emphasizes that Christ's atoning work includes not only forgiveness of sin but also healing of diseases.
A distinctive Foursquare emphasis is Jesus as 'Healer' — the third pillar of Foursquare theology. Divine healing through the atonement is a normal part of the gospel and the Church's ministry. Just as Christ bore our sins, he also bore our sicknesses, and healing is available through faith in his atoning work. This understanding combines penal substitution theology with emphasis on divine healing as integral to the atonement's benefits.
Key Distinctions
- Primary theory:
- divine healing integral to atonement; Jesus as Healer (third Foursquare pillar)
- Scope of atonement:
- unlimited — Christ died for all; salvation available to all through faith
Scripture References
Sources
- International Church of the Foursquare Gospel Declaration of Faith
- Foursquare Church teaching on Jesus the Healer and divine healing