The In Its Relations To Law And Moral Government is a book written by Albert Barnes and first published in 1859. The book explores the concept of atonement in relation to the laws and moral governance of the universe. Barnes discusses the nature of sin, the need for atonement, and the role of Christ in providing redemption for humanity. He also examines the various theories of atonement that have been proposed throughout history and offers his own interpretation of the doctrine. The book is written in a clear and concise style, making it accessible to both scholars and lay readers. It is considered a classic work on the subject of atonement and continues to be studied and referenced by theologians and scholars today.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
Albert Barnes was an American theologian. He graduated from Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, in 1820, and from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1823.
Barnes was ordained as a Presbyterian minister by the presbytery of Elizabethtown, New Jersey, in 1825, and was the pastor successively of the Presbyterian Church in Morristown, New Jersey (1825–1830), and of the First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia (1830–1868).
"The Atonement" by Albert Barnes is an excellent defense of the probability and necessity of the atonement. With arguments, which are most of the time solid, Albert Barnes makes his case. He often starts from general revelation (nature, conscience,...), from things even the skeptic agrees on and then goes on to give valid reasons which point to the atonement.
Although this book is a good apologetical work, there are a few downsides to it: 1. it is wordy and the author often repeats the same arguments. 2. The author argues that only Christ's human nature suffered on the cross, while His divine nature did not suffer. I believe that this borders on gnosticism and the Bible seems to imply that the whole Person of Jesus suffered and died on the cross.