Employment Theory of the Atonement

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the real mystery.  While, I am profoundly grateful and striving to appreciate and accept the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for me; I cannot ever claim to fully understand it. Many Protestant and Evangelical Christians understand the nature of the atonement in terms of what is called the "penal substitution theory".  

The penal substitution theory of the atonement is illustrated in the story of the school-age kid who takes the punishment for his hungry classmate who was caught stealing food.  While the kid taking the beating is noble, the teacher in the scenario ends up concluding, "someone's got to get a whipping to pay for the crime".  While this attempts to address the justice vs. mercy paradox, it feels inadequate. 

Another inadequate theory is illustrated in Cleon Skousen's, "Meaning of the Atonement" which presents an "injustice theory" where the atonement situation was such an injustice,  who could possibly accuse Christ of being unjust for saving a sinner considering the injustice Christ faced and overcame.  

However, when it comes to the teaching that "mercy cannot rob justice;" justice is not a monster that God is forced to appease. God's justice is God doing exactly as He has said.  Likewise, God's mercy is doing, exactly as He has said.  Accordingly, as God has said, the consequences of sin is death, but there has been prepared a way for mercy based on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the "conditions of repentance".  The conditions of repentance is the good news of the gospel. (Hel 5:11)

The atonement theory I prefer comes from the scriptures called the "employment theory of the atonement". In the employment theory, as we all fall short from the glory of God and sin in this life, we are serving the devil.  Consequently, we will then all receive the wages of sin, which is death.  

Romans 6:23  "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord". 

However, a way has been prepared whereby we can resign from our fallen employment and get a higher and holier calling as a disciple of Christ.  As we labor for God, strive to continually repent and improve to the end of our lives, we are promised to be saved. As we serve God, we come to know Him and become like Him.  Our repentance and sanctification makes us more fit for His service. 

Alma 3:27 "For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey"

Rom 6:16 "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"

2 Tim 2:16 "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"

#1 The Moral Influence Theory

#2 The Ransom Theory

#3 Christus Victor

#4 The Satisfaction Theory (Anselm)

#5 The Penal Substitutionary Theory

#6 The Governmental Theory

#7 The Scapegoat Theory

Romans 4:4 - "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt."   

Paul is talking about circumcision and the non-moral requirements of the Law of Moses. Yes. we are unprofitable servants, and our employment by Christ is an unmerited gift of grace.