What does the Bible say about Penal Substitutionary Atonement on GotQuestions.org? (Review)
The teaching of Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA) is often presented as one of the clearest biblical explanations of Christ’s death. According to GotQuestions.org, PSA is directly rooted in Scripture: Jesus bore the penalty of sin in our place, satisfying the demands of God’s justice, so that those who believe in Him can be forgiven and reconciled to God. They see this as the most logically and biblically consistent model of atonement.
At the same time, this approach illustrates a broader reality: the doctrine of atonement is complex and multifaceted. While PSA is vital, the Bible does not reduce the cross to one picture. Instead, it offers multiple complementary perspectives—penal substitution, victory, ransom, moral example, and recapitulation—all of which enrich our understanding of what Christ accomplished.
1. GotQuestions.org and the emphasis on penal substitution
GotQuestions.org provides many articles on atonement, consistently concluding that PSA is central to the biblical witness. In their explanation:
Jesus is the substitute: He stood in the place of sinners (Isaiah 53:5–6).
The penalty of sin is borne: Christ endured what humanity deserved (Romans 6:23).
God’s justice is satisfied: Divine wrath is not ignored but answered (Romans 3:25–26).
Reconciliation is secured: Believers are brought back into fellowship with God (2 Corinthians 5:18–19).
They also highlight how the Old Testament foreshadowed PSA through the sacrificial system, particularly the Passover lamb and the Day of Atonement.
2. The biblical foundations of penal substitution
PSA rests on a wide range of biblical texts:
Isaiah 53 describes the Suffering Servant as “pierced for our transgressions.”
Romans 3:25–26 explains that God put Christ forward as a propitiation by His blood, showing His righteousness.
1 Peter 2:24 declares that Jesus bore our sins in His body on the tree.
In each case, the theme of penalty, substitution, and reconciliation comes together. GotQuestions.org rightly notes that PSA is not a human invention but a reflection of God’s revealed plan.
3. The fallacy of exclusivity in atonement conversations
While GotQuestions.org highlights PSA as “the most biblically sound view,” this reveals a common fallacy in atonement conversations: reducing the richness of the cross to one model. This is a focus of my own writing, most notably, The Gospel is Bigger than You Think. The Bible provides multiple complementary metaphors that do not compete but harmonize.
Other perspectives include:
Ransom theory: Christ’s death secures freedom from Satan’s bondage (Mark 10:45).
Moral influence theory: The cross reveals God’s love, compelling repentance (Romans 5:8).
Governmental theory: Christ’s death demonstrates God’s hatred of sin and His moral governance.
Recapitulation theory: Jesus relives and redeems humanity’s story, succeeding where Adam failed (Romans 5:18–19).
Each model offers biblical truth. To elevate one as the only lens risks diminishing the fullness of God’s redemptive plan.
4. Why multiple models matter
Scripture often portrays God through diverse portraits—king, shepherd, father, judge, redeemer. Atonement theology should reflect that same richness. By holding together multiple perspectives:
PSA safeguards God’s justice.
Christus Victor underscores His triumph.
Moral influence reveals His love.
Recapitulation highlights His cosmic renewal.
This multi-dimensional approach mirrors how the Gospel itself works: not narrowing to one image, but weaving together all the strands of God’s saving work in Christ.
5. Agreement across traditions
Despite disagreements about emphasis, most Christian traditions affirm the core truth that:
Christ’s atonement is universally sufficient.
God applies the benefits of atonement to those who repent and believe.
Salvation is always rooted in Christ’s finished work, not human effort.
GotQuestions.org shares this same conviction: forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life are found only in Christ’s cross and resurrection.
6. PSA and the Gospel
PSA is not merely one doctrine among others; it connects directly to the Gospel itself. By bearing our penalty, Christ ensures that there is no condemnation for those in Him (Romans 8:1). By standing as substitute, He fulfills God’s covenant promises. And by reconciling sinners to God, He secures a people for Himself, destined to reign with Him in the new creation (Revelation 5:9–10).
When understood alongside other models, PSA enriches the announcement of the Gospel: Jesus is Lord, crucified and risen, the one who saves His people from their sins and brings them into His everlasting kingdom.
7. Eschatological hope through atonement
The atonement is not only about past forgiveness but future glory. PSA assures believers that judgment has already been borne by Christ. Other models remind us of victory over evil, the renewal of creation, and the restoration of God’s image in humanity. Together, they provide hope:
Final judgment will not condemn the redeemed.
The kingdom will be established in righteousness.
God’s people will dwell with Him forever, reconciled and restored.
Bible verses related to penal substitutionary atonement
“He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities.” (Isaiah 53:5)
“The LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
“God put him forward as a propitiation by his blood.” (Romans 3:25)
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13)
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree.” (1 Peter 2:24)
“Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous.” (1 Peter 3:18)
“The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
“Worthy are you… for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God.” (Revelation 5:9)
