Understanding atonement

Lent 2024 – Part 15, Easter

This Lent, I reflected deeply on the profound significance of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, exploring the various theories embraced or historically cherished by Christian churches. Now it’s Easter and I am continuing this reflection from trauma to resurrection.

Changing what you believe about atonement is not denying Jesus. The gospel is not a description of how Jesus’ death (and resurrection, ascension, and enthronement) rescues the world, but that it does so. The gospel is not a theory or advice, it is news.

We need Christ, not merely his religion.

This is that annual difficult post. The one when I try (and usually fail) to find a unique take on Easter, the time when we celebrate Christ’s Resurrection (big R) from death and look forward to our own resurrection.

²⁰ But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ²¹ For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. ²² For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:20-21 ESVUK

In my Lent posts on different atonement theories, I said the Gospel is not a theory or advice, it is news. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is excellent news, part of that great news is that all who are in Christ. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the guarantee of our own resurrection. It is not for nothing that the funeral service says, “In sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Jesus was raised

“If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14).

Paul was always straightforward and candid in his expressions. The discussions surrounding the concept of Jesus’ resurrection—whether due to his death or the possibility that the disciples created the narrative from the beginning—remain relevant today. Interestingly, many who embrace Jesus’ teachings within Christian churches find various uplifting interpretations of the resurrection, while some appreciate it as a symbol of hope and renewal. Islam holds a deep respect for Jesus, viewing his teachings as valuable, even though they do not believe in the resurrection.

But Jesus was raised up, and that forms the foundation of a vibrant Christian faith! The gospel presents not just theory or advice, but incredibly uplifting news—good news! The fantastic message is that Christ triumphed over the grave! In 1 Corinthians chapter 15, Paul highlights all the male witnesses of the resurrection. While the cultural context of the time may have meant that women’s testimonies weren’t acknowledged, it’s important to celebrate that there remains a remarkable list of living witnesses who experienced the joy of encountering the resurrected Jesus!

In the Bible, there were eight people raised from death.

• Elijah: Raised the son of the widow of Zarephath. 
• Elisha:
  • Raised the son of the Shunammite woman. 
  • A man’s body was raised when it touched Elisha’s bones after his death. 
• Jesus:
  • Raised the son of the widow of Nain. 
  • Raised Jairus’ daughter. 
  • Raised Lazarus.
• Peter: Raised Tabitha (Dorcas).
• Paul: Raised Eutychus. 

The resurrection of Jesus stands apart, unlike any of those who came before Him. While countless others were returned to their earthly forms only to face death once more, Jesus was raised in a magnificent, glorious body, a divine transformation that ascended into the heavens, never to taste death again.

We shall be raised

We too, who believe in Jesus Christ, shall be raised and obtain glorious bodies, called spiritual bodies by Paul, like the one Jesus was raised in.

In Christianity, a rich tapestry of beliefs exists, from the conviction that the wicked face eternal punishment, to the belief that they will ultimately be destroyed instead, and even the hopeful notion that everyone shall be saved. I do not seek to say which of these profound truths you should embrace; that is for you to discern. Rather, I urge you to remain open and receptive to the guiding whispers of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of your life. Embrace the journey of faith with fervour and allow God to guide you. If we end up disagreeing, that’s fine.

But that the righteous shall be raised is non-negotiable. It is stated explicitly.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life” to Martha before he raised her brother Lazarus from the dead, an example of his power over death (John 11:25). We can be confident of our resurrection from death and of our place in heaven because Jesus was raised and is sitting at the Father’s side, or in older bibles, sitting on the Father’s right hand, which does not necessarily mean on two side by side thrones, but that Jesus Christ is co-ruler of Heaven and Earth with the Father.

Jesus’ work is done, now it’s our turn

We should do good works—not to be saved—Jesus Christ has already done that—but because we are saved.

This takes this series of posts full circle, to the first theory of atonement that I tackled, Moral Exemplar. I’m not going backwards in this but forwards because we are redeemed, free, and raised in Christ, because of what Jesus Christ has done, and given the resurrection, we have to go forward; forward into doing good works like Jesus did, to treat people like Jesus did. We, the Church, are the body of Christ here on Earth. We want people to come to Christ, of course, we do, but the Gospels show Jesus caring for people in a way that went beyond salvation alone. Like Jesus, we have to live a life of grief and grace.

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