Genesis 44 — Thoughts

What Do You Think of Fancy Theological Phrases?

I tend to avoid using fancy theological phrases because I feel like they can often get in the way of really understanding Scripture. If I can't explain it to a five-year-old, I probably don't understand it myself.⁠

But there's one fancy phrase that I've come to deeply appreciate: "penal substitutionary atonement." And I love it because it nails down what the Gospel is all about.⁠

"Penal" means it has to do with punishment. As sinners, we have all earned eternal separation from God (Romans 3:23). Spiritual death in hell is the just punishment we all deserve (Romans 6:23).⁠

"Substitutionary" means one person stands in another's place. In this case, Jesus stands in our place on the cross. He takes the punishment we deserve, fulfilling justice on our behalf (2 Corinthians 5:21). And this is the greatest show of His love for us (Romans 5:8).⁠

And "atonement" means making things right. When we put our faith in Jesus, in His work to save us instead of our own, we are made right with God again (Ephesians 2:8-9). It's the beginning of a new relationship with Him — and a new life for us (John 1:12).⁠

I spell this out for you because this is the heart of the Gospel: one thing sacrificed to save another. And once you understand this pattern, you see it all over the Bible — including in this story from Joseph's life.⁠

Joseph threatens to enslave Benjamin in response to this brother's apparent treachery. But Judah offers himself instead. He is willing to take on the punishment so that Benjamin can go free — just as Jesus takes on our punishment so that we can be free.⁠

It's penal substitutionary atonement — and from Genesis to Revelation, it's all over the Bible.⁠

(Originally written September 13, 2020)