We held our monthly afternoon service this past Sunday. We have intentionally tried to make them different to the morning service. Our usual format is to watch a video, break into small groups (led by someone able to teach) and discuss some related questions followed by a plenary feedback session to roundup the discussions.
This month, we considered Penal Substitution. Here is what we did:
- Why is Penal Substitution absolutely necessary for the gospel?
- Isa 53:4-6; Joh 10:11-18; Rom 3:23-26; 1Pe 2:24, 3:18
- Was the Father angry with Jesus on the cross?
- Mat 27:45-47; Joh 19:30; Rom 5:8; Eph 2:3; Gal 3:13; 2 Cor 5:21
- What difference does our answer to question 2 make to our Christian life?
- Does Penal Substitution have wider explanatory power than other religious models of salvation? If so, how and why?
- Why does rejecting Penal Substitution lead us into works righteousness?
- In what ways does this help in our discussions with people from different religious backgrounds? What does Penal Substitution achieve that no other model can offer?