Schedule

This session will place the atonement within its redemptive-historical (i.e., covenantal) context. It will explain the meaning of blessing and cursing from a biblical perspective. It will explain what it meant for Christ to bear the curse of God (Gal. 3:13).

Steven Lawson, Stephen Nichols, and R.C. Sproul.

This session will explain why a mere human being could not accomplish atonement, nor could a disembodied divine Spirit. It will show that it was necessary for the second person of the Godhead to take on flesh in order to make a sufficient sacrifice for man's sin. By explaining the incarnation, this session will also explain the one person and two natures of Christ.

This session will expand on the prophecy of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53, showing that Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. It will deal with the substitutionary nature of the atonement, explaining how Christ placated the wrath of God by laying down His life in our place.

Liam Goligher, Steven Lawson, Stephen Nichols, and R.C. Sproul.

This session will expand on Christ's declaration in Mark 10:42–45 that He came to give His life as a ransom for many. It will explain the difference between the false ransom theory of the atonement that existed in the early church and the true meaning of Christ's ransom. It will explain that Christ redeemed us by satisfying our debt to God.

This session will deal with the age-old controversy concerning the extent of the atonement. It will explain the biblical and theological basis for the Reformed doctrine of limited or definite atonement, and demonstrate that such a view is the only grounds for a secure redemption.

This session will deal with the reason why atonement is necessary. It will explain that it is due to the nature of God (His justice, holiness, and righteousness) and the nature of sin (the violation of God's justice and law). Sin puts man at enmity with God, and atonement is what allows us to have peace with God.