QUOTE : My new friend expressed distaste for the idea of a wrathful God. He used words like “bloodthirsty” and “child abuse.” He didn’t just prefer to prioritize other facets of the atonement; he repudiated penal substitution. This is an important point to consider, because nearly all adherents to PSA whom I’m aware of do not deny that there are other facets of Christ’s atoning work. These include views like the following: 1.CHRISTUS VICTOR: Christ’s atoning work on the cross was about destroying the powers of evil, sin, and death, overthrowing Satan and his schemes and conquering death. 2.RANSOM: Christ’s atoning work pays what is owed for rescuing human souls from bondage (depending on the view, from bondage to Satan, sin, or the Father). 3.MORAL EXEMPLAR: Christ’s atoning work serves as an example of selfless sacrifice, undoing the self-interest of sin and providing a model for sinners in living godly lives.