News and Events

What is the Atonement?

On Saturday, October 4, 2008, members of the Bloomfield Presbyterian Church on the Green and new friends from several area churches gathered to learn more about the doctrine of the atonement. This doctrine explains why Christ had to die on the cross. Our guest speaker was Rev. Richard Phillips from Second Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Greenville, South Carolina. The day started with a Bible study on Hebrews 9:11-14. Rev. Phillips then looked at the doctrine of the atonement in historical context, including current criticisms and responses to those criticisms; the vocabulary of the atonement (including propitiation, expiation, redemption, reconciliation); and finally the effects of this doctrine on our ministries, both as individuals and as a church. We also sang four wonderful hymns relating to the atonement and heard the chancel choir sing two beautiful anthems. And of course being Presbyterian, we also ate a delicious lunch and had several snack breaks throughout the day. Thanks go to Glenn Maciag for organizing this event and to everyone who made it a success!