⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 2 min read
Substitutionary Atonement: Christ in the Place of Sinners
Author: Dave Jenkins Show: Contending for the Word Q&AShow Summary
What is substitutionary atonement, and why is it central to the gospel? Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ did not merely die as an example. He died as the righteous substitute for sinners, bearing the judgment they deserved so that those who trust in Him may be forgiven and reconciled to God.In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains the seriousness of sin before a holy God, the necessity of atonement, and how the cross displays both the justice and mercy of God. Because Christ took the place of sinners, believers have forgiveness, peace, hope, and righteousness in Him.Listen or Watch
Key Texts
- Isaiah 53:6
- 1 Peter 3:18
In This Episode
- The seriousness of sin before a holy God.
- Why Christ had to die in the place of sinners.
- How the cross satisfies the justice of God.
- The forgiveness and reconciliation accomplished through Christ alone.
Listen or Watch
Add the SermonAudio audio and video embeds here once available.Stand Firm in the Truth
The cross was not accidental, and Christ did not die merely as an example. He died as the substitute for sinners. Through His finished work, those who trust in Him are forgiven, reconciled to God, and given lasting peace and hope in Christ alone.For more biblical resources, visit Servants of Grace.Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.




