Torrance’s theosis reframes Reformed atonement around ontological union with Christ rather than a primarily penal transaction, while still affirming substitution and remaining recognizably Reformed.[1][2]
## Center of gravity: ontological atonement and theosis
– Torrance criticizes Western satisfaction/penal and moral‑example models for failing to account for the *ontological transformation* of humanity in the hypostatic union.[1]
– For him, the hypostatic union is itself an atoning, reconciling, sanctifying union; theosis names the outcome of this ontological atonement—our participatory share in the Son’s filial life.[3][1]
## Substitution redefined, not rejected
– Torrance affirms substitution but resists making its *penal* character central; substitution is primarily cultic and priestly, not a bare legal transfer of punishment.[4][5]
– Jesus acts as our high priest and covenant head whose vicarious faith, obedience, repentance, and self‑offering “substitute” for ours, into which we are incorporated by the Spirit.[4][1]
## Relation to classic Reformed atonement themes
– Against federal/forensic dominance: He objects to federal Calvinism where penal satisfaction and imputation are structurally prior, worrying this yields “external” atonement and weakens the Trinity and union with Christ.[6][7]
– Re‑centering on union with Christ: Myk Habets and others show that Torrance relocates justification, forgiveness, and sanctification under the broader heading of union with Christ and theosis; forensic benefits are fruits of participatory union, not the core.[2][8]
## How Torrance’s theosis “reforms” Reformed atonement
– Single, integrated work: Instead of multiple competing “theories,” Torrance sees one atonement in which incarnation, cross, resurrection, ascension, and Pentecost together effect both reconciliation and deification.[9][3]
– From legal to participatory grammar: Where much Reformed preaching centers on penalty and legal status, Torrance’s theosis model centers on participation in Christ’s recreated humanity—the Spirit grafts us into the humanity in which sin has already been judged and destroyed.[7][9]
## Bottom line
– Torrance offers a *Reformed theosis*: deification through union with Christ that includes but relativizes penal‑forensic motifs, making ontological, participatory reconciliation in Christ’s vicarious humanity the primary grammar of atonement.[5][2]
Sources
[1] T.F. Torrance: Union with Christ through the Communion of the Spirit https://indieskriflig.org.za/
[2] Theosis in the Theology of Thomas Torrance | Myk Habets https://www.taylorfrancis.com/
[3] Theosis in the Theology of Thomas Torrance: A Review | https://jasongoroncy.com/2010/
[4] The Atonement, by Thomas F. Torrance – A Few Thoughts https://johnploughman.
[5] The Ontological Theory of the Atonement and Evangelical Calvinism https://growrag.wordpress.com/
[6] Thomas Torrance’s Objection to Federal Theology: In Response to … https://growrag.wordpress.com/
[7] The Ontological Character of Sin and the Atonement of Jesus Christ https://growrag.wordpress.com/
[8] Theosis in the Theology of Thomas Torrance by Myk Habets … https://www.barnesandnoble.
[9] The Ontological View of the Atonement – The Face Of Christ https://recreatedinchrist.
[10] The Atonements of Jesus Christ with Professor Torrance https://growrag.wordpress.com/
[11] Forensic Wrath, Theosis, and the Harrowing of Hell – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/
[12] Against ‘Penal Substitution’ and Transactional Models https://growrag.wordpress.com/
[13] Does Orthodoxy ascribe to a certain Atonement theory? – Facebook https://www.facebook.com/
[14] Jesus as Substitute – St Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology https://www.saet.ac.uk/
[15] Theosis in the Theology of Thomas Torrance – 1st Edition – Myk Habets https://www.routledge.com/
