Читать книгу What Happened on the Cross - Nick Peros - Страница 4

What Happened on the Cross addresses a topic that remains a thriving public debate in contemporary academic and pastoral theology: the nature of the work of salvation accomplished by Jesus on the cross. This conversation strikes at the heart of what it means to be Christian, and it is a source of the upheaval of faith for many of the upcoming generation. The question is as simple as it is profound: How can God have punished his Son for the sins of every person on earth and still have been just? In this work, Nick Peros takes a fresh look at the questions involved and offers a Bible-centered, comprehensive approach to the topic of how our salvation was accomplished at Calvary.

One of the most intriguing aspects of What Happened on the Cross is it does truly offer a new and refreshing paradigm for seeing the nature of salvation, which is a significant accomplishment in its own right. Whatever theory of atonement you may hold to currently, you can expect to be genuinely challenged by Peros’s presentation as he grapples with an enormous amount of biblical literature from both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament.

The current debate today largely centers around a Reformed view of penal substitution which has been standard to most Evangelical preaching for centuries, and which is now being challenged by evolving questions and a strong resurgence of the Christus Victor view popular with a growing Anabaptist theological school of thought. Peros challenges both views, arguing you can’t ignore the need for the blood of Jesus in the biblical account of atonement, but it doesn’t represent divine punishment. The Christus Victor view often leaves those conducting close study of the word of God trying to understand the special emphasis put on Jesus’ blood in its pages. Likewise, the penal substitution view presses those of us who are adherents with troubling questions about divine child abuse. Peros is careful to allow a bulk of Scripture to speak as he builds his case, and in doing so creates a nuance that is engaging. This work stands out amongst many modern writings on the subject as it does not interact with modern theologians by name but instead belongs to an older form of systematic theology that brings it closer to biblical theology. By painting a picture of the theological theme of salvation all the way from the creation to Revelation, the author builds an argument for a unique view of the physicality or the reality of sin, and the need for an incarnate God to finally wash away our sins permanently.

The author’s theological acumen becomes apparent despite not using the traditional academic style. The project is harkening back to times when a writer went about building a case for a theological doctrine from the Scriptures themselves, not relying on other theologians and thinkers to create a case. Peros has built a fresh picture of redemption spanning from Genesis to Revelation; a systematic theology that adheres to the authority of the Bible. With almost 750 Scripture verses used to support the argument, the reader becomes aware this work is predicated upon a firm foundation. The author speaks quite strongly at times, more certainly than many of us in professional theological academia are used to, but this passion for the truth is what drove him to discover new connections and present a bold and original picture of salvation.

As this is a theological hot-button topic, the timing of this work for publication couldn’t have been better. Peros’s presentation of key themes helps any reader get a better understanding of the Scriptures involved in the current atonement theory debate and will be enjoyed for its unique perspective by people on both sides or those confused who are looking for a good guide. As a theologian, I recommend What Happened on the Cross for its faithfulness to Scripture and novel philosophical insight, and as a pastor, I can recommend it as a conversation partner to help the average Christian think through the complexities of an important topic—our salvation in Jesus.

Dr. Cyril Guérette (PhD, MPhil, BTh)

Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology,

Tyndale University College

Lead Pastor, Groundswell Church (www.thegroundswellchurch.com)