Penal‐Reparative Atonement: A Synthesis of Penal Substitution and Satisfaction Models

Abstract I will argue that through Jesus Christ's life, death, resurrection, and ascension—considered as an organic whole—Christ presented his humanity before the Father as the visible instantiation of both God's condemnation of sin and God's delighted acceptation of the Son. His life, death, and resurrection were offered as a penal‐reparation by condemning sin and repairing the revelation of God in creation with respect to sinners who trust in him. This article will proceed as follows. First, I will provide a brief sketch of the terrain, mapping Penal Substitutionary Atonement and satisfaction theories, and noting some critiques of both. Next, I will articulate some theological assumptions underlying the model. Then, in light of these sketched assumptions, I will articulate and defend the contours of Penal‐Reparative Atonement. I will conclude by answering three objections.