Faith
Debate Over Atonement: Faithful Perspectives Needed
Faith Facts
- John Mark Comer publicly questioned Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA), sparking concern in the Christian community.
- Andrew Rillera’s book, “Lamb of the Free,” emphasizes covenant and restoration over retributive justice in Christ’s sacrifice.
- Biblical evidence supports PSA as part of a rich tapestry explaining Jesus’s atonement and redemption for humanity.
John Mark Comer shared statements on social media, casting doubt on traditional PSA, prompting robust responses from fellow believers seeking theological clarity. His critique was influenced by Andrew Rillera’s book, which claims Jesus’s death should be understood less as punishment and more as a covenantal, purifying act.
Comer clarified his objection was to the overemphasis on violence in atonement, but offered limited theological substantiation for his position. Dr. Rillera believes the Torah sacrifices were about purification and restoration with God, not retributive penalty, and views the language around Christ’s death as metaphorical, focusing on liberation and covenant rather than substitution for sin’s penalty.
I respectfully maintain that the Bible reveals atonement as deeply connected to substitution and the covering of sins by Christ’s sacrificial blood.
“I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me” (John 5:30).
The Scriptures affirm that Jesus fulfills Old Testament sacrificial themes, as seen on Yom Kippur and in Leviticus and Romans, where blood was required for atonement.
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life” (Leviticus 17:11).
Paul’s writings use terms like apolytrōsis and hilastērion, reinforcing substitution and redemption as central to Christ’s work on the cross. These biblical concepts remind us of God’s gift—true redemption by faith alone through Christ alone.
Let us continue to anchor our understanding of salvation and atonement in the unchanging Word of God, upholding the fullness of Christ’s sacrifice and the depths of God’s mercy, for the sake of faith, family, and freedom.
Faith Facts
- “Say A Prayer”: Debut collaboration with country star Thomas Rhett.
- “Wait For Me”: Co-written track featuring Ben Fuller, impacting Christian radio.
- “If God Lives Here”: New studio recording plus live version from Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Two-time GRAMMY winner Zach Williams released the deluxe edition of his deeply personal album Jesus Loves on March 6, 2026.
This expanded project blends Southern rock, country, and powerful faith-based lyrics, inviting misfits, church kids, and prodigals to embrace God’s unconditional love.
These tracks join hits like the title song “Jesus Loves,” “Killed A Man,” “Hated,” and “Church Kids” with CAIN.
“I’ve always believed in writing songs for real people who are going through real things,”
Williams said.
“This album is an invitation for the misfits, the church kids, and the prodigals and is a reminder that no matter your story, you’re already loved.”
Williams gears up for the “All The Hits Tour” with Third Day, sharing gospel truths across America amid his 1.5 billion streams and Platinum singles.
Stream the deluxe Jesus Loves today, letting its Biblical message strengthen your faith and family.
Faith Facts
- Ryan Gosling produced family-friendly sci-fi to enjoy with his wife Eva Mendes and daughters.
- Film highlights sacrifice mirroring John 15:13, fostering courage over fear.
- Rejects dystopian gloom, celebrates God-given human ingenuity and cooperation.
Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace in Project Hail Mary, a film he produced for his family’s enjoyment amid scarce wholesome entertainment.
“[My wife] Eva and I look for films that we can go to with our whole family, and we find it hard to find.”
The story follows Grace, a science teacher awakening on a spaceship to save Earth from a solar threat, bonding with alien Rocky in sacrificial friendship.
This reflects greater love in John 15:13:
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
“There’s something thematically that you want to show your kids,”
Gosling said, praising its shift from panic to problem-solving.
Gosling connects Grace’s terror and resilience to fatherhood, urging curiosity over anxiety in uncertain times.
“The future is not to be feared. It’s something to figure out.”
Embrace stories uplifting faith, family, and freedom—share Project Hail Mary‘s hopeful message with loved ones today.
Faith Facts
- Closes loopholes banning adults pretending to be children in pornographic material.
- Requires platforms to verify age and consent, granting depicted women right to withdraw consent anytime.
- Prohibits incest, step-incest content and ‘nudification’ apps to protect vulnerable.
Christian think tank CARE hails House of Lords votes imposing safeguards on online pornography, long unchecked unlike BBFC-regulated terrestrial content.
These reforms uphold Biblical standards by banning exploitative material that humiliates women and depicts illegal acts.
Caroline Ansell, CARE’s director of advocacy and policy, said
“It marks an important moment in the fight to bring basic standards, safeguards and accountability to an online porn industry that has operated in the shadows for too long.”
“We warmly welcome the amendments passed, each of them will better protect women, children, and anyone at risk of harm,” she said.
The government’s Online Safety Act advances family protections against youth porn access, while vigilance remains for free speech.
Defend faith, family, and freedom—subscribe to Faith and Freedom Report for values-driven updates.
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