The Mosaic of Atonement

A mosaic portrays an image but does so by means of the unseen bond holding its many pieces in place. In The Mosaic of the Atonement McNall gives us a clear image of the work of Christ, composed of careful interaction with many of the figures and the topics that together make up this doctrine, but does so in a way that draws attention to the bonds holding these pieces together. * ADAM JOHNSON, associate professor of theology, Torrey Honors Institute, Biola University *
McNall demonstrates the intimate relationship between the various models of the atonement, consistently refusing to condense the full meaning of the cross into any single theory. The doctrine of the atonement is carefully coordinated with other doctrines, especially the doctrine of the Trinity. Among other things, he helpfully distinguishes between the many historic versions of penal substitution, which he regards as an irreducible dimension of the multifaceted work of Christ. The author has achieved a difficult task: to provide a simple yet nuanced introduction to the church's reflection on the atonement, whilst making a constructive contribution to the state of 'cross-talk.' * ADONIS VIDU, professor of theology, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary *
Competing theories of the atonement jostle uncomfortably alongside one another in contemporary theology. McNall draws on Scripture and church history to creatively recraft each theological tile, showing that they seamlessly interlock. A portrait of the entire atoning Christ emerges---and he is beautiful. * MATTHEW W. BATES, associate professor of theology, Quincy University *
In this major new work on the doctrine of the atonement, Josh McNall presents a comprehensive and cogent approach, integrating the differing perspectives of recapitulation, substitution, victory, and moral influence. His judicious and balanced treatment rejects both the extreme that makes penal substitution the one and only model and the opposite extreme, which neglects the biblical theme of judgement. The scholarly command of the literature and clear argumentation make this a valuable resource for teachers, students, and pastors alike. * THOMAS A. NOBLE, research professor of theology, Nazarene Theological Seminary *
In this well-informed and very readable volume, Josh McNall gives us a lively and thorough treatment of the great Christian doctrine of the atonement. While deeply committed to core theological convictions, McNall exhibits catholicity of spirit and a concern for the proclamation of the gospel. The result is a wide-ranging study and provocative proposal that will be of interest to Christian ministers and students as well as scholars. * THOMAS H. MCCALL, professor of biblical and systematic theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and director, Carl F. H. Henry Center for Theological Understanding *
Joshua McNall has produced a reasoned and readable account of the atonement. He gets away from the defensive tribalism that the atonement is only “this” or else that the atonement consists of a disparate number of images. Instead he holds forth the cross of Christ in its biblical horizons and sets it upon the rich tapestry of historical theology. McNall exposits important themes related to substitution, triumph, transformation, and recapitulation. Importantly, he shows that these are not competing ideas but pieces of a mosaic that all fit together! This is an ideal primer for anyone wanting to get a grip on the dense debates about the nature of the atonement. * MICHAEL F. BIRD, academic dean and lecturer in theology, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia *
The atonement is a gloriously multifaceted accomplishment. But while much recent atonement theology champions the many-splendored nature of Christ’s atoning work, Josh McNall argues that it’s not enough to merely uphold the various images of atonement in a disconnected plurality. Rather, they must be integrated. By engaging with Scripture, church tradition, and an array of contemporary theologians, Josh McNall shows how the various images and models of atonement interlock and support one another, providing a fuller and more coherent understanding of the atonement. This book offers a unique contribution and advances the broader conversation that seeks to understand the meaning of the atonement by showing how the various images and models fit together, not as a puzzle but as a mosaic meant to inspire worship. * JEREMY TREAT is pastor for preaching and vision at Reality LA, Los Angeles, California, adjunct professor of theology, Biola University, and author of Seek First and The Crucified King *