So did Jesus really take upon the penalty...

[staysharp]

Originally Posted by TheLegalist

... of death for us? The explanation of this seems to be wide and varying.

I have this simple question for those who are Universalists and others in the Is Hell real debate..... It also concerns some forms of belief of imputed rightouessness/justification and substitutionary atonement.

Since we "deserved" death and Jesus took upon the penalty of death in exchange. Why is Jesus now not still experiencing such a penalty? Is not the penalty of sin BEYOND this physical death into eternity? If the penalty was death why such a turn around to be resurrected? Whether he could raise himself or not, where is this equal exchange of death for life?

Could this mean the only aspect of punishment was only to DEATH "once" in this life and then nothingness, which was the fuel of the Pharisee and Sadduccee debate? Thus annihilation is the true punishment?

Christ died for those who would "believe" on him. To them he gave power to become the sons of God. Dwelling outside of Christ is damnation, in Christ salvation.

A true understanding of biblical judgment does not teach eternal (as meaning; without an end). Much of the judgment Israel experienced, has already taken place.

The soul that sins shall surely die. The reward of the wicked is temporal (as in this life), the reward of the righteous is eternal. Eternal life is a "gift" God gives to those who have the life of Christ in them.