In this class we focus on the theological significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest and sacrificial Lamb of God. We take a hard, honest look at the physical brutality of the crucifixion and its theological necessity, seeing that Jesus’ suffering was central to His mission and a fulfillment of prophecy. Central to our study is the concept of atonement, which reconciles humanity with God by satisfying divine justice through penal substitution, where Christ willingly became sin to bear God’s wrath. This act was motivated by God the Father’s perfect love and the Son’s willing participation in the Covenant of Redemption, which ultimately resulted in propitiation (satisfaction of wrath), expiatio ...