As I've said before here, Michael Horton is one of my favorite theologians, even if he is a Reformationist hyper-Calvinist. Although I am only slightly over in that camp, he often makes a lot of sense to me. Here are snippets from his latest article in Modern Reformation magazine (September/October issue).
He goes into the various atonement theories and I believe really provides clear and understandable definitions. I think it's important today to understand how the various evangelical movements are following some of these theories instead of the Reformationist penal substitutionary atonement.
He writes that,
[ substitutionary atonement] "it is no longer conceivable that God became flesh to bear His own just wrath."
[moral influence theory] "the purpose of the cross is to move us to repentance by showing us how much God loves us."
[moral government theory] "to display God's justice"
[Christus Victor theory] "to liberate the oppressed from unjust social structures."
[ransom atonement theory] There is one Horton did not cover where Jesus was given as a ransom to satan for us.
We might be reminded of Steve Chalke's declaration that the penal substitution theory is "cosmic child abuse." Yes, the penal substitution theory is certainly being attacked today. The Liberal Protestants, and now many of the emergents and seeker-sensitives, put forth the moral influence theory and that is the one I grew up with. And did I receive Christ as a result of it? No. And why didn't I? Because Romans 10:14 is always in play. It basically says that if you don't hear the gospel you cannot believe it. And if no one tells you how can you hear it? And did I hear it in my Liberal Protestant church? No. And is that why I did not, and could not accept it? Yes. And when did I finally become a Christian? When I sat next to a Baptist girl in a college class and she told me the atonement story. The true atonement story that is. So then, are many emergents and seeker-sensitive congregants hearing the gospel in order to receive Christ? Well, if they are hearing the moral influence theory which is what many are hearing, I don't think they will be able to become Christians. This is a hotly debated subject right now - that is, how much gospel do you need to hear to really become a real born-again Christian?
What do you think?
How to Become a Christian
23 hours ago
4 comments:
I point to stories like yours when people say that theology doesn't make a difference. It very much does matter what we think and what we teach. Getting the atonement right isn't just arguing over words -- it's saving souls. It doesn't get much more practical than that.
Chris,
You've got that right!
"How much gospel do you need to really become born again?" Interesting. My own story.... I experienced conversion in the 1970's in a Primitive Methodist Church. Yes it was genuine. However,I got drawn in pretty deep into the shepherding movement and finally got free in 1996. That's a long time. I am now in a PCA. When I look around me do I think many are born again. ? I'm not sure. While I believe calvanism is proably the way to go I see many who think christianly and that's it.I'm not sure the heart is touched. Booze,patriarchy and lack of awareness of the Holy Spirit's leading and power and the priesthood of ALL believers are some of the major obstacles that have to be overcome in calvanistic circles.... but I'm rooting for them because I definately AM NOT going back to what I left.
Not sure I really addressed your comments but that's my 2 cents amd after 29 years I think I have something to say.
Keep up the good work Diane . I am new to this blog but it definately helps me.
First, have you thought of the recapitulation theory of atonement? Christ needed to come to recapitulate Israel (and humanity) to Christ after our sins.
Secondly, I like to believe Aquinas when he says that their is implicit belief and explicit belief in God. For example, by explicitly believing Christ died for our sins, you believe that implicitly that he was the son of God. Thus, someone can still believe enough to be saved even though it is not explicit knowledge.
Finally, you should check out GodblogCon, a meeting place for Christian bloggers.
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