Citation

Boersma H. Theol. Today 2003; 60(2): 186-199.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Princeton Theological Seminary)

DOI

10.1177/004057360306000204

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Recent objections to penal substitutionary views of the atonement argue that they valorize violence. This essay argues that, to the contrary, penal substitution may be viewed as a warrant of eschatological justice that offers hope both to victims and perpetrators of violence. A rejection of all penal justice would contribute to the cycle of violence. Penal justice is a last resort for the sake of God's future eschatological justice. Christ's voluntary self-sacrifice also entails that God takes the punishment for sin upon himself, thus offering the hope of eschatological justice to all.