Join Alex, Chris, and Jo as they dive into the deep (and sometimes nerdy!) waters of atonement theology. From heated debates on who exactly Jesus died for, to a fun detour into quantum theory and open theism, this episode blends big ideas with a light-hearted twist.

In this episode, we explore the different views on the extent of the atonement, including Limited Atonement (or Particular Redemption), Unlimited Atonement, and Amyraldianism (Four-Point Calvinism). We also touch on Universalism and the eternal question of how wide God's grace extends. Things get extra theological as we discuss infralapsarianism and supralapsarianism—how God’s plan for salvation unfolded in relation to the fall—and even dip into some quantum theory for all you theology geeks out there! If you're ready for an episode packed with both profound insights and a good dose of humour, now's the time to listen!

Featured Resources:

• Gary Schnittjer - Torah Story
• Gary Schnittjer - How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible

Other Resources

• The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. Eddy
• Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. Snoeberger
• Mapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology - William G. Witt, Joel Scandrett
• What Did the Cross Accomplish? A Conversation about the Atonement - Simon Gathercole, Robert B. Stewart, N.T. Wright

Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.

Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

In this episode of Bible Streams, Chris and Jo sit down with Dr. Gary Schnittjer to explore the profound theme of atonement in the Old Testament. How did God’s plan for redemption take shape in ancient Israel, and what can we learn from it today? Join us as we dig deep into the sacrificial system, covenant theology, and the rich symbolism that foreshadows Christ’s ultimate atonement on the cross. Whether you’re a Bible scholar or just curious, this conversation will open your eyes to the depth and beauty of God’s Word. Don’t miss it!

Featured Resources:

• Gary Schnittjer - Torah Story
• Gary Schnittjer - How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible

Other Resources

• The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. Eddy
• Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. Snoeberger
• Mapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology - William G. Witt, Joel Scandrett
• What Did the Cross Accomplish? A Conversation about the Atonement - Simon Gathercole, Robert B. Stewart, N.T. Wright

Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.

Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it actually work? The subject of the Atonement has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians trying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? How far does it stretch?

Join Alex, Chris and Jo (and maybe some special guests along the way) as they examine the many theories and understandings of the Atonement, and what that can mean for us today.

Exemplary models of the atonement examine how Jesus' obedience to death might influence humanity to put aside evil and become obedient ourselves. In this episode we look at frameworks like moral example and the scapegoat model, and explore what relevance they might have in understanding Christ's work on the cross.

Resources:

• The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. Eddy
• Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. Snoeberger
• Mapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology - William G. Witt, Joel Scandrett
• What Did the Cross Accomplish? A Conversation about the Atonement - Simon Gathercole, Robert B. Stewart, N.T. Wright

Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.

Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it actually work? The subject of the Atonement has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians trying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? How far does it stretch?

Join Alex, Chris and Jo (and maybe some special guests along the way) as they examine the many theories and understandings of the Atonement, and what that can mean for us today.

This episode, we look at the Recapitulation model, where Christ's obedient sacrifice on the cross is the climax of his becoming both the fulfilment and new beginning of the human race. How might Jesus, as the new and true Adam, reconcile his people to God?

Resources:

• The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. Eddy
• Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. Snoeberger
• Mapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology - William G. Witt, Joel Scandrett
• What Did the Cross Accomplish? A Conversation about the Atonement - Simon Gathercole, Robert B. Stewart, N.T. Wright

Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.

Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it actually work? The subject of the Atonement has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians trying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? How far does it stretch?

Join Alex, Chris and Jo (and maybe some special guests along the way) as they examine the many theories and understandings of the Atonement, and what that can mean for us today.

This episode, we look at the Substitutionary models, including Penal Substitutionary Atonement, some of its complexities and challenges, as well as its misunderstandings, and what we can learn from it.

Resources:

• The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. Eddy
• Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. Snoeberger
• Mapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology - William G. Witt, Joel Scandrett
• What Did the Cross Accomplish? A Conversation about the Atonement - Simon Gathercole, Robert B. Stewart, N.T. Wright

Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.

Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it work? The subject of the Atonement has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians trying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? How far does it stretch?

Join Alex, Chris and Jo (and maybe some special guests along the way) as they examine the many theories and understandings of the Atonement, and what that can mean for us today.

This episode, we look at the Christus Victor model of the Atonement, some of it's strengths and gaps, and what we can learn from it.

Resources:

• The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. Eddy
• Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. Snoeberger
• Mapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology - William G. Witt, Joel Scandrett
• What Did the Cross Accomplish? A Conversation about the Atonement - Simon Gathercole, Robert B. Stewart, N.T. Wright

Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.

Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

The saving work of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. But how does it actually work? The subject of the Atonement is one that has been wrestled with for millennia, theologians traying to make sense of the many ways that scripture explains the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. How does this God-man's existence translate to eternal salvation for humanity? And who's included? how far does it stretch? Join Alex, Chris and Jo (and maybe some special guests along the way) as they examine the many theories and understandings of the Atonement, and what that can mean for us today.

Resources:

• The Nature of the Atonement - edited by James K. Beilby,Paul R. Eddy
• Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement - edited by Andrew David Naselli, Mark A. Snoeberger
• Mapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology - William G. Witt, Joel Scandrett
• What Did the Cross Accomplish? A Conversation about the Atonement - Simon Gathercole, Robert B. Stewart, N.T. Wright

Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.

Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.

As we wind down at the end of yet another year of Bible Streams, join our producer, Tim, as he sits down with Jo, Alex, and Chris to wrap up 2023 (with a little bit of fun along the way) and to look ahead to 2024. Fans of Star Wars may also find some fulfilling content along the way...

As is now a yearly tradition with Riverlife Podcasts, there will also be bloopers and outtakes. Here's to another awesome year ahead!

Resources/Links mentioned in this episode:

• Riverlife Podcast Network: Going Deeper | Bible Streams
• Bible Streams - Facebook | Instagram | X

Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast. 

Get more info at Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Bible Streams on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Amazon.