One of the great contributions of Pierced for our Transgressions is the way that they see penal substitution as being a central puzzle piece in theology where if it is removed the whole picture is nonsensical. Here is a summary expression of this thought:
“Penal substitution has a foundational place in Christian theology. It fights right at the centre of the jigsaw to complete a magnificent picture. Here is the story of a God whose word is good and true, who refuses to be unfaithful to himself. Here is the story of a gracious Father, who gave his Son to redeem a sinful and undeserving people. Here is the story of a just and righteous God, who will not pretend that evil is of no account. Here is the story of an all-wise God, who works in all things for the good of his people and to the glory of his name, and penal substitution lies right at its heart” (148).
