March 8, 2026: The Cross: God’s Punishment or Offering?

Colossians 2:13-14, Romans 3:2; Hebrews 10:10-14

These are the most well-known and popular ways of understanding the cross. Why are they so popular? What are the problematic questions that arise from them? How do we resolve that tension? Why does God require the suffering of Jesus in order to forgive our sins? Today may challenge what you believe about the crucifixion as we look at two more atonement theories and seek to understand their benefits and limitations.

Reflection Questions: Do you see more benefits or more concerns in each of these theories? Which one speaks most powerfully to you? Write down your confession and pin it to the cross up front.