John Calvin’s understanding of the extent of the atonement achieved in Christ’s death is one of the most contested questions in historical theology. In common thought, Calvin’s name is closely associated with the ‘limited atonement’ stance canonized within the ‘TULIP’ acronym, but Calvin’s personal endorsement of a strictly particularist view, whereby Christ died for the elect alone, is debateable. In Calvin on the Death of Christ, Paul Hartog re-examines Calvin’s writing on the subject, traces the various resulting historical trajectories, and engages with the full spectrum of more recent scholarship. In so doing, he makes clear that, while Calvin undoubtedly believed in unconditional election, he also repeatedly spoke of Christ dying for ‘all’ or for ‘the world’. These phrases must be held central if we are to discover Calvin’s own view of the subject. Hartog’s conclusions will surprise some, and may hold significant implications for the Calvinist tradition today. Throughout, however, they are cogently articulated and sensitively pitched.

To call the arrest, trial, scourging and crucifixion of Jesus Christ a miscarriage of justice is true as far as it goes, but it does not go far enough. Christ's death on the cross was not an accident but, as his resurrection attests, was accomplished according to the sovereign, loving will of God, by which sinners can be reconciled to the One who made them, and can pass by grace from death to life. In this memorable set of sermons which date from 1557 to 1558, Calvin, chief pastor of the Genevan church, offers a sensitive reading of Matthew's account of Christ's passion, death and resurrection. The preacher's focus, however, is not so much on the events themselves as on their significance, on what he calls the fruit and efficacy of Christ's redemptive work. What, in practical terms, is the import of the Easter message for the life of faith? Calvin's answer has vital implications not only for what we believe but for the way we live, serve, worship and pray.

One of the most contested questions in historical theology concerns John Calvin's understanding of the so-called "extent of the atonement." On a popular level, Calvin's name is closely associated with the "limited atonement" stance canonized within the "TULIP" acronym. But did Calvin himself insist upon a strictly particularist view of Christ dying for the elect alone? This study re-examines the evidence in the primary sources, traces the diversity of resulting historical trajectories, and engages the spectrum of secondary scholarship. Undoubtedly, Calvin believed in unconditional election, but he also spoke on multiple occasions of Christ dying for "all" or for "the world"--yet what did he mean? Some may find the conclusions surprising, but all should find them cogently articulated and irenically tempered.

In this reasoned exploration of justice, retribution, and redemption, the champion of the new monastic movement, popular speaker, and author of the bestselling The Irresistible Revolution offers a powerful and persuasive appeal for the abolition of the death penalty. The Bible says an eye for an eye. But is the state’s taking of a life true—or even practical—punishment for convicted prisoners? In this thought-provoking work, Shane Claiborne explores the issue of the death penalty and the contrast between punitive justice and restorative justice, questioning our notions of fairness, revenge, and absolution. Using an historical lens to frame his argument, Claiborne draws on testimonials and examples from Scripture to show how the death penalty is not the ideal of justice that many believe. Not only is a life lost, so too, is the possibility of mercy and grace. In Executing Grace, he reminds us of the divine power of forgiveness, and evokes the fundamental truth of the Gospel—that no one, even a criminal, is beyond redemption.

John Calvin, a man adored by some and maligned by others, stands as a legendary figure in Christian history. In Calvin on the Christian Life, professor Michael Horton offers us fresh insights into the Reformer's personal piety and practical theology by allowing Calvin to speak in his own words. Drawing not only from his Institutes and biblical commentaries, but also from lesser-known tracts, treatises, and letters, this book will deepen your understanding of Calvin's theology and ministry by exploring the heart of his spiritual life: confident trust and unwavering joy in the sovereign grace of God. Part of the Theologians on the Christian Life series.

Few treatments of the death of Jesus Christ have made a point of accounting for the gruesome, degrading, public manner of his death by crucifixion, a mode of execution so loathsome that the ancient Romans never spoke of it in polite society. Rutledge probes all the various themes and motifs used by the New Testament evangelists and apostolic writers to explain the meaning of the cross of Christ. She shows how each of the biblical themes contributes to the whole, with the Christus Victor motif and the concept of substitution sharing pride of place along with Irenaeus's recapitulation model.