Round the Sphere Again: Atonement

Penal Substitution Visualized
There’s one more infographic in the on-going Visual Theology series at Challies.com. Featured this time around is penal substitutionary atonement.

Definite Atonement Defended
Dan Phillips has posted an outstanding response to Roger Olson’s recent argument against definite atonement (Pyromaniacs): Part 1, Part 2.

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While we’re on the subject, here are a few of my favorite books on the atonement.

• The Atonement: Its Meaning and Significance by Leon Morris. This book lays down the basics in a way anyone can understand. I’ve put it first because it’s a very good place to start learning about the atonement.
• In My Place Condemned He Stood: Celebrating the Glory of the Atonement by J. I. Packer and others.
• Pierced for Our Transgressions: Rediscovering the Glory of Penal Substitution by Steve Jeffery, Michael Ovey, and Andrew Sachs. I’ve almost finished reading this and I plan to review it soon.
• Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray. This one’s a classic for a reason. 

Comments

[Kim Shay]

So, would you say the Leon Morris is the most readable for someone just getting into the topic? I've heard Murray's book is not an easy read. Is that true?

[persis]

Thanks for the book recommendations. Would you recommend Morris for someone who is confused about the atonement? i.e. thinking they still need to do something to avoid cheap grace.

[rebecca]

Kim,

Yes, The Atonement is the most readable of those on the list. It take the words the New Testament uses regarding the atoning work of Christ (sacrifice, redemption, reconciliation, propitiation, etc) and explains, mostly from scripture itself) what they mean.

And yes, Redemption Accomplished and Applied is the most difficult read on the list. I wouldn't give it to someone who is not really motivated.

[rebecca]

Persis,

I don't think The Atonement touches on that subject specifically; however, learning what the words actually mean would certainly be a start toward straightening out someone with a confused view of Christ's work.

[persis]

Thanks, Rebecca. I'll look into this book. I think we can get very confused if we use words but don't really know what they mean and where they come from in scripture.

[Luma]

Rebecca, if my memory serves me right, I don't believe I have read a book on the topic of atonement, specifically. I definitely need to and desire to. I just heard a 2008 talk from Tim Keller where he was quoting from Leon Morris. I'm swamped right now but Morris' book may need to jump to the top of my reading list. I'm assuming you would suggest I start with that??

[rebecca]

Yes, that would be the one I'd suggest. However, I just checked the suggested "popular introductions" on the atonement in Ligon Duncan's list in an appendix to In My Place Condemned He Stood and he also recommends:

The Great Exchange by Jerry Bridge and Bob Bevington. I've read this and recommend it, too, but I forgot about it when I was doing my own list.

The Divine Substitute: The Atonement in the Bible and History by Ian Shaw and Brian Edwards. I've not read this, but Ligon Duncan says it's only 150 pages, so it's short.

He recommends Morris's The Atonement in the "popular intro" category, too, but says it's "more challenging". (I didn't find it to be any more challenging than The Great Exchange.)

[Luma]

Excellent! Thank you for those recommendations!