Writing about Session 5: Atonement – Substitutionary Theory, Bob Sweeny shares his thoughts on one of the discussion questions.
Discussion question #5: One objection to the Substitution Theory of the Atonement is that if Christ took our exact penalty, why isn’t He in Hell for all eternity?
One objection to the Substitution Theory of the Atonement is that if Christ took our exact penalty, why isn’t He in Hell for all eternity?
I have had this question cross my mind a few times and never had a definite answer. Not that I will completely answer this question in a short blog post, but maybe give some more insight on this question.
As I have learned in Theology Class, some things are a mystery to us and not meant to be known for now. In my mind it seems that if I deserve Hell and someone had to pay my penalty then it must be like-for-like. I deserve to endure Hell forever then Christ must endure Hell forever for me right? But that is not what happened. Why?
But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. ~1 Corinthians 15:13-14
For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father. ~ John 10:17-18
Just a couple of verses on Christ’s death and resurrection, but very powerful. In 1 Corinthians it says that if Christ did not rise again from death our faith is in vain. First off all we need a mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) and if Christ was in Hell our mediator would still be in Hell and that would do us little good, for He is the only mediator between us and God.
Also I think that Christ did not only have to take our penalty and suffer God’s wrath on the cross but had to be victorious over death. Which He has the power to do and was commanded by the Father (John 10:17-18). If He had no power over death He would not be God nor have power over His and our death.
Ultimately I know that I need a Savior who has the power over sin, death and hell, Savior who is in Heaven before God for me, not in Hell. Jesus lived a perfect life I could never live, died for my sins that He did not commit and has victory over death. This should be enough for us because it is enough for God.