#108 - A More Christlike God (Chp 12 - Divine Wrath as Giving Over)

In Chapter 12 of "A More Christlike God: A More Beautiful Gospel," Bradley Jersak tackles the traditional understanding of the crucifixion of Jesus and the implications of divine wrath in relation to the cross. He aims to dispel misconceptions about the crucifixion, primarily the idea that it represents God's wrath being poured out upon Jesus in place of humanity. Instead, Jersak offers alternative metaphors to better convey the true meaning of the cross and its connection to God's love and mercy.

Jersak begins by discussing the various metaphors used in the Bible to describe the significance of Jesus' crucifixion. He highlights that these metaphors serve as lenses through which we can view the cross and understand its implications for our lives. However, he cautions against interpreting the cross solely through the lens of penal substitutionary atonement, which suggests that Jesus suffered God's wrath on our behalf to satisfy divine justice.

Instead, Jersak proposes that we consider other metaphors from Scripture that portray the cross as an expression of God's love and self-sacrifice. For example, Jesus is depicted as the Passover Lamb, whose blood saves us from death and brings us into the covenant relationship with God. Additionally, Jesus is portrayed as the Suffering Servant, who willingly endures suffering and death to bring healing and redemption to humanity.

By exploring these alternative metaphors, Jersak encourages readers to develop a more balanced and nuanced understanding of the cross. Rather than focusing on divine wrath and punishment, he argues that the crucifixion should be seen as a testament to God's love, grace, and commitment to the restoration of humanity. In this light, the cross becomes a powerful symbol of hope, redemption, and transformation.

In summary, Chapter 12 of "A More Christlike God: A More Beautiful Gospel" challenges traditional interpretations of the crucifixion that emphasize divine wrath and punishment. Bradley Jersak offers alternative biblical metaphors that highlight the cross as an expression of God's love, self-sacrifice, and commitment to the restoration of humanity. By doing so, he helps readers develop a more balanced and Christlike understanding of the cross and its significance in the Christian faith.