Contending for the Faith

Our own Pat Berryman unknowingly or knowingly opened a can of worms when he posted his thoughts on "Who killed Jesus?" on his blog. There is nothing new under the sun, but the contemporary attempts to undermine the true nature of the doctrine of atonement are so subtle. Certain teachers, wishing to give the impression that they are champion defenders of God's reputation are suggesting that the teaching that God sacrificed His Son is "cosmic child abuse." Thankfully, sound Bible teachers such as John MacArthur (see JMac on this subject)and John Piper among many others are willing to stand by the plain facts of the atonement. Not only was Jesus Christ the spotless Lamb of God, but He had to be the High Priest who offered that Lamb! Thus, He said, He gave Himself up. He never was the victim of men. God the Father gave up His Son to bear His own wrath against our sin. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son." John Piper is actually on sabbatical in Cambridge, but he writes a very straightforward defense of his (our) Father's wrath, a wrath that was so justified and righteous that the only satisfaction would be in the offering up of His only Son. I like John Piper because he is so devotional, so earnest. John MacArthur is good too.

In the meantime, I stand in dumbfounded awe that God would give up His Son for me. Abraham had faith enough to sacrifice his son for God. But God had brought the unworthy Abraham into a granted covenant with glorious blessings. On the other hand, God LOVED undeserving sinners enought to sacrifice His Son - even while we were yet in our sins. O, thank you, Lord!