Chapter Five

  1. Give several reasons why the atonement could not have consisted in Christ's obedience to the moral law on behalf of sinners.
  2. What is the difference between an allegory and a metaphor? What is important for us to remember about biblical analogies using transactionary terminology?
  3. Could redemption have involved Christ offering his blood as a legal "ransom" to God in order to get Him to release us? Explain.
  4. Explain the sense in which our salvation did cost something.
  5. If it is true that Jesus literally paid for our sins with His blood (a paid debt no longer being a debt), and He died for the sins of the whole world, what conclusions must we come to? What is the theological word for it?
  6. What is a "limited" atonement? Is it taught in the Bible?
  7. Why is it not possible that our salvation was secured through Christ suffering punishment? Explain the potential difference between suffering and punishment.
  8. What was the function of the Old Testament sacrificial system? What did the sacrifices not represent?
  9. Why was it important that the sacrificial animal be without spot or blemish?
  10. What does "blood" symbolize in the Bible? What is its importance relative to the atonement?
  11. What is the significance of the word "almost" in Hebrews 9:22?
  12. Was it possible for a sin offering to be efficacious if it did not produce a heart realization, humility and contrition? Give scriptural evidence for your answer.
  13. In what way was the Old Testament sacrificial system deficient?
  14. Explain how the sacrifice of Christ opened up a better hope—or a new and Living way to God.
  15. When the Bible talks about an imperfect law and replacing the old system, is it referring to ceremonial law or moral law? Explain.
  16. What biblical evidence do we have that crucifixion facilitated, rather than caused Jesus' death?
  17. What does the Bible mean when it states that Jesus "bore our sins?"
  18. Is there any evidence that profound emotional grief and heart trauma are related? How does this correspond with Isaiah 53:11-12?
  19. What is the biblical evidence for and significance of Jesus' premature death on the cross?
  20. Describe in detail how Christ's shed blood and substitutionary sufferings solved, once and for all, God's difficulties in reconciling man to Himself.