How do you fully understand and explain the work of Jesus on the cross?

In this episode, Alex and Scott explore the doctrine of the atonement, focusing on the concept of Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA) and contrasting it with other historical and theological views. The discussion walks through various atonement theories—including the Moral Influence, Ransom, and Christus Victor views and more—acknowledging elements of truth in each while highlighting their limitations compared to PSA.

Lastly, they discuss the missiological implications, countering the claim that PSA is purely a Western, legalistic construct. Instead, they stress that guilt and innocence are universal moral realities recognized across cultures, and missionaries should faithfully present the biblical doctrine while adapting metaphors and illustrations for local understanding.

Key Topics

• Importance of understanding the atonement for cross-cultural missions.
• Overview of major atonement theories: Moral Influence, Ransom, Christus Victor, Satisfaction, Governmental, and Scapegoat.
• Strengths and weaknesses of each theory compared to Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA).
• Scriptural foundations for PSA and its theological depth.
• Addressing the critiques of PSA.
• Practical considerations for contextualizing PSA in missionary work.

Download the transcript for this episode.

Being a godly husband and father isn't about one big heroic act, it's about showing up every day. Men need a simple, practical plan to stay faithful in the daily grind. How To Lead Your Family is a no-nonsense guide, from author Joel Beeke, that gives the biblical foundation, Christ-centered encouragement, practical advice for men to purse the high standards that God calls them too. Get 20% off your copy today when you use the promo code: LEADABWE. Additionally, new email subscribers can get 10% off a future order. We are thankful for Reformation Heritage Books for their sponsorship of this episode!

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What does it mean to follow Jesus in one of the most dangerous places in the world? How do believers live out their faith in Gaza—caught between Hamas, Israeli forces, and deep cultural hostility?

This week, Alex and Scott sit down with Pastor Hanna Massad, former pastor of Gaza Baptist Church, to hear his firsthand story of shepherding believers in a context of persecution, poverty, and war. Pastor Hanna shares the history of the Christian presence in Gaza, the challenges of ministering in “three fires,” and how even today the small evangelical community continues serving their neighbors with food, water, and the hope of Christ.

Together, they explore the heartbreaking realities of life in Gaza, the opportunities for the gospel in the midst of conflict, and the importance of remembering our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer far from the world’s headlines.

Key Topics Covered

• The history and decline of the Christian presence in Gaza
• Life and ministry in “three fires”: militant Islam, Israeli presence, and tension with traditional Orthodox churches
• Stories of persecution, loss, and God’s sustaining grace
• How Gaza Baptist Church continues serving through relief and gospel witness
• What Western Christians need to understand about Palestinian believers today

This episode is sponsored by Reformation Heritage Books, publisher of How to Lead Your Family by Dr. Joel Beeke—a short, practical guide to biblical leadership in the home. Use code LEADABWE at RHB.org for 20% off through September 30.

With more than 3 billion people who have never heard the name of Jesus, the harvest is still plentiful but the workers are few (Matthew 9:37–38). Is God calling you to the mission field? Visit abwe.org/SendMe to begin the conversation.

Do you love The Missions Podcast? Support the show and get access to bonus content, a private Signal thread, webinars, and more by becoming a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium.

The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

Catch the third and final season of Cloud of Witnesses at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.