For centuries, the dominant explanation for the cross in Western Christianity has been rooted in retribution—Jesus taking the punishment we deserved. Is that really the whole story? Does it reflect the true heart of God?

In this episode we trace the historical development of the Penal Substitutionary Atonement theory. How did theology, empire, and culture combine to shape a view of God that is more violent than loving? Is it time for a different lens?

If this episode challenges or encourages you, drop a comment and share it with a friend. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation!

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This week on The Road to the Cross, Tim and Steve dive into one of the most influential ideas in Western Christianity: original sin. How did a fifth-century theory by Augustine come to dominate our understanding of salvation, the cross, and even our identity?

Tracing the theology from Eden to empire, they uncover a progression that reshaped how many Christians understand God's character—introducing fear, shame, and legalism into what was meant to be good news.

📌 Highlights include:

• The history and impact of Augustine’s doctrine of original sin
• Why translation errors in Romans 5 changed everything
• What the early church believed about humanity’s nature
• Why PSA (Penal Substitutionary Atonement) became dominant—and what's missing
• How recovering a restorative gospel can reshape your faith

This is Part 1 of a two-part exploration of atonement theories—don’t miss next week’s episode as we examine Christus Victor.

💡 If you’ve ever felt like the gospel was more about shame than restoration, this conversation is for you.

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This week on The Road to the Cross, Tim travels to Canada to sit down with theologian and author Bradley Jersak for a powerful conversation about cruciform love—the kind of love revealed on the cross that lays down power, enters our suffering, and forgives without limits.

Together, they unpack what it means for Jesus to be self-giving, radically forgiving, and co-suffering—and how this shapes the way we pray, lead others, and share the gospel. With compelling stories, theological depth, and practical insights, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to reimagine what love really looks like when it’s shaped by the cross.

📌 Highlights:

• Why Jesus’ love isn’t just admired—it’s lived
• Making space for people to encounter Christ personally
• The problem with fear-based evangelism
• How the Holy Spirit empowers us to embody love
• Practical ways to lead people to Jesus without pressure

This is one of our most intimate and revealing conversations yet—don’t miss it.

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Is the cross only about personal forgiveness—or is there something far more expansive at work?

In this powerful solo episode, Tim unpacks the breathtaking truth that the cross marked the beginning of God’s cosmic restoration—the healing of all creation, systems, and humanity itself. Drawing from early church fathers and N.T. Wright, he reclaims a gospel that is not about escaping this world, but restoring it.

💡 Discover what it means to live as an image-bearer in a broken world.
❤️‍🔥 Embrace a gospel that transforms everything.

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✔️ Share with a friend hungry for deeper truth.

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#CosmicRestoration #KingdomOfGod #NTWright #RestorativeJustice #ImpactNations #GospelOfTheKingdom #JesusRestoresAllThings #NewCreation #CruciformLove

In this week’s episode, Tim and Steve dive deep into two of the most powerful biblical images: the scapegoat and the Passover lamb. From ancient rituals in Leviticus to the prophetic imagery of Jesus in the Gospels, they explore how Christ takes on the blame of the world and offers a way of healing and peace instead of violence and accusation.

You’ll hear about:

• The Day of Atonement and the two goats
• Mimetic theory and why societies always seek a scapegoat
• How Jesus’ death subverts the cycle of blame and division
• The astonishing parallels between the Passover lamb and the crucifixion

🎧 Whether you’re new to the conversation or a long-time listener, this episode will challenge you to see the cross through fresh eyes—and call you to live out its radical implications.

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📍 New episodes drop every Thursday.

#Scapegoat #Passover #LambOfGod #Atonement #JesusDiedForUs #FaithAndCulture #ImpactNations #PodcastMinistry #ChristianityExplored #KingdomJustice #Buzzsprout

What if the cross is about more than personal forgiveness?

In this episode, Tim takes us deep into the heart of Cosmic Restoration—the idea that Jesus’ death and resurrection began the healing of all things: creation, communities, and every broken part of our world. It's a powerful vision of the gospel that calls us to join the work of renewal right now.

🎧 Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode of The Road to the Cross.

📌 Subscribe, share the episode, and visit impactnations.com to learn how you can be part of Kingdom transformation.

#CrossAndRestoration #ChristTheRestorer #FaithInAction #ImpactNations #BuzzsproutFaith #GospelTransformation

From Eden to Calvary—one story, two trees, and a promise fulfilled.

In Episode 11 of The Road to the Cross, Steve and Tim explore the deep spiritual connection between the two trees in the Garden of Eden and the cross of Christ. Through rich theology, church history, and personal reflection, they unpack how the cross doesn't just echo Eden—it rewrites the story.

You’ll discover:

• Why the cross is the true tree of life
• How the knowledge of good and evil led to a fear of death
• What the early church called deification—and how it shapes our future
• The real meaning behind “This day you’ll be with Me in paradise”

This episode invites you to revisit your origin, rediscover your identity, and reimagine the cross as the gateway back to paradise—and forward into new creation.

📖 Want to go deeper?

• Get Steve’s book Pursuing the Mystery of Christ at impactnations.com
• Join a Journey of Compassion: impactnations.com/journeys
• Partner with us to bring rescue and restoration around the world

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"Father, forgive them..."
From the cross, Jesus spoke seven final phrases—each one rich with meaning, mercy, and mystery.

In Episode 10 of The Road to the Cross, Steve and Tim explore the seven sayings of Jesus at the crucifixion. These last words reveal the fullness of His love: words of forgiveness for His enemies, compassion for His mother, welcome to a thief, and a bold proclamation that “It is finished.”

Why did Jesus quote Psalm 22? What does it mean that blood and water flowed from His side? What do His final words tell us about His mission—and His victory?
This conversation is a journey into the heart of the gospel.

✝️ Discover the cross again—and maybe for the first time.

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