Changes

The Governmental theory teaches that Christ suffered for humankind so that God could forgive humans while still maintaining divine justice. [[Arminianism]] has traditionally taught this doctrine, which is also known as "Moral Government" theology. The doctrine draws primarily from the works of [[Jacobus Arminius]] and [[Hugo Grotius]]. This view has prospered in traditional [[Methodism]] and those who follow the teachings of [[John Wesley]].

The '''Governmental theory of the atonement''' (also known as the moral government theory) maintains that Christ was not punished on behalf of the human race but instead, God publicly demonstrated his displeasure with sin by punishing his own sinless and obedient Son as a propitiation. Because Christ's suffering and death served as a subsititute for the punishment humans might have received, God is able to extend forgiveness while maintaining divine order, having demonstrated the seriousness of sin and thus appeasing his wrath.

Governmental Atonement is the prominent view in [[Arminianism]] and has prospered in traditional [[Methodism]] where it has been detailed by 19th century Methodist theologian [[John Miley]] in his ''Atonement in Christ'' and his ''Systematic Theology'' (ISBN 0943575095) and more recently by Nazarene theologian J. Kenneth Grider in his 1994 book ''A Wesleyan-Holiness Theology'' (ISBN 0834115123).

==Links==