Biblical Answer

The significance of the atonement in our faith cannot be overstated. It is the heart of the doctrine of the atonement, and it is the crucial doctrine of the faith. Unless we are right here, it matters little, or so it seems to me, what we are like elsewhere. The atonement is the means by which sin and impurity are removed, so that fellowship with the Lord can continue and his people can engage fully in his purposes for them. It is the organic character of theology that is most apparent in the doctrine of the atonement, and our views on the other doctrines influence strongly our conclusions in this area.

The basic meaning of the atonement involves the reconciliation of man's mind with divine Mind, through the superconsciousness of Christ-mind. It is the agreement or reconciliation of man's mind with God's Mind, which is made possible through the atonement. This understanding of the atonement emphasizes the importance of the atonement as a means of producing a sense of guilt and condemnation, without which faith in Christ is impossible. The atonement is also seen as a necessary step to make God's indwelling possible among his people.

The penal substitution theory of the atonement is a significant contribution to our understanding of the atonement. It emphasizes the suffering of Christ in our place, receiving in himself the penalty that God the Father would have visited upon us. This view of the atonement is objective, meaning that it has an effect on God himself. It also deals with our guilt and condemnation, and provides assurance of faith and salvation. While there may be objections to this theory, such as the lack of scriptural texts on the extent of the atonement, it remains a vital and essential aspect of Christian theology and faith.