Developing Seven Bible Studies Related To The Atonement, Consistent With A Cosmic-Conflict Paradigm Of Salvation History

Problem A new view of the atonement threatened to divide some local congregations of Seventh-day Adventists. Referred to in this study as the trust-healing model of atonement, the new paradigm proposed by A. Graham Maxwell was developed from a wide reading of Scripture and claimed additional support from the great controversy motif in the writings of Ellen G. White. However, because it seemed to call in question certain aspects of the long-accepted substitutionary model of the atonement, the new paradigm became a point of conflict. Method This dissertation seeks to clarify the issues by comparing the trust-healing model of atonement with the substitution model of atonement, and evaluating both models on the basis of Scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White. Incorporating the sound concepts from both models, a cosmic-conflict model/paradigm was developed. From this cosmic-conflict paradigm seven atonement-related doctrinal concepts were presented in Bible study form. They were field tested on two groups of individuals and evaluated as to their effectiveness in helping individuals separate the truth about God from common misconceptions of God\u27s character. Results The seven Bible studies did assist the participants in the process of identifying and filtering out Satan\u27s misrepresentations. Understanding God increased confidence in and trust in God. Conclusion