The Cross in Context: Reconsidering Biblical Metaphors for Atonement

by Brad Vaughn

Publisher:

IVP Academic

, 2022

Overview

How can a doctrine about reconciliation with God create so much controversy among God’s people?

Theologian Brad Vaughn (formerly published under the pseudonym Jackson W.) believes Christians can gain clarity and unity on the doctrine of the atonement through a renewed attention to the biblical evidence. While theological theories are necessary and useful, they can obscure reality as much as clarify it. And we're often ignorant of the role that cultural and historical context plays in shaping these views. Instead of beginning by comparing atonement theories, he argues, we need to delve deep into the Bible, where we find a handful of motifs that combine to form a richer, more robust theology of atonement.

The Cross in Context presents a perspective on the atonement that seeks to reconcile theological camps and enable Christians to interpret the Bible more faithfully. It draws from the entire biblical canon and considers the New Testament in light of its Old Testament background, focusing on the internal logic of Israel’s sacrificial system. Applying his intercultural ministry experience and expertise on honor and shame, W. also considers how to effectively contextualize the multifaceted message of salvation in diverse cultural contexts.

Combining missiology, theology, and biblical studies, The Cross in Context provides a refreshing and nuanced look at the atonement and what it means for the life and witness of the church.

Key Features

• Provides a refreshing and nuanced look at the atonement and what it means for the life and witness of the church
• Presents a perspective on the atonement that seeks to reconcile theological camps and enable Christians to interpret the Bible more faithfully
• Considers how to effectively contextualize the multifaceted message of salvation in diverse cultural contexts

Contents

• Part I: The Atonement in Biblical and Cultural Context
• Part II: Interpreting Biblical Metaphors of Atonement
• Part III: Implications and Applications
• Appendix A: Historical Atonement Theories
• Appendix B: Affirming Penal Substitution but Not Its Logic
• Appendix C: “Bearing” in the Old Testament
• Appendix D: The Metaphors of Hebrews 9–10
• Discussion Guide

Praise for the Print Edition

Brad Vaughn explores the interplay of metaphor and atonement—thus this book is about the core of salvation in the New Testament. Atonement is complex, but this is a reliable and well-written guide through the variety of biblical images. Its contextualization offers the key to understand the core of the mission of Jesus Christ. A must-read for all who want to know what the Christian gospel means in diverse cultures!

—Christian A. Eberhart, professor of religious studies at the University of Houston and author of The Sacrifice of Jesus: Understanding Atonement Biblically

Product Details

• Title: The Cross in Context: Reconsidering Biblical Metaphors for Atonement
• Author: Brad Vaughn
• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Pages: 256
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subject: Atonement › Biblical teaching
• ISBNs: 9781514000298, 9781514000281, 1514000296, 1514000288
• Resource ID: LLS:CROSSINCONTEXT
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-04-26T22:07:33Z

About Brad Vaughn

Brad Vaughn (formerly published under the pseudonym Jackson W.; PhD, Southeastern Baptist) is theologian in residence with Global Training Network. He previously lived and worked in East Asia for almost two decades, teaching theology and missiology for Chinese pastors. He serves on the Asian/Asian-American Theology steering committee of the Evangelical Theological Society and is the author of Saving God's Face, One Gospel for All Nations, Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes, and Seeking God's Face.