Steve Chalke: The Redeeming Work of the Cross
This article by Steve Chalke was written to clarify for those who had read his book TLMJ his view on the Atonement. Chalke seems taken aback at the hostile reaction his book has provoked. This is surprising since he consciously attacks one of what he knows to be the central beliefs of most evangelical believers. He also pushes the boundaries beyond what most would consider safe on some other issues. Any perceptive writer, and Chalke is such, must realise he is inviting strong reactions. Some might say - you started the fight Steve.
It is not enough to protest TLMJ isn’t a ‘specific discussion of atonement’. This may be so, but he pointedly and emotively disparages the understanding of many that the atonement is penal and substitutionary (God punishes Jesus instead of us for our sins).
Although he says he believes Isaiah 53 when it says ’he was wounded for our transgressions…stripes we are healed’. He refuses to define or it would appear consider what this means. This is hardly good enough. He cannot adopt an apparently ‘simply believe’ position since he is so keen to define and explain so many other issues. To do so is, I’m afraid, simply a fudge. In any case, he explains in some detail a little later that he believes the cross was the paying of a ransom to Satan. Surely this must be his understanding of Isaiah 53.
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About John
Hi there - I am a member of Greenview and have been for over 20 years. For a number of these years I functioned as an elder, however, indifferent health forced me to take more of a back seat. I see this as an opportunity to do a little writing, often focussing on issues that are a matter of evangelical debate today. Naturally the views expressed are my own and may not reflect the views of the elders or church at large, though differences are likely to be in the detail and not the substance.
These articles and sermons were written partly to clarify my own thoughts and partly with the intention of provoking thought in others who may read them. If you read one I hope you find it stimulating. Please feel free to give me feedback or discuss my articles in the forums.
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