Substitutionary atonement debate sparked by editorial on 'In Christ Alone' lyrics

The centrality of the doctrine of substitutionary atonement is being emphasized by Southern Baptist leaders after a state newspaper editor wrote that he does not sing certain words of a popular hymn due to its mention of God's wrath.

Substitutionary atonement refers to the belief that Jesus died in the place of sinners, taking on Himself the wrath of God that they deserved.

Bob Terry, editor of The Alabama Baptist, in an Aug. 8 editorial, paralleled the angst expressed by a Presbyterian Church USA hymnal committee in rejecting the song "In Christ Alone" because of the line "Till on that cross as Jesus died/The wrath of God was satisfied."

"Some popular theologies do hold that Jesus' suffering appeased God's wrath," Terry wrote. "That is not how I understand the Bible and that is why I do not sing the phrase 'the wrath of God was satisfied' even though I love the song 'In Christ Alone.'"

Terry's editorial prompted numerous reactions on Twitter from concerned Southern Baptist leaders, including Daniel Akin, Hershael York, Chad Brand and Jason Duesing, as well as an official statement from Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, and a clarification by Terry. Read more