Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 70:1 (NA 2019)
Article: The Coherence Of Penal Substitution An Edwardsean Defence
Author: Christopher Woznicki

TynBull 70:1 (2019) p. 95

The Coherence Of Penal Substitution
An Edwardsean Defence

Christopher Woznicki

([email protected])

Summary

Among recent evaluations of penal substitutionary atonement one significant critique is that given the necessary and sufficient conditions for punishment the doctrine is incoherent. In this essay I defend the coherence of penal substitution by providing an account of Christ’s relationship to humanity such that it is conceptually possible to meet the necessary and sufficient conditions for punishment. In order to do this, I turn to Jonathan Edwards’ understanding of creation and identity. I show that a view called ‘Edwardsean Anti-Criterialism’ provides the metaphysics necessary for a coherent account of penal substitution.

1. Introduction

Penal substitutionary atonement is a critical aspect of the gospel. Chapter VIII, article V of the Westminster Confession of Faith states:

The Lord Jesus, by his perfect obedience, and sacrifice of Himself, which He through the eternal Spirit, once offered up unto God, has fully satisfied the justice of His Father; and purchased not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for those whom the Father has given unto Him.1

More recently, the Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution reaffirming ‘the truthfulness, efficacy, and beauty of the biblical doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement as the burning core of the Gospel message and the only hope of a fallen race’.2 This ‘burning core of the

TynBull 70:1 (2019) p. 96

Gospel’ has even made its way into evangelical hymnody. P. P. Bliss’s beloved hymn ‘Hallelujah! What a Saviour’ illustrates the centrality of penal substitutionary atonement for understanding the gospel when it declares,

Bearing shame and scoffing rude
In my place condemned he stood,
Sealed my pardon with his blood
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

Such worshipful declarations are meant to inspire greater love towards God for the tremendous sacrifice made on the cross by Christ. For some, however, such declarations do not inspire love. Rather, they generate revulsion towards a God who would sacrifice his innocent son, or, at the very least, they lead to disbelief that penal substitutionary atonement (PSA) is the best way to understand the good news of the gospel. Those who believe that PSA is not fitting of the good news revealed in the gospel have articulated a number of critiques of the view.You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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