Conclusion
Conclusion
So while the doctrine of penal substitution may be a difficult teaching in our Rosenthalian moral climate, there does not appear to be any other adequate explanation of Christ's voluntary death on the cross. Moreover, we have seen that there is a plausible moral framework that makes sense of the doctrine. Christ's taking on the penal consequences of human sin is not the only purpose of His person and work, and salvation in Christ is not simply a means for persons to escape punishment for sin. “Christ in you” is “the hope of glory” (Col 1:27 HCSB). Nevertheless, Christ's taking on the penal consequences of human sin as a means for persons to escape punishment for sin ushers in the availability of the loving rule and reign of God in Christ by the Spirit in a manner that is rightful and fitting. Through Christ's death as punishment for our sins, we have the opportunity to see the importance God places on reconciliation with humanity, the seriousness with which He takes human sin, the great value of the Godhead, and the gracious and merciful love of God, who is willing to do all of this in our stead.21