The Extent of the Atonement and Judgment: A Phenomenological Vision -- By: Daniel R. Chadwick

Journal: Global Journal of Classical Theology
Volume: GJCT 02:3 (Aug 2001)
Article: The Extent of the Atonement and Judgment: A Phenomenological Vision
Author: Daniel R. Chadwick


The Extent of the Atonement and Judgment:
A Phenomenological Vision1

Daniel R. Chadwick, Ph.D.

Christ as the subject of judgment is often depicted in his status as ruler, or king, of the world. As king, with an otherworldly, monarchial authority he will supersede humanity and civilization, the object of judgment, with his kingdom. Various sermons or essays on this topic of the judging Christ have titles such as “the coming King,” or the “return of the ruler.” Their emphases is on Christ as the rightful heir who returns for his inheritance of his domain (Matt. 21:33–44, Mark 12:1–12, Luke 19:9–19 and the parable of the tenants). Now this portrayal is certainly scriptural (Rev. 19:16) but it does not exhaust the religious meaning of Christ to either the Christian or the non-Christian in judgment.

Since the atonement of Christ is a judgment upon the sin of humanity and because, according to 1 Cor. 1:18, the world stands under the cross until the second advent, the extent of the atonement is a topic that bears meaning for the eschatological consummation of things. Admittedly, the extent of the atonement is a topic that seems to have drained much energy from theologians on all sides of the issue; to others it may be an arcane, if not useless, issue.2 Because it is usually distributed under the rubrics of either Christology or Soteriology I am sure that theologians may question its significance for a discussion in judgment, and even more so for a discussion about eschatological judgment.

I believe that this look at the extent of the atonement and its bearing on judgment will help the Christian theologian understand the Calvinist and Arminian portrayals as legitimate profiles of Christ. The corollary to this is the fact that there is a unity in the body of Christ between these two members; it is an intra-Protestant debate founded upon the epistemological ground of Sola Scriptura. Although this does not demonstrate a union of denominational confession, these two points should demonstrate its significance as a singular Christian vision. Further, this look at the diverse depictions of Christ through the extent of the atonement will also help the Christian gain an empathetic understanding of the non-Christian view.

The Extent Of The Atonement And Judgment: Method

This first glance at the issue of the extent of the atonement dismisses the theme as relevant for understanding judgment. But I think it requires another look, however...

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