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
- Public display of England flags has increased following immigration debates and protests.
- Loyalty to nation can be biblical, but Christians’ primary allegiance is to God’s Kingdom.
- The Cross of St George is not a substitute for the Cross of Christ in a believer’s life.
Across England, the national flag is being raised in new places, driven by recent discussions about immigration and national identity. This surge in patriotism challenges Christians to reflect on the meanings behind such symbols with discernment.
While showing national pride can reflect a love for community, our faith teaches that our ultimate loyalty is to God above all earthly affiliations. The Christian response to cultural shifts should emphasize both wise engagement and biblical compassion, remembering our true citizenship.
“It is the Cross of Christ, not the Cross of St George that we should follow.”
Let’s seek God’s guidance as we strive for unity and understanding in our communities, always putting His Kingdom first. Stay informed and grounded in truth—sign up for the Faith and Freedom Report.
Faith Facts
- Envy robs us of joy and gratitude for God’s blessings.
- FOMO is a modern form of envy, fed by comparisons and social media.
- Scripture teaches that gratitude and contentment stop envy and restore joy.
Many believers fall into the trap of envy by focusing on what others appear to enjoy, instead of showing gratitude for their own blessings. The culture of comparison, especially on social media, can lead Christians to feel like bystanders in their own lives, rather than participants in God’s unique plan for them.
One personal story reminds us that even while surrounded by seemingly better opportunities or experiences, our hearts can be filled with bitterness if we overlook the gifts God has provided. Resisting the urge to compare allows us to cherish the present and honor God’s faithfulness.
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30, NIV).
Scripture challenges us to reject envy by adopting gratitude and contentment. The apostle Paul writes, ‘Godliness with contentment is great gain.’ (1 Timothy 6:6, NIV), and encourages believers to ‘be thankful in all circumstances’ (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT).
Practicing thankfulness shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance of God’s grace. True contentment is found not in worldly gain, but in the recognition that every good gift comes from the Lord.
Let us lay down envy and embrace gratitude, assuring that our hearts remain fixed on the joy and contentment offered through faith in Christ.
Faith Facts
- Boko Haram extremists killed five Christians working in Ngoshe village, Borno State, and attacked another village the following day.
- Three more believers were murdered as they slept in their homes in Mussa village, bringing the total to eight innocent lives lost.
- Authorities and community leaders confirmed the attacks, expressing deep sorrow over ongoing persecution in Nigeria’s northeast.
Boko Haram’s continuing violence against Christian communities shows the ever-present threat to believers in northern Nigeria. These brutal acts occurred as faithful workers tended their farms and families rested in their homes, revealing a dire need for steadfast prayer and advocacy.
Local police and military affirmed the grievous loss of life, pledging to protect these endangered communities. Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume described the situation as heartbreaking, noting the destruction of homes and the persistent danger facing farmers and youth in Borno South.
“Our people, whose only pursuit is peace and livelihood, continue to fall victim to the cruelty of insurgents. These men and women deserved to live, to farm and to dream, but their lives have been cut short by those who thrive on violence and destruction.”
Boko Haram’s campaign seeks to impose extreme religious law, leaving Christians vulnerable to continuous threats. The attack is part of a broader crisis, as Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous countries for followers of Christ, according to the 2025 World Watch List.
Let us stand with these suffering believers in prayer, support, and advocacy, asking God to protect the innocent and bring hope amid trials.
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