This is a good discussion on Paul's thoughts, but are they not just part of the picture? Is not Christ's work more than a legal transaction? Has western Christianity become too legal focused on this issue? Are we reading our concept of legal that back in to the texts, or at least emphasizing the others? For example, Isaiah speaks of it being cleansing. 1 John speaks of it being healing. Speaking of Athanasius, he saw it more as a "corruption" of the human being and one's being made in the image of God.
Athanasius would include the saving power of the incarnation and life lived.
And the saving effect of the ascension if we’re to cover every base !
Helen, very true!
This is a good discussion on Paul's thoughts, but are they not just part of the picture? Is not Christ's work more than a legal transaction? Has western Christianity become too legal focused on this issue? Are we reading our concept of legal that back in to the texts, or at least emphasizing the others? For example, Isaiah speaks of it being cleansing. 1 John speaks of it being healing. Speaking of Athanasius, he saw it more as a "corruption" of the human being and one's being made in the image of God.