What is the Opposite of Penal Substitutionary Atonement?
At first glance, the phrase “opposite of Penal Substitutionary Atonement” seems straightforward. However, on closer reflection, it is a poorly framed question. Atonement theology is not easily reduced to opposites. Instead, what we see across church history are various models—Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA), Christus Victor, ransom theory, moral influence, recapitulation, and others—each emphasizing different aspects of the same saving work of Christ.
1. Understanding Penal Substitutionary Atonement
Penal Substitutionary Atonement is the theological claim that Christ bore the penalty of sin on behalf of sinners, satisfying God’s justice through substitution. Its core affirmations are:
Penalty: Sin deserves judgment (Romans 6:23).
Substitution: Jesus stands in our place (Isaiah 53:5–6).
Atonement: His death reconciles us to God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
PSA emphasizes the legal and sacrificial dimensions of salvation: God’s justice is upheld while His mercy is displayed. This is foundational to understanding forgiveness in the New Testament.
2. What would count as its opposite?
If we were to force an “opposite,” one might suggest the Christus Victor model, which sees atonement primarily as Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the devil. While PSA highlights satisfaction of divine justice, Christus Victor highlights liberation from bondage.
However, these are not true opposites. They focus on different angles of the same cross-event. A better way to frame the question is not “what is opposite?” but “what is complementary?”
3. The Christus Victor model
Christus Victor emphasizes that through His death and resurrection, Jesus triumphed over the powers of evil. This model highlights:
Bondage to sin and death – Humanity enslaved by spiritual powers (Hebrews 2:14–15).
Christ’s victory – Disarming rulers and authorities through the cross (Colossians 2:15).
Freedom for believers – Deliverance from fear and condemnation (Romans 8:1–2).
Some contrast PSA and Christus Victor as opposites: one judicial, the other cosmic. Yet, the Bible places them side by side, particularly in Colossians 2:13–15. Here, Christ cancels the debt of sin (PSA) and simultaneously triumphs over the spiritual powers (Christus Victor).
4. A biblical integration of atonement models
Rather than asking what is opposite to PSA, it is more biblical to see how multiple models harmonize:
PSA explains how sin’s penalty is addressed—through substitutionary sacrifice.
Christus Victor explains how sin’s power is broken—through Christ’s victory.
Ransom theory explains the cost of redemption—Jesus’ life given for many (Mark 10:45).
Recapitulation explains the reversal of Adam’s failure—Christ as the second Adam (Romans 5:18–19).
These are not contradictory but cumulative. Each illuminates an aspect of Christ’s work, together painting a fuller picture of the Gospel.
5. Why people oppose Penal Substitutionary Atonement
Despite its biblical grounding, PSA has been criticized in various ways:
Philosophical concern: It portrays God as wrathful and needing satisfaction.
Trinitarian concern: Some argue it divides the Father and the Son.
Moral concern: Critics label it “cosmic child abuse.”
Reductionist concern: Focusing only on penalty may obscure other dimensions of atonement.
While some objections misunderstand the doctrine, others remind us that PSA alone does not exhaust the meaning of atonement. The Bible’s multifaceted imagery invites us to integrate, not isolate.
6. How PSA and Christus Victor work together
Colossians 2:13–15 provides a profound synthesis:
Verse 13: “God made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.” (PSA – forgiveness through substitution).
Verse 14: “By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands.” (Penalty removed).
Verse 15: “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” (Christus Victor – victory over powers).
Paul presents these not as rivals but as two results of the same cross: forgiveness of debt and triumph over sin’s dominion.
7. The Gospel in harmony
The Gospel is not limited to a single atonement metaphor. PSA secures forgiveness by addressing God’s justice. Christus Victor secures freedom by breaking sin’s power. Together, they show that Christ’s cross:
Removes guilt.
Restores fellowship.
Breaks chains of bondage.
Establishes His eternal kingdom.
This comprehensive view reflects the Bible’s vision of salvation: not only pardon from wrath but also liberation into life.
8. Eschatological hope
The question of “opposite” atonement models also touches on eschatology. In the end:
PSA ensures there is no condemnation for God’s people (Romans 8:1).
Christus Victor ensures that Christ’s enemies are defeated, and His people reign with Him (Revelation 20:6).
Both dimensions are necessary. Without substitution, there is no forgiveness. Without victory, there is no freedom. Together, they point to the ultimate hope: reconciliation and renewal in Christ’s everlasting kingdom.
Conclusion
The opposite of Penal Substitutionary Atonement is not a single competing model. Christus Victor is often suggested, but rather than opposites, they are complementary. The Bible presents both together, showing that the cross cancels sin’s debt and triumphs over the powers of darkness. Viewing them in harmony provides a richer, more faithful picture of the Gospel, one that magnifies God’s justice, mercy, and victory in Christ.
Bible verses related to atonement models
“The LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)
“The Son of Man came… to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” (Matthew 26:28)
“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
“He made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
“He forgave us all our trespasses… nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13–14)
“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame.” (Colossians 2:15)
“Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.” (1 Peter 3:18)
“They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11)
