governmental atonement

noun

: the Grotian theory of atonement that Christ's death enables God as moral governor of the world to forgive sinners freely without encouraging disorder by signally revealing that suffering often of the innocent inevitably follows when sinners violate the divine world order

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now