Christ Crucified: Understanding the Atonement

by Donald MacLeod

How could the life, let alone the death, of one man 2,000 years ago be the salvation of the human race? The biblical explanation is the atonement: the crucified one was the Son of God, acting and suffering in cooperation with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is presented in all four Gospels, and occupies considerable space in the overall narrative. The death of this one person has universal, inclusive and cosmic significance, because in him the Creator acts and suffers. This is the primary answer to "the scandal of particularity." There is also a special relationship between Christ and humanity—he was "with" us, and he was "for" us. The grandeur of the cross lies in the fact that the incarnate Son of God offered himself in our place, bearing the penalty for our sin.

Donald Macleod considers seven key words Christians have used through the centuries to describe what happened on the cross: substitution, expiation, propitiation, reconciliation, satisfaction, redemption and victory. No single one of these tells the whole truth, nor do all of them together exhaust the meaning of the cross. Macleod shows that these concepts are interrelated and interdependent, and that together they give a coherent picture of the salvation wrought by Jesus at Calvary.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Religion, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2014

About the author

Donald MacLeod is a Scottish theologian.

Macleod studied at the University of Glasgow and the Free Church College before being ordained as a minister of the Free Church of Scotland in 1964. He served as professor of systematic theology at the Free Church College from 1978 to 2011, and as principal from 1999 to 2010.

In 1996, Macleod was cleared of allegations that he had sexually assaulted four women. The Sheriff court found that "the women had all lied in the witness box to further the ends of Professor Macleod's enemies in the Free Church of Scotland." A number of people who believed Macleod should be put on trial by the General Assembly then formed the Free Church Defence Association and ultimately a new denomination, the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing). However, Johnston McKay notes that although on the surface the split was about Donald Macleod, he believes it was about theology since Macleod belonged to the more "modernizing" wing of the Free Church.

In 2011, a Festschrift was published in Macleod's honor. The People's Theologian: Writings in Honour of Donald Macleod (ISBN 1845505840) included contributions from Richard Gaffin, Derek Thomas, and Carl Trueman.

Reviews

[Zach Byrd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Macleod’s work was provocative and thorough. He has one of the most well-rounded discussions of the atonement, looking at this gem from every angle.

However, I am forced to give him three stars. One, he openly supports patripassianism. This also leads to a soft immutability, partly arising from his disdain of “the Great Tradition.” This alone would keep me from recommending it to the person in the pew. Also, he spends a considerable length of time engaging with feminist theologians and other fringe interlocutors. You know, I could count how many feminist theologians and their ideas that I engage with on one hand….if both my hands were cut off.

All in all, when he’s good, he’s great. When he’s not, he’s not.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: A thoughtful, contemporary restatement of the classical doctrine of the atonement including different contended terms in reference to the atonement including substitution, expiation, propitiation, satisfaction, and victory.

The cross is not only the most significant symbol of Christianity, but this act, and its meaning is central to Christian hope. The cross also raises telling questions, of which the most significant are: Why did Jesus die? Was this truly necessary? What did this accomplish? And, what does this mean for us? When we get beyond the vague sentiments that this “shows us the love of God” (how does the cruel death of a man on a Roman gibbet show love?) or that “he died for us” (why did he choose to die when he could have avoided it? how can one die for us all? why was this death necessary? what about us needed dying for?) we are faced with questions like these whose answers take us into the deep purposes of God and the raw truth about the human condition. Hard questions, and yet at the end, profound good news.

Donald Macleod in this work explores the death of Christ and its significance. The book is in two parts. The first is a meditation upon the events of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday and their theological significance. Of particular value in this section in light of questions raised about the idea of Christ’s death as a substitution for us, which some have alleged to be “divine child abuse” Macleod provides this striking defense:

“…the child-abuse charge ignores the clear New Testament witness to the unique identity of Jesus. Not only was he not a child; he was not a mere human. He was God: the eternal Logos, the divine Son, the Lord before whom every knee will one day bow (Phil. 2:10). This is no helpless victim. This is the Father’s equal. This is one who in the most profound sense is one with God; one in whom God judges himself, one in whom God condemns himself, one in whom God lets himself be abused. The critics cannot be allowed the luxury of a selective use of the New Testament. It is the very same scriptures which portray the cross as an act of God the Father which also portray the sufferer as God the Son, and the resulting doctrine cannot be wrenched from its setting in the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. The ‘abused child’ is ‘very God of very God’. It is divine blood that is shed at Calvary (Acts 20:28) as God surrenders himself to the worst that man can do and bears the whole cost of saving the world.” (p. 64)

The second part then takes seven words that are used to describe different aspects of Christ’s atoning death: substitution, expiation, propitiation, reconciliation, satisfaction, redemption, and victory. A number of these are often contended against as well, yet he defends these with careful textual study and devotional eloquence. His discussion of the use of hilasterion as the word used for ‘mercy seat’ in the Greek Old Testament is an example, giving us the vivid image of the place where sin is expiated and the judgment of God against sin propitiated. I am hardly new to such discussions, but Macleod’s clear, theologically acute, and devotionally rich writing left me pausing to rejoice again in familiar truths understood with freshness, and in some instances greater depth.

The uses of this book, it seems to me are several. First, it is one to be used devotionally in measured, thoughtful reflection, perhaps reading a section of a chapter at a time. Second, it is a significant book for any who bear witness to the good news of the cross. Any thoughtful person will raise questions similar to those I mentioned at the beginning of this review, and to be able to speak biblically, clearly, and joyfully of the work of Christ is our great responsibility and privilege. Finally, those who raise the question of the cross as divine child abuse, or repudiate the idea of penal substitution need to engage with Macleod’s writing, and not the straw men representations of the doctrine of the atonement often cited in their arguments. I would set this alongside John Stott’s The Cross of Christ (reviewed here) as one of the very best books I’ve read on the cross.

[Chance Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love will not merely wash feet. It will lay its life down." 21

"[Jesus] loved and served to the end." 35

"And now [Mary] stands by him in his final moments, steeling herself to gaze on that 'sacred head sore wounded' and assuring him by her very presence that she, at least, was not ashamed." 47

"The pain of the cross is the pain of the triune God." 50

"God requires the lamb; God provides it, and God offers it. But he provides it not from outside of himself, but from within; from within the offended deity. He spared not his own Son (Rom 8:32). The Son of God becomes the Lamb of God." 66

"Christ bears away the sin of the world by taking responsibility for it, suffering for it and, eventually, dying for it." 67

"The death of this one man [Jesus Christ] has universal and inclusive significance because in him the Creator acts and the Creator suffers."79

"The perfect priest has offered the perfect sacrifice."82

"Christ does not merely offer the sacrifice; he becomes the sacrifice. He is not simply one who dies with the rest of us or pleads that we be spared the death sentence. He is the one who dies in order that we be spared this death. He drinks the cup so that we should not drink it; is cursed so that we should not be cursed; is forsaken so that we should not be forsaken; is condemned so that we should not be condemned." 85

"Christ did not sacrifice himself in order that his church become a quivering wreck. He died to make her glorious and radiant (Eph 5:27). No man, then, can stand at the cross of Calvary and feel inspired to live as a selfish, domineering patriarch." 100

"Unbelief is the contemptuous rejection of God's love." 123

"Christ did not die merely to put preachers in a position where they could hopefully offer his salvation to all men. He died to ensure that an innumerable multitude would respond to that offer and enter into eternal life." 125

"Redemption from sin includes redemption from its power as well from its guilt, and if the death of Christ actually saves it must secure not only forgiveness but a change of heart." 126

"God is propitiated when sin is expiated" 145

"Unless ours sins are remitted, God's anger is inevitable, but before they can be remitted they must be expiated. Christ, by his blood, is that expiation, the place where sin is atoned for, and where God meets with us and speaks to us, justifying  those who put their faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 3:26)." 147

"it is the offended, not the offender, who not only takes the first step [for reconciliation] but carries the whole process through to its conclusions." 154

"Reconciliation consists of God cancelling the debt [of sin]. It is not that he has nothing against us, but that he holds nothing against us. Reconciliation is a comprehensive act of forgiveness." 154

"Sinners need to know not only that there is peace, but that that peace rests on a secure foundation." 157

"The glory of the Lord can fill our man-made language as it filled the man-made temple." 172 

"He will bear the whole cost. He will provide the one who will take the sinner's place. But he will go even further: he will become the one who takes the sinner's place." 177

"The imperatives of the law always rest in the indicative of redemption." 182

“The cross must be a saving act before it can be a saving word” 196

“Calvary speaks of the love of God only because it portrays him as not shrinking from that great costly act [the death of his son] by which alone the world could be redeemed.” 196

“Only the most desperate crisis, only the structures of the moral universe, could justify what God sanctioned at Calvary.” 196

[Don Harton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved most of this book. Macleod examines every aspect of Christ’s atonement - or at least every aspect I could imagine. I was going to read this for Lent. I read it by flashlight next to the fire during our Winter Storm and finished it in three weeks! (Fast for me).

The first section of the book tells the story of Jesus’ Crucifixion in two chapters. This is an excellent and compelling analysis of this historic moment.

Then Macleod examines in detail seven words that have been used to capture the import of the Cross. Some of these chapters start with sections countering theological errors that may have some scholarly significance, but about which I had little concern. And then Macleod would slide into rich and beautiful passages about Christ’s work on our behalf, His incredible sacrifice out of His great love. One such passage begins on page 127 with a look at 1 John 4:10. Here as elsewhere Macleod delves into the Trinity and his insights are life-giving.

Worth your time!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a couple of Donald Macleod's other books, but this one was easily the best. It is obvious that the atonement is a subject which Professor Macleod feels passionately about, and this comes across very clearly in his writing. The first part of the book is basically an analysis of the account of Christ's death as it is recorded in the gospel narratives. There is also a really helpful discussion concerning the true meaning of Christ's descent into hell, which should greatly assist those who struggle to make sense of this doctrine.

Part two deals more overtly with the theological issues of penal substitution, expiation, propitiation, reconciliation, and satisfaction. He does an excellent job of demolishing modernist arguments against penal substitution and Arminian arguments on the extent of the atonement. He also debunks Horace Bushnell's moral influence theory and John Macleod Campbell's concept of vicarious repentance and the Torrances' notion of vicarious humanity.

Of particular interest, on pp 111ff he argues that the Greek word hilasterion should not be translated as propitiation in Romans 3:25 but as mercy seat of sacrifice of atonement. It would appear that William Tyndale got it right when he translated that passage, 'whom God hath made a seat of mercy through faith in his blood'. Interestingly, the Geneva Bible (1599) also avoids the use of the word propitiation in this passage: 'Whom God hath set forth to be a reconciliation through faith in his blood'. While the 1978 NIV is probably the best of the modern translations on this point, as it reads, 'God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood'.

Notwithstanding such glowing praise, there were some aspects of the book which we could have done without. For instance, the reference to the six days of creation actually representing 'billions of years' (p. 23) was not helpful, though it is consistent with how the Free Church of Scotland historically received the Westminster Standards (i.e. as not teaching a literal six day creation). The speculative comments which questioned divine impassibility were also unhelpful and should have been omitted. And we could probably have done without a few favourable references to the writings of the previous Pope, though the range of Professor Macleod's reading in patristic, medieval, Reformation, and modern sources is very impressive. There is much rich spiritual nourishment for the soul of the believer in this book, and I hope that these blemishes will not deter people from reading it and meditating upon its Christ-exalting contents.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too rooted in a conversation that the causal reader isn't part of. Really arguing against other views of the atonement for the traditional penal view--fascinating use of historical theologians from the 18th and 19th century but no recent engagements. Not a convincing argument for me--but I am not Calvinist, so that may be part of it....

[Daniel Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books I had to read in seminary was Don MacLeod's "The Person of Christ." This book is more recent, but very much in the same style, about the work of Christ—specifically the atonement. It's an exposition and defense of the classic substitutionary view of the death of Christ: That he died as a substitute in the place of sinners.

For all kinds of reasons this view has come under attack over the centuries, from claims that it demeans God by making him look like a petty and punitive deity no better than the gods of pagan mythology, to rejection of the idea of blood sacrifice itself, to the allegation that the Son suffering at the hands of the Father's judgment amounts to divine "child abuse." MacLeod argues instead that the death of Christ as substitute and sin-offering best satisfies the biblical representation and does not cast a shadow on God or his ways in the slightest. He also seeks to show that alternate accounts of Jesus' death (moral influence, governmental, etc) are inadequate and raise more questions than they can answer.

At the center of MacLeod's case is that Jesus, the Son of God, in did in fact die on the cross. That is the hard fact, and if death is the wages of sin, as the Bible teaches, then he died either for his own sin, or the sins of others, or else he simply died randomly and unjustly and there is no justice in God.

The first part of the book goes through the Gospel narrative of Jesus' arrest and death, and the second part deals with the different facets of the atonement (substitution, sacrifice, redemption, etc). MacLeod is a very clear writer, and is often quotable.

[Matt Pinckard · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part, an excellent discussion of the work of Christ. Wonderful book to read simply to bask in the glory of God's grace in Christ.

Some of the particular debates addressed by Macleod may not be terribly relevant to most readers, but I'd say most are just the present (or at least somewhat recent) forms of perennial challenges to the biblical conception of the atonement. But many readers will wonder at points why Macleod is addressing an erroneous view they've never even heard of.

Main reason I can't go for 5 stars, though, is Macleod's attempt to cast doubt on the impassibility of God, at least as classically conceived. He insists that the sacrifice of the Son is robbed of its full significance unless it makes the Father hurt in some way, but his argument honestly strikes me as more sentimental than logical.

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

To attempt to conclude, then – and space prevents a full appreciation of this book, or an evaluation of its challenge to both contemporary academic ‘systematic’ theology and that part of evangelicalism for whom the Cross is an afterthought – this is an important book. Comparisons could be drawn, perhaps, to Stott’s magisterial ‘The Cross of Christ’, but this is a different beast. Drawing from both Scripture and a life lived in the light of the truth proclaimed here, MacLeod’s contribution is a welcome reminder of the Doctrine of the Atonement, and a provocative challenge to those who would silence the roar of the heart of the Gospel.

https://www.thomascreedy.co.uk/book-r...

[Colby Kleinsasser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really great, I enjoyed it.

A very scholarly, systematic study of the doctrines around Christ’s death. The author in a clear, organized manner discusses the various doctrines of the crucifixion (substitution, expiation, redemption, victory, propitiation, etc.) describing what they are and what they accomplished. The scholarship of this book is most exemplified in the author’s consistent analysis of the original Greek words and grammatical structures used in the text (which at times were could be difficult to fully understand). Regardless, this book not only has helped me grow in my intellectual understanding of the various doctrines, but has also stirred my soul to view the wonder of the cross.

[Tom James · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Christians believe that Christ's death on the cross accomplished something of great importance, but what is it exactly? MacLeod's book explains that Christ's death on the cross was the very purpose for which He became man and lived on the earth. Using biblical references to back up his claims, he explains that Christ's death was substitutionary, expiating our sins, propitiating God, reconciling us to the Father, paying our debt, and bringing about victory over Satan and death. An excellent and careful analysis of the meaning of Christ's death for His people.

[Danieltituscom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thorough treatment of Christ's work on the cross. It is exegetically sound, and it deals with several objections. I highly recommend this book.

I gave it four stars instead of five because MacLeod has a tendency to overstate things. If I was familiar with his other writings, I could have easily misunderstood him at a few points here.

[Rob Markley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have long been interested in atonement theories - particularly as this absolutely vital aspect has never been subject to creedal statements or official dogma. The book has a lot of valuable material to contribute from an academic theological position

[Alan B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

One of those books that needs to be read every so often. I often forget how sinful my sin is and the depths our Lord was willing to endure for my salvation. He loved me and gave His life for me. What a Saviour!!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

This book was at times beautiful, often insightful, and at times heavily laden with theological jargon (not always an easy read). It raised several points for further conversation. I read this for a systematic theology class. I'm glad I read it.

[Andrew Mattison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wringing the doctrine of atonement dry this is a slow and deep read. I appreciate how the author looks at each angle of Christs work on the cross with a biblical word and refuses to pit certain aspects of the atonement against any of the others.

[Logan Thune · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good.

[J.B. Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate MacLeod's clear voice. The introductory bits were the best parts.

[Emesiani Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Philip Tadros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply beautiful. Theology at its best. Devotionally rich.

Spring 2018: Second reading. Going through chapter 4 only (Substitution): slowly, devotionally.

[Andrew Mcneill · Rating 2 out of 5]

In many parts excellent while in others appalling. He provides some very helpful and devotional thoughts but there's so much dangerous nonsense in here that it's hard to know what to say about it. MacLeod's rejection of impassibility is problematic for a start. And then his Christology leaves something to be desired when he starts to psychoanalyse the cries from the cross; apparently Jesus lost his sense of the Fatherhood of God in his cry of dereliction but regains it before he expires. Of course, it's bad psychology and bad exegesis but this is typical of MacLeod. His Christology is almost kenotic in parts doesn't do full justice to Christ's awareness of what he would suffer and what he did suffer on the cross. Do yourself a favour and read someone who is a bit more reliable.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastically insightful book. This is sound theologically EXCEPT for a hint of patripassianism...

[Lindsay John Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christ Crucified is a difficult book for me to review. I’ve seen a number of very positive reviews out there, so I want to be careful that I do not treat it unfairly just due to some of my disagreements. However, being somewhat studied in this topic, I don’t want to downplay problems I see that others may not. Christ Crucified does offer something unique, particularly in the Gospel treatments and Macleod’s own wide-ranging style. This is certainly more accessible and readable than other works like it. It is a helpful and devotionally moving book that will benefit many; in fact, I would be grateful if it led some to study these doctrines further. We need to continually remember the centrality of Jesus and His salvific work. However, when it comes to the larger second section on the “cross words”, some inconsistencies make me more hesitant about my recommendation. Sure, Murray's and Morris's works are dense and not so readable for everyone. Stott's Cross of Christ is becoming dated now, and while Peterson's Salvation Accomplished by the Son is a great choice, he’s sadly too tied to the Biblical text for some. Unfortunately, Christ Crucified relies on older works and so doesn’t really update the discussion too much, particularly in light of newer scholarship such as the New Perspective camp. Despite the many strengths of Christ Crucified, I am still waiting; for a book that I can recommend without hesitating, that continues this heritage of cross books, peers deeply into the text of Scripture with fresh eyes, and brings the riches in these doctrines down to a lower shelf for the modern reader.

[This is an excerpt from http://wp.me/p2YKx0-1y3]. Many thanks to IVP UK for providing me with a review copy. Their generosity did not affect my opinions in this review.

[David Couch · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Donald MacLeod sets out to explain the atonement. He does this by looking at firstly the narrative ('the way of the cross'), and then the theological ('the word of the cross').

Under the theological, he goes on to look at substitution, expiation, propitiation, reconciliation, satisfaction, no other way, redemption and victory shown in the death of Jesus Christ. In each of these he mentions the controversies (think Steve Chalke et al) and ably shows where they do not hold up.

The one area where he lets himself down though is in his understanding of God's impassability and immutability. From reading his other works, MacLeod holds to the view that God is unchangeable only in relation to his covenant. This though leads to quite a lot of 'flip-flopping' in this book, as to whether God can suffer and what implications this has for the atonement.

Overall this is a great book for thinking about the atonement. I just wish there was a much stronger hold to the traditional (and well defended) views of the trinity.

[Justin Dillehay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scottish theologians seem to have a knack for writing theology on fire. Donald Macleod is no exception. This book may be even better than John Stott's "The Cross of Christ," and that's saying a lot. It covers much the same ground as Stott, but its 2014 release date brings the discussion more up to date. Macleod leaves no stone unturned in his discussion of expiation, propitiation, substitution, Christus victor, etc.

Technical without being confusing, and precise without being pedantic, Macleod mixes warm devotion with clear systematic theology. I found myself weeping for joy more than once while listening to him describe what our Lord did for us. Best book I've read all year. If you're a non-Christian who wants to know what Christianity is about, read it. If you're a Christian who wants to love Jesus more, read it. If you're a pastor or preacher, sell your shirt and buy it and read it--you owe it to your flock.

[Rev Ricky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a Donald MacLeod fanboy. I love everything he has written, and I have learned more theology from him than from any other living writer.

With that said, this book just did not measure up to my expectations. Usually Macleod's books are filled with theology that transforms into doxology. Usually I have to put down his books repeatedly to pray or meditate over what he has just written. This book was fine never quite got me to that point. It was fine, but when my favorite writer takes up my favorite subject, I expect much more than fine.

If you are looking for a book on the work of Christ, John Stott's The Cross of Christ is still the gold standard.

If you are looking for a good introduction to Dr. MacLeod, try A Faith to Live By, or The Person of Christ instead of this one.

[Joshua Molden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The work of Jesus Christ on the cross is central to our faith as Christians. Not surprisingly then, satan has dispatched his demons to attack the work that Christ completed on the cross from early on in the churches life. Macleod addresses many of these satanic and heretical doctrines by looking to the scriptures themselves. Every Christian should be aware of these demonic doctrines so that they might not be tossed to a fro by them when they inevitably run into them in this world. Praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for his penal substitutionary atonement on behalf of His elect!

[Peter Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on the atonement, covering the historical account of the crucifixion and then going into substitution, expiation, propitiation, reconciliation, satisfaction, redemption, and victory. Well written with a passion for the subject. He is not afraid to speak strongly against certain people and ideas. His chapter on "No Other Way" was excellent as he refuted various objections to the substitutionary atonement.

The only drawback was the occasional cheap shot at patriarchy, which naturally goes undefined. Luckily it was a book on the atonement not on patriarchy.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread for book group. Great book for discussion as Macleod's many insights strike people differently and help us see the fullness of the work of the Atonement.

Macleod is great. I can't recommend him enough to anyone wanting to dig deeply into the person and work of Christ. His writing is both accessible for the layman and deeply theological for the professional. Here he dissects the cause and effect of the atonement at a historical and doctrinal level leaving the reader not only with an intellectual grasp but an awed and full heart at the love of God in Christ.

[Matt Bownds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sticking my neck out as I haven't completed this yet! But so far I have to say this is simply outstanding. Macleod at his best. 'The Person of Christ' is the best thing I've read on christology, but this is an even more engagingly written book on the atonement ( engaging writing being a hallmark of Macleod). 'Christ Crucified' is different from, but compares very favourably with, Stott's 'the Cross of Christ'. And that's saying something!