Ptr. Paul Mojica

In The Drama of Doctrine: A Canonical-Linguistic Approach to Christian Theology, Kevin
Vanhoozer noted the risk of stripping doctrine from our reading of the Scripture. He says that
“the great irony of modern biblical studies… is that doctrinal considerations have been excluded
from any significant role in the exegetical task, thus preventing exegetes from fully engaging
with the primary subject matter of the biblical texts: the word of God” (Vanhoozer, The Drama of
Doctrine, 20). The Scripture, in other words, refers to God’s continuing narrative, intended to
serve a purpose beyond mere historical reconstruction. Mitigating such risk is one of the aims
we hope to have accomplished in these reflections.

In this series, we explored a range of theological dimensions of the atonement. Each topic
contributes to giving us an aspect of the victorious work of Christ in overcoming sin and death. I
hope that the study draws our attention to a constructive understanding of the gospel that does
not need to fixate on the perplexities of theological concepts.

Beyond merely unraveling which dimension or motif of atonement should prevail as the
benchmark for interpreting the rest, these reflections beckon us to appreciate the rich tapestry,
weaving together diverse theological threads into a coherent narrative of redemption with
cosmic implications for doing theology. These reflections press us to ask, for example, how the
concepts of redemption and reconciliation, or shame and honor, will resonate with our ministry
approaches. What is the relevance of Christ’s exilic experience to a people who were banished
and disowned by their family because of their sinful lifestyle? Would the theme of reconciliation
speak to a wayward youth who is on the brink of taking his own life? How should God’s initiative
to reconcile with us be pertinent in giving counsel to a couple who is simply living together for
the sake of their children, without honoring and loving one another?

I trust that we will persist in recognizing the doctrine of atonement as a fundamental principle in
the dynamic expression of God’s word, and that the impact of what Christ has done will
continue to resonate with our lived experiences for the well-being of God’s people.

Praise Jesus!