The Atonement -- Understanding the Meaning of the Cross
Albert Mohler
Posted: Thursday, April 12, 2007

Last week, with the cross and resurrection of Christ prominent in many public conversations, several figures launched direct attacks upon the idea of penal substitution. Most notably, The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey John of the Church of England rejected the doctrine as "repulsive" and "insane" [see here]. Following in this line, Dr. Giles Fraser, Vicar of Putney, affirmed John's argument [see here].

Now, with the press having moved on to other pursuits and interests, we should return to the question and remind ourselves of why penal substitution is so important and essential to New Testament Christianity.

To that end, I commend an excellent article written almost a year ago by Dr. Mark Dever, pastor of Capiol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. In "Nothng But the Blood," published in the May 1, 2006 edition of Christianity Today, Dr. Dever presents one of the best and most succinct summaries of the doctrine and its importance. the rest