R.C. Sproul

Jesus as a servant offers himself in payment to the Father for us.

So again we see in this concept of redemption and concept of ransom, just out of casual interest, whenever I prepare lectures on any of these subjects, I don't just read what classical orthodox theologians say on these points.

I always like to see what the most radical, higher critical professors are saying about it, and I was surprised to see that this person who carries no brief for biblical orthodoxy made the statement, we cannot get away from the fact that in the biblical concept of ransom, we are dealing with two indisputable elements.

One, substitution.

Two, satisfactions.

And I thought, my goodness, the very two items that liberal theology considers anathema to biblical Christianity, substitution and satisfaction, is here set forth in such strong language, like it's indisputable, you can't get away from the fact.

Now, he may go on to say, but so much for the biblical interpretation of the event.

But the fact is that the New Testament writers understood Jesus' ministry on the cross in terms of a ransom which demands an understanding of substitution and satisfaction.

A price is paid by someone other than for whom the price is being paid, okay?

so that some demand is being satisfied by a substitute.

It's no wonder to me that Karl Barth waxed eloquent and at times became vehement over this point, indulging again in some hyperboles by saying that the single most important Greek word in all of the New Testament is a tiny little word, huper.

which is translated by three English words, which are in be half of.

I lay down my life for my sheep, in behalf of my sheep.

I give my life in behalf of the many.

This is the recurring, resounding refrain of Jesus' own self-understanding.

Now, that's crucial.

It's one thing for a painter to paint a painting, and then we go up to him and scratch our heads and say, what did that guy mean by that?

And I say, well, I don't know.

What do you think?

And you say, well, I think he means this.