Ranters of Mow Cop

Ranters of Mow Cop

Wednesday 27 February 2019

How UK Evangelicals think about conversion and salvation

A pdf version of this blog which is easier to download for printing is at

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Bebbington's third distinctive mark of evangelical religion is conversionism, the belief that lives need to be changed. Fitch writes critically about the centrality of decisionism in North American evangelicalism.

In this section we will draw out from the surveys data which addresses this theme, in order to test these ideas and add nuance in our appreciation of UK evangelicals understanding of them.

THE THEORY - Conversion and Salvation

In several waves of our panel surveys Evangelical respondents overwhelmingly affirmed the unique transforming power of faith in Christ, the radical language around regeneration as "being born again" and the costly nature of discipleship or entering the Kingdom of God. The next two tables are from Confidently sharing the gospel? - August 2012 The comparison with the non evangelicals who completed the survey suggests that most of them if not distinctive to evangelicals are most firmly held in this section of the church.


21st Century Evangelicals August 2012 - Evangelism

What are your beliefs and attitudes about salvation and evangelism?

Answer Options

Strongly agree

Agree

SA + Agree


Non evangelicals



Jesus is the only way to God.


85%

13%

98%


84%



Everyone needs to be born again (i.e repent of their sins and trust in Christ) in order to become a Christian and be saved


(Pentecostals most likely to strongly agree – Anglicans and Free Church least)

71%

25%

96%


75%



Nurturing disciples and getting new Christians established in church life is just as important as getting them to make a commitment.


67%

28%

95%


93%



People who come to Christ will see their lives transformed.

55%

39%

94%


88%



Becoming a Christian is not easy - you should expect to face opposition.

37%

52%

89%


85%



If a person becomes a Christian they will have to give up things or make sacrifices.


(men and younger people most likely to agree)

25%

50%

75%


71%



The central message of the gospel is the Kingdom of God.


(men and over 55s most likely to agree)

35%

38%

73%


75%






In the same survey these were the statements which were more contentious. Some evangelicals see the love of god as very inclusive – almost to the point of universalism – though a larger number are cautious about this. Evangelicals are split over their understanding of hell, which formerly was almost a distinctive of evangelical preaching and teaching. Finally although UK evangelicals still think that conversion is important they are no longer wedded to the idea of a moment of decision as normative.

21st Century Evangelicals August 2012 - Evangelism

Answer Options

Strongly agree

Agree

Neither agree nor disagree

Disagree

Strongly disagree

SA + Agree

NON evangelicals SA + Agree




God's love is so wide and unconditional that he will welcome everyone into his Kingdom.


(women most likely to agree)

33%

8%

12%

26%

22%

41%

59%

The best reason for sharing the gospel is to offer unbelievers the chance to escape hell.



(younger respondents more likely to disagree ; Pentecostals most likely to agree – Anglicans least)


In the Baseline survey of 2010 only 37% of evangelicals strongly agreed that hell is a place where the condemned will suffer eternal conscious pain.


12%

25%

27%

28%

8%

37%

17%

Every Christian should be able to tell the date when they were converted.


(youngest people disagree most :

Pentecostals most likely to agree)



2%

7%

26%

45%

20%

8%

2%

answered question

1010

skipped question

103





The following table from the What is Evangelicalism?- survey March 2016

reinforces the picture described above, although the wording and format of the questions (and perhaps demographic differences in the sample) result in some higher figures for belief in hell and the need to make a decision to follow Christ.


1846 and All That - What is Evangelicalism? - Spring 2016

How far do you believe in these statements

Answer Options

I'm totally convinced

I accept and believe this in general terms

I have some doubts or questions about this

I used to believe this, but can't any longer

I have never believed this

Non evangelicals totally convinced


It's possible to be a Christian from infancy without ever making a clear decision to follow Jesus

10%

23%

30%

5%

33%

18%

If you have not given your life to Christ you will spend eternity in hell

36%

27%

26%

6%

5%

11%

You can't be a Christian unless you have turned from your sins and been converted

62%

29%

7%

1%

1%

25%

Every Christian should be committed to telling people about the salvation in Jesus

68%

28%

3%

0%

1%

24%

Everyone needs to be born again if they are to enter into the kingdom of heaven

72%

19%

6%

1%

1%

33%

Accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation

74%

18%

7%

1%

1%

35%

I personally have been converted to Christ (am born again)

93%

6%

1%

0%

0%

47%

Any comments about how people become Christians, experience conversion or find salvation

331

answered question

1424

skipped question

60


Among the 331 comments were many which discussed and gave nuance to various understandings of God's gracious love and inclusive welcome, such as the following:


Questions about those who are not given the option to hear about God. If God is a just God and they have not have the opportunity to hear about him, what then?


I believe that some people who have not heard about Jesus can go to heaven (this would include those who have heard incorrect things also), but that this will be uncertain - for certainty, you should be a Christian.


Jesus is the only way to the Father, but there are many ways to Jesus. Whoever seeks will find. God looks on the heart. It is not always possible for us to judge where someone is at in their journey.


I would say that God is love and more loving than we could imagine. I think some people who have never heard of Jesus will be saved because of God's loving kindness, and also because some people may have served God but understanding him by a different name.



A number of respondents who were uneasy in some way about traditional views of hell commented to express their concerns in terms such as these.



I would be more convinced about annihilationism than the eternal conscious punishment of those who die impenitent


Teaching about judgement and hell from scripture is not entirely clear but open to interpretation.


I am an Evangelical Universalist. I still believe in Hell, but there is hope beyond Hell. God will never be satisfied until all creation is restored.


Will non-Christians go to hell? Well what does hell mean? Is scaring people into the kingdom really a good thing? I believe Jesus is the only way, that if no decision made to follow Christ then people will be excluded from Kingdom and be apart from God - but not sure that means a 'physical hell'.


depends on interpretation of 'hell'...eternity out of God's presence in whatever form



Another group of comments referred to the idea that a specific moment of decision was necessary for authentic conversion to Christ and in all cases questioned or refuted it.


While I accept that Children raised in the faith still need to make a decision to follow Jesus this can be such an easy thing that they may not be able to identify when it occurred.


It's possible to be a Christian from infancy - but one still would need to be making clear decisions to follow him throughout life.


Having come to faith as child from an evangelical background I believed for many years that there was an exact moment when a person came to faith and that that was the only way to be saved. With age comes more wisdom and I now believe that, although sins need to be forgiven, everyone's journey to that place and experience of it is different and there is 'no right' way..The outcome is what matters.


The traditional 'Damascus Road' experience expected (and sometimes demanded) of Christians is not the reality for many believers.


Although many people cannot remember having a specific conversion experience, I believe that if are they obviously deeply committed Christians and evidence can be clearly seen in their lives, they are true Christians.


I think the Bible seems to suggest that unborn children or infants of believers who die may be saved even though they have not made a conscious personal decision to follow Christ.



A further group of comments sought to nuance the language often used by evangelicals to describe conversion.

What does the word "converted" actually mean? What does "born again" mean for the non-believer? Some of our Christian "jargon" should not be used when speaking to non-believers.


Some people have true faith but would not describe themselves as being born again


Evangelicals always seem to need to use the phrase 'born again' to talk about the process of coming to follow Jesus. Jesus used the phrase once with one person! Dividing and defining conversion by one phrase seems divisive and unhelpful.



Finally there were comments which stressed God's initiative in conversion which cannot be confined in a single box or formula.

I believe the New Testament gives examples of family members "covered" by the faith of their relatives.

Judgement is Gods alone and therefore it is not our role to decide who will or will not be saved.


I believe that Jesus is the way, the truth and life and we need to repent of our sins but we need to be careful about judging where people are in this - it is not our job to judge but to witness.


Christians carry heavy responsibility to speak the gospel but it is God who brings individuals into his family. This is conversion and is performed by God only!


Salvation is not a mental assent to a way of believing but a change in what you are due to the Cross and bring identified with Christ. This can happen outside of churches


The important thing is to know and love the Lord. We are not saved by our knowledge of theology. If we love Him we will keep His commandments.




THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE


For our respondents the most common time of life for making a commitment was teenage years accounting for 45% of the panel.


21st Century Evangelicals August 2012 - Evangelism

At what stage of your life did you first come to faith as a Christian?

Answer Options

Response Percent

Response Count

Early childhood (6 or under)

11%

125

Later Childhood (7-11)

16%

179

Early Teens (12-15)

23%

255

Later Teens (16-19)

22%

241

As a young adult (20-25)

12%

133

As an adult (26-40)

9%

98

As a mature adult (41-60)

3%

31

As an older person (60+)

0%

2

It wasn't like that... (please specify)

4%

46

answered question

1110

skipped question

3


How then did our respondents describe their own conversion or journey to faith? In several of our panel surveys we asked questions to elicit such accounts. The tables below suggest around half of UK evangelicals have been brought up in a Christian family and/or church community environment. They reveal a wide variety of experiences and influences (both for churched and un-churched respondents) that helped lead them to commitment and faith.


EA Panel Survey Summer 2011Survey on Communications

How did your Christian life begin or develop? (tick more than one as appropriate)

Answer Options

Response Percent

Response Count

Grew up in a Christian family or church environment

57%

275

Made a decision in response to a specific church event, mission or sermon

33%

160

Through privately searching for God, reading the Bible etc.

17%

84

Through the influence of Christian friends who shared their faith

43%

206

Through a church programme such as Alpha, Christianity Explored, or other discovery groups

7%

33

Through a direct revelation or miracle from God

8%

38

Other (please specify)

38

answered question

485

skipped question

390


21st Century Evangelicals August 2012 - Evangelism

Which of the following contexts helped you find faith as a Christian? (tick more than one as appropriate)

Answer Options

Response Percent

Response Count

Growing up in a Christian family or church environment

54%

580

The influence of Christian friends who shared their faith

43%

470

Making a decision in response to a specific church event, mission or sermon

38%

408

A youth club, camp or similar activity

30%

322

Privately searching for God, reading the Bible etc.

24%

255

Seeing God at work in other people's lives

24%

254

Seeing God at work in my life

14%

153

A direct revelation, dream or miracle from God

10%

107

A Christian group for students

10%

103

A film, book, song etc. that made you think very deeeply about life

8%

91

A programme such as Alpha, Christianity Explored, or other discovery groups

6%

60

Other (please specify)

100

answered question

1083

skipped question

30


Discipleship Survey: November 2013

When you first made a response to Jesus or were converted, which of the following describes your circumstances? Tick all that apply

Answer Options

Response Percent

Response Count

I had a secure home and loving family life

56%

821

I had been brought up in a committed Christian family and within the life of a church

45%

654

I was familiar with the Bible and what it meant to be a Christian but just hadn't made a personal commitment

29%

421

I had little or no experience of church

18%

266

I was religious but not a Christian

15%

220

I had been brought up as a Christian but had rejected the faith, drifted far away or been a "prodigal"

9%

126

My life was in a mess

8%

111

I had no time for God or the Church

6%

92

I was an agnostic

6%

88

I was a convinced atheist

3%

50

I was from a non-Christian faith background (e.g. Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Sikh)

0.7%

10

Please specify or give further details

171

answered question

1468

skipped question

61


The more extended accounts which were offered by respondents included the following.


A dozen or so respondents wrote about the importance of Church youth work or Sunday schools as the starting point of their faith


I was confused and a bit depressed but was seeking answers through a youth group. This group took me to see Godspell the musical during which I saw the gospel as a whole story and Jesus was alive and real and fun.


I had stopped going to Sunday school but (at the age of 14) I was encouraged to try going to a local Crusader Bible Class (now known as Urban Saints). It seemed much more relevant- and enjoyable - than Sunday School and a couple of years later I made a firm decision to become a Christian


I became a Christian as a result of church youth activities


Th Sunday School I attended taught the Bible clearly and treated us children as adults.


I was taken to Sunday School by a neighbour. My parents weren't churchgoers


I had been sent to Sunday School from an early age and one night, when I was in bed, it just clicked between God and me.


Summer camp activities organised by groups such as Scripture Union were also mentioned by several respondents


Scripture Union activities - seaside mission, school group, inter-school rallies


I was a member of a boy's Bible Class and attended an evangelistic holiday


Father was a Baptist Minister and both parents knew and loved the Lord. They lived out their Christian faith but at an S.U. camp I realised my need to ask Jesus to be my personal Saviour and to forgive my sins


Almost as many spoke of the influence of school, with Christian activities or the witness of Christian teaches playing a crucial part in the growth of their faith.



School - Christian Union


The exemplary witness of 2 Christian teachers at school


Public school 'Christianity'!


My family were not Christians but I had a knowledge of the Christian faith through Scripture teaching at school


I became a Christian during an RE lesson in South Africa at which an evangelist spoke.



University and the ministry of student Christian Unions was an important context for several respondents.

In a University CU prayer meeting I read Col 1: 15 through which the Holy Spirit convicted me and I became a disciple


I was in my first year at university, and many of my university friends were making Christian commitments.


(I had a) Catholic upbringing with Godly mother & sceptical father. Drifted away from going to services in late teens but kept broad faith in a God, some spiritual interest, as well as holding to general Catholic ethical code. Came face to face with evangelical Christianity at university (CU, Navigators … and my wife to be!) for first time which led me to explore faith and 'who is Jesus' seriously, either to debunk or accept.


The influence of relatives and friends was important for a number of people.



My father became a Christian when I was 5, thus bringing faith in God into our home.


Christian family praying for me to return to Jesus


Wife was a church goer - I had not been since childhood




The funeral of my friends' only 19 year old son, who became a Christian during his illness. His testimony and the message at the funeral made me start seeking.


Seeing God at work in friends lives, leading me to go to church where the minister seemed to be talking to me about things in my life and I then knew it was true about Jesus


I was taken by a friend to the church so she could get points and win a prize!


I (only) went to church for weddings, funerals and Christmas. I was then invited to church by the person who I later married.


As a teenager I visited an old lady one evening every week. She invited me to go to church with her: it was a very complicated Anglican service with all octogenarians, but she helped me and I stuck with it!!


A few people talked about their search for meaning and search for God through reading (including reading the Bible) and thinking.


I was a first year student and sensed that there was something more. I started to read the bible, met a Christian who answered my questions and then made my commitment. After that I went to church.


I had been reading a Bible for 10 years.


I got chatting to a vicar who asked me to read John's gospel. just fell in love with Jesus.


Brought up in a Roman Catholic home but it was when I studied the bible with Christians that I came to understand what being a Christian meant and that I needed to decide for myself to follow Christ.


The meaning of life questions and God being the answer.


Two men! (both doctors) who weekly expounded the Bible which gradually brought to me the 'reasonableness' of faith - something sadly lacking in many.


Specific evangelistic events or missions especially Billy Graham had had a dramatic effect on some.


Making a decision after an American evangelist (Jean Darnell) spoke in my school sixth form


I was invited to the church CYFA group by a friend. After a while the same friend took me to a big gathering at Cliff College and evangelist Eric Delve introduced me to Jesus.


I had attended a Baptist Church Sunday School & Boys Brigade as a boy - but it wasn't until after the Billy Graham Life Crusade 1989 (which I attended but I never made a decision at) and the follow up course after which I made a commitment to God whatever that meant - it wasn't until 18 months later that I made a response of repentance. Key elements were the pastor and his wife who led the follow up course after BG (and ) their gentle encouraging walk with us.


Billy Graham Mission England 1984


An Anglo-Catholic school ! + Dr. Billy Graham were a strong influence


Was rebelling against 'having to go to church'. I had determined I was not going to church again the next Sunday On the Saturday I was sent to see a Billy Graham film and ended up going forward.


A couple of people specifically mentioned an Alpha Course


My family were not church goers - but when I was in 4th year junior school I started to go to church where we lived in the North East. I fell away when we moved (parents divorce) and didn't go back again until an Alpha course in my early 30's at HTB. I gradually became a Christian and now I'd consider myself devout (I'm now 40).It took a few years...


Hadn't gone to church for a few years but knew I was missing something. Went on an Alpha course.


A frequent testimony was about a crisis or mess in a person's life which proved to be the context for turning to Christ.



The Word for Today by UCB came into my life at a time I was in a real mess. Some Nun's had visited and prayed for me when I was sectioned in a hospital and I believe this is when God put his hand on my life. My mother's prayers, Christian upbringing and influence were key to this spark finding a place to fire up


Sheer desperation!!


Living with parents at home but involved in anti-social activities, addicted to drugs, in an abusive relationship, found cancer cells in my ovary. God saved & healed me!


I was made to go to Sunday school - by non-Christian parents - but I rejected the bible and actively baited Christians. Then, in a serious crisis , I experienced two powerful revelations. These led me to seek the truth actively and I surrendered my life fully to Christ.


I was brought up atheist by a single mum, who died of cancer when I was 14. That was in the January and I was converted in October of the same year. A time of crisis and re-evaluating everything.


I was an addict at the time of conversion and was miraculously and instantaneously set free!


Getting sent to prison and meeting God there. He used my father (a lifelong committed Christian) and a Christian member of prison chaplaincy to do this.


Some spoke of a deep personal spiritual experience or a sense that God had spoken directly to them.


watching a documentary on the formation of the Salvation Army and the actors portraying the conversion experience was how God spoke to me and I made a decision to follow Jesus


(I) was brought up in a strange environment where parents were legalistic but unsure of salvation (didn't know if they were one of God's elect) - rejected the faith of my father's - but then had a physical experience of God in my 30's which which resulted in me then knowing that God loved me.


Vivid spiritual warfare experiences resulting from previous involvement in New Age practices.


Specifically I was taken to stand on the edge of the great abyss and experience what happens there and being cast into it. some minutes later I was taken to calvary hill and saw Jesus on the cross and experienced much there and was overcome by his love towards me. I understood his purpose of birth, life and sacrifice. It's a long story.


I was church of England until a teen, didn't understand any of it. Had an amazing miraculous salvation experience at 33 yrs and in love with Jesus ever since (8 years)


God made Himself real to me when my son had meningitis


God intervened when I wasn't interested, to come off the fence and decide for or against him

A physical experience following the laying on of hands.



Regular worship, Bible classes or community activities in a local church also made an impact for some people.

Church mums and toddlers group


A Christian coffee bar


Unlike the rest of the family I attended church from the age of 4 where I found love and joy.


Listening to the congregation sing songs of worship before I became a Christian.


I was a child of 7 that followed the bells to church one day felt led by God, I continued going and became a Christian. My family were not Christians and I didn't feel secure at home....


Felt prompted to attend church out of the blue.


Encountering a strong Christian community


Being challenged about it in a church membership class


Attending church, hearing the Word, for five years before making a commitment


Church Bible Class



For some people their path was best described as a journey sometimes with steps backwards as well as forwards.

I had been invited to 'Confirmation Classes' as part of a group of 12 year olds. I took it seriously and wanted to commit myself to following Jesus but I thought it was about 'doing church' and getting God on side through prayer. I don't now see that this was being 'converted' or truly being a Christian.


My mum took me to church when I was young. She drifted away but I continued going to Children's church. I always believed but made a personal firm commitment about age 11 or 12, but then recommitment about age 17... I can't say there was a time when I didn't believe but moments of commitment increased my discipleship.


My father died after a short illness in February 1974.I attended a 'Come Together' celebration in June the same year and accepted Jesus into my life with the promise of a new Heavenly Father. My commitment was genuine and lasting though it was many, many years before I understood what I had really wanted was my own father. The Lord knew that however and was patient with me as I gradually learned how to allow Him to be a Father to me.


a combination of friends, Billy Graham (football ground tour), my local church and a youth group, a long stint in a psychiatric hospital, a Christian book library van service, but not in that order, and an Emmaus road walk followed by a Christmas Day service in a different church which was the final piece to add in the jigsaw.. Complicated set of circumstances.


A handful of people described "conversion experiences" which are either unique in the data set or impossible to categorize.


God speaking very strongly through the natural creation.


A sermon on Judgement!


My father was a minister and brought back a book of the Lost Sheep from a conference - I responded to that (and to the fact that this book had painted pictures rather than the cartoon pictures of other books - I interpreted this as meaning that this book spoke the truth rather than being made up!)


Jesus met me in my mother's womb and revealed to me circumstances that I was not aware of but were confirmed by my mother.


Studying Islam- the irony!


Some Christians shared with me and on July 12, 1972 at exactly 10 pm I said and meant, "Lord Jesus I will follow you for the rest of my life!"...and I meant as Saviour and Lord. The next day I was out on the street witnessing and didn't even know what witnessing was!!!


Rejected commitment when first presented and understood at age 16.Committed at age 18 in Kathmandu Nepal while on VSO in India


The overall conclusion is that UK evangelical Christians have come to faith, or been converted in a wide variety of different manners and contexts, some almost instantaneously, some over a long period. Perhaps the majority have found God before they were adults, in the context of a Christian upbringing through family, school and church. Some conversions have produced a rapid transformation of lifestyle and circumstances, others have been followed by a slower growth as a disciple of Christ. The variety is immense and there is little evidence that making a decision in response to preaching and an "altar-call" is normative.







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Monday 18 February 2019

What UK Evangelicals think about the atonement


This is another piece based on a compilation of data from the various surveys of the Evangelical Alliance 21st Century Evangelicals research Programme 2011 -2016. A version that is easier to download and print can be found here

https://btcloud.bt.com/web/app/share/invite/EuWWcsb5d6


Bebbington suggested one of the distinguishing features of the evangelical movement has always been what may be termed crucicentrism, a stress on the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. This emphasis may have originated in the European pietistic roots of 18th Century revivals, but rarely is expressed among evangelicals in sacramental form or devotion to the body and blood of Christ. Indeed when evangelicals celebrate holy communion it is referred to as the Lord's Supper or breaking of bread and is a symbolic shared meal described as a memorial of the passion of Jesus who died for our sins. In a number of our surveys we posed a range of specific questions around this issue some of which sought to unpack more detail about the various emphases and atonement theologies held by UK evangelicals today. In recent years theories of atonement have been debated and certain accounts have proved controversial. Our data show that the vast majority of evangelical believers accept and map their personal experience of Christ unto the penal substitution account. However there are some who are theologically educated or reflective, who countenance multiple perspectives or feel uneasy about taking the idea of blood sacrifice to appease an angry God too far.

The clearest evidence that the cross is important for all evangelicals is the finding that

  • 99% either agree (12%) or strongly agree (87%) that the message of the cross has made a huge difference in their own lives . Does belief touch society? - survey Easter 2011

In the same survey almost as many endorsed a penal substitution view.

  • 91% strongly agree (and a further 5% agree) that on the cross Jesus bore the punishment for my sins

Even among younger Christians surveyed for the "Building Tomorrow's Church Today" report in 2016

  • 89 % agreed that On the cross Jesus received God's punishment for our sins (81% agreed a lot – 8% agreed a little)

In Confidently sharing the gospel? - August 2012

  • 90% agreed (27%) or strongly agreed (63%) that the central message of the gospel is that on the cross Jesus bore the punishment for my sins.

In Does belief touch society? - Easter 2011 we tested out some other formulations of atonement theory.

  • 91% strongly agreed (and a further 6% agreed) Christ's blood is the final and only effective sacrifice for our sins

  • 89% strongly agreed (and a further 9% agreed) that Jesus defeated the powers of evil through his death

  • 84% strongly agreed (and a further 11% agreed)that God Himself was suffering in Christ for us in the crucifixion

  • 59% strongly agreed (and a further 36% agreed) that Jesus' sacrifice inspires Christians to make sacrifices for others

  • 39% strongly agreed (and a further 11% agreed) that at the cross God poured out His holy anger upon his son.

The most interesting response in this section was to the statement that at the cross God poured out His holy anger upon His son. Just 51% of people agreed with this particularly stark formulation about propitiation, with 22% unsure, and nearly 27% rejecting it. Women were less likely than men to agree, while those aged 35-55 were less likely to agree with the statement than younger people or older people. There was a significant variation in terms of denominational beliefs about the statement: members of the Pentecostal tradition and the Church of Scotland had high levels of agreement (50%+), compared with Anglicans, Methodists and those from emerging churches (less than 30%).

Although just a few denied the statement that Jesus' sacrifice inspires Christians to make sacrifices for others, the number strongly agreeing (59%) with the statement was significantly lower compared to most of the other statements, suggesting that this is not seen by many evangelicals as the central message of the cross

In Evangelical about Evangelicalism - March 2016, we framed a set of questions designed to delve deeper into interpretations of the atonement. The different theological emphases were mainly expressed in terms lines taken from of hymns and songs frequently sung in evangelical churches.. In all probability this would tend to raise the level of endorsement by evangelicals... which as the table shows was overwhelming. To underline the point that atonement theology remains a distinctive feature for evangelicals an additional column shows the proportion of the 140 or so respondents who did not identity as evangelicals who were totally convinced on each point.


Table How far do you believe in these statements?

Answer Options

I'm totally convinced

I accept and believe this in general terms

I have some doubts or questions about this


Non evangelicals who were totally convinced


On the cross as Jesus shed his blood and died the wrath of God was satisfied

80%

11%

7%


39%


The crucifixion is the greatest turning point in history

87%

8%

3%


64%


On the cross Jesus defeated all the powers of evil

90%

7%

2%


59%



Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for my sins

90%

6%

2%


50%



Love so amazing so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all

93%

6%

0%


71%




Jesus died on the cross as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world

93%

5%

1%


58%



All who come in faith find forgiveness at the cross

94%

5%

1%


71%




answered question

1433

skipped question

51


There were 283 comments on this block of questions; one can assume that most of these came from respondents who were more theologically literate than average, an more likely to be in church leadership roles.

95 responses highlighted the importance of the resurrection alongside the cross as central to the Christian Gospel. For example:

The cross cannot be separated from the resurrection. Only when the two are combined can one say that this was the turning point of history.

In Scripture the revelation of the cross is always accompanied, fulfilled and completed by the resurrection of Jesus. We do not worship a dead Saviour but a living Lord.

I believe the death and resurrection give us the greatest turning point in history and that the two shouldn't be separated as the coming of God's Kingdom depends on both events. The same applies to 'On the cross Jesus defeated all the powers of evil" - one of the greatest powers of evil is death itself.

But also

I think we jump too fast to the resurrection and don't stop and wait at the cross to take in how much pain Jesus takes on behalf of a suffering world. We've lost how to lament.

38 responses concentrated on the idea that there were a number of approaches to atonement and explanations of the purpose and power of the crucifixion to be found in Scripture and tradition and that mostly these were complementary and to be welcomed.

Modern evangelicals throw the baby out with the bath water - it's not just that it's correct to believe Jesus satisfied the wrath of God (although it is); it's that ALL these voices can be affirmed. It's the typically termed 'liberal' evangelicals that are not only wrong in denying penal substitution; they're actually *missing out*. Theirs is a deficient view but also a dissatisfying one.

The statements seem somewhat PSA ( penal substitution atonement) loaded. I don't have a huge problem with PSA, but as one approach to the atonement amongst many, a partial explaining in terms that we can grasp but which aren't necessarily 100% literal or accurate, because of the other problems raised if they are.

I believe there are many ways of explaining and understanding the cross and atonement and that they're not mutually exclusive. Often I find that the Church today makes this a very personal and individualistic thing and in doing so might sometimes miss the point.

The atonement can be seen in many ways - penal substitution, satisfaction, christus victor, etc, and I wouldn't want to be excessively dogmatic here!

I believe the cross is multi-faceted, both absorbing and defeating evil (Christus victor), and satisfying God's righteous anger at sin (Christus mediator), as well as being an example for all disciples (Christus exemplar).

Substitutionary atonement is only one way of understanding the cross, there are other biblical understandings, just as important, and some more understood in today's cultures, e.g conquering the powers of evil.

Penal substitution was the central theme of a further 38 comments, mostly endorsing this emphasis although 9 were clearly against the doctrine and 3 questioned or had some doubts on the matter.

I think that it is vital that we believe in penal substitution, that Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of the sins of those who have faith in him, taking upon himself God's righteous anger against sin. This isn't just 'a theory' of the atonement, it is the heart of the gospel.

Christ is my substitute on the cross. He died so that I don't have to.

It is not the Roman torture device that is worth remembering but the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ that's important.

I am totally convinced of penal substitutionary atonement, understanding that it is not the only work that occurred on the cross and that we should not necessarily regard any of these works as more or less significant than the others.

And with a different view

This is very hard to explain. I consider myself "evangelical" because I believe in the resurrected Christ and think the lives of others become complete when they do the same. I previously held a very mainstream atonement theology. Now I would view things very differently regarding how the cross works, and also believe the Bible can in fact support that alternative view. I still consider the cross pivotal in how we are brought home to the God who made us, shown how to live in His love, and reconciled with him in our sin and brokenness.

Difficult to understand how God who is love can decide that his Son must be killed even if it is because he "so loved the world". Easy to see that primitive cultures think that their god can be satisfied with a blood sacrifice (very simplistic), but harder to see that this is actually how it works with God who is so beyond us in everything

I don't find penal substitution in Scripture. I regard it as a human interpretation of the atonement that may in some contexts be useful in helping people to understand but is certainly not the only true model. I am concerned that in contemporary culture it can do more harm than good.

The Bible nowhere says that Jesus was punished - that would be the opposite of "justice". "The chastisement of our peace" does not say the punishment of the sacrificial lamb. How could the lamb be punished? Nowhere in OT or NT is there any such suggestion. Jesus stood in the way of the wrath of God.

The comments contained several (17) which discussed the doctrine of propitiation, or the satisfaction of God's wrath. Some wanted to affirm the importance of this view of the atonement but a majority of them expressed a disagreement or unhappiness (9) or at least a questioning (3) of this emphasis.

I believe the Bible teaches propitiation, that is, that there is an offence against God that needs to be dealt with (and was by Christ's sacrifice) as well as the removal of sin from man. The cross satisfies the wrath of a holy God as well as cleansing man from sin.

The wrath of God is against sin not people. I now find it illogical to believe in a God of love who would punish and take His wrath out on His only Son. God's wrath was not satisfied by seeing His Son die in agony - that is not the God of love I know and worship. Jesus did not therefore 'kill' Jesus. The sin of the people - us - did. Yes, His was the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world and we can only find forgiveness at the cross.

I believe that Jesus did choose to fulfil God's plan by agreeing to go to the cross so that man could be fully in relationship with God. I do not think this was linked to God's anger and wrath being satisfied - rather so that God's love could be fully glorified.

I am unsure about "propitiation" as a basis for a theology of the cross.

Substitutionary Atonement is primary way of explaining the Cross and its efficacy, but should not be taken as a sacrifice to appease God's Wrath.

I understand that no 2. is a line from a song which I enjoy very much but if pressed I am uncomfortable with the use of the word 'wrath'.

There were 9 comments which specifically mentioned approval of the Christus Victor theory of atonement albeit recognising that the full victory is in the "not yet".

God is overall sovereign, but the devil still has limited control.

I would use the word 'overcame' rather than 'defeated' as the eschaton is ahead of us.

I have moved to a Christus Victor perspective - and believe this was the belief in the early church.

I also am attracted to some of the 'Christus Victor' views of atonement

The theme of redemption and reconciliation of sinners and the establishment of a new people was foregrounded in 9 of the comments.

Jesus was God's gift of love to us as He died on the cross because Jesus shared this overwhelming love for us with His Father and demonstrated perfect obedience to His Father. It was an act of His own faith in God the Father who's redemptive power would raise Him and all of us with Him. This perfect love removes our fear of death and prepares us for, and paves the way to heaven and empowers us in our lives before we leave this earth.

God redeems a new people for himself through His Son and by His Spirit - I know this and see it every week in our church life

One of the comments specifically included the notion of "ransom" in a multi-faceted account of the atonement.

I do not believe that Jesus died to satisfy His Father's wrath, but to be the sacrificial offering to release us from Satan's power - He ransomed or redeemed us. God was in Christ reconciling us . I do not believe forgiveness was ever a problem for God for any who would come humbly to confess their wrongdoing, ie agree with His view. I see He forgives His people many times in the Old Testament when they that come in repentance back to Him. His desire has always been for restoration of relationship, at measureless cost to Himself.

8 responses expressed a Calvinist view that the atonement is limited in it's effect to the number of God's elect.

I'm a Calvinist and believe in a limited atonement.

The cross atones for the sins of all those whom God will ultimately save, not for those who will be condemned. In practice, this means that since we never know the final outcome we can regard anyone as saveable but need not burden ourselves unnecessarily with the outcome of our evangelism since unbelief/lack of apparent salvation is not ultimately our responsibility but God's decision.

I generally lean more towards 'definite atonement' - i.e. Jesus' death was sufficient for the sins of all the world but only efficient for the elect who come from all kinds of people in the world. I do believe the Bible is unclear on this matter and am not 'totally convinced' and still think it generally right to speak of a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

A few comments (7) drew out the cosmic significance of the cross for the redemption of the whole created universe.

Any explanations of the cross that get too mechanical in how atonement 'works' makes me uncomfortable- I think it's too great and seismic an event for us to really comprehend so concretely. And also I feel there's more going on on the cross than just atonement for personal sin- that feels like a very me-centred way at looking at the central event in all of human history!

The word "sacrifice" was mentioned in 22 comments and was central in about a third of these. However, there is an ambiguity in the term as some usages seem rooted in the idea of substitutionary blood sacrifice as practised in the Old Testament, while other references are more in the ordinary language of "making sacrifices" or giving up something for the sake of others.

It also acts as the sacrificial model for the behaviour of the church and individual Christians

I don't see the Father punishing Jesus for my sins, but Jesus offering Himself to clear up the mess my sins have caused and the mess in my heart. The Father accepts me because of that sacrifice and its effect on me.

Working through some questions that suggest the cross was to show man that ongoing sacrifice are no longer needed. God does not require a sacrifice.

Half a dozen comments suggested that the respondent was unhappy to talk about the atonement without reference to the need for repentance on the part of the sinner.

"All who come in faith find forgiveness at the cross" leaves repentance out.

No sin is too great for Jesus to forgive when genuinely repented of. However there can still be consequence on earth for the sinner.

Repentance is necessary along with faith

A small number of comments wanted to stress the inclusiveness and solidarity that was shown (or won) for all humanity through Christ's suffering on the cross. Such thinking can not be easily considered as central to traditional evangelical understandings of the atonement and tend towards universalism.

I believe that Jesus died to redeem the world. The history of the Bible shows a continuous widening of people's understanding of God's inclusiveness.

Jesus crucifixion is the perfect expression of Father's love and commitment towards me and towards all mankind.

Jesus underwent physical, mental and spiritual torment beyond anything any human will ever have to endure, so he can identify fully with any horrible experience we have to go through.

In summary then it remains the case that the Cross of Christ remains of central importance to evangelical Christians in the UK. Almost all accept and easily use the Penal Substitution account of the atonement. However, most also understand the value of other explanations of what was happening through the cross, and the variety of comments suggest a rich multifaceted understanding of the death of Christ, as well as a desire to locate it in the context of the victorious Resurrection. There are two main issues where our panel is divided or uneasy. The firsts is around the effectiveness of the atonement (whether "for all for all my Saviour died" or just for the elect. The second is around the notion of an angry or wrathful God who needed to be satisfied or propitiated by the blood sacrifice of his own son.



 


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