Released in the UK January 2006
Released in the US March 2006
Large trade paperback | 256 Pages
9781845501181 • £8.99 $12.99
BISAC – REL067100
Cross Words
The Biblical Doctrine of the Atonement
Paul Wells
The post-modern society is so focussed on the internal life of the individual that it makes the significance of the cross a difficult concept to grasp. Even Christians are trying to find alternative ways of explaining it - some have abandoned the concept of atonement entirely.
Jesus, though, is far more than a victim. When God receives and approves the condemned Jesus he transcends the world of oppressor and victim to create a new humanity, capable of new kinds of relationships. Atonement speaks of a transition from brokenness, alienation and the death of love to a place of restoration, healing, and wholeness. A place that holds out hope for deepening friendships and mutual confidence - the exact same things the post-modern mind is lacking, and is looking for.
Paul Wells
Paul Wells is emeritus professor of the Faculté Jean Calvin in Aix–en–Provence, France and editor of the international journal Unio Cum Christo. After working in France as a theological educator for many years, he now lives in Liverpool. He has published many books in French including a new translation of Calvin’s ‘Institutes’ in 2009 and more recently a two–volume theology.
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Christian Focus
"Paul Wells...unwraps the various words and their meaning in this substantial treatment. Concepts such as love, Justice, Mediator, Violence, Sacrifice, and many move from the basis of the book but he also interacts with modern objections of Atonement of atonement showing a deep insight into how the atonement is relevant to post-modern culture."
'This is a satisfying book about the atonement, written by a man of God who lives in the biblical text, and yet is in close touch with the real world and today's church. Who can fail to profit from a book like this?'
Stuart Olyott
Pastoral Director, Evangelical Movement of Wales
... a rich book, pious and scientific at the same time, written in an easy readable, pleasant style. I really hope this book will be read by many people, enrichening their understanding and experience of God's mighty deeds in the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.
H.G.L. Peels
Principal, Theological University of Apeldoorn, Netherlands
'Paul Wells faces head-on the modern (and not-so-modern) challenges to a Biblical viewpoint on the atonement. He evaluates knowledgeably and fairly the most significant denials on such crucial issues as the wrath of God, penal substitution, imputation and propitiation.... It will be an important aid for those who wish to preach effectively the Gospel'
Douglas F. Kelly
Professor of Theology Emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina