The atonement, and its significance to Christ's death on the cross, is a doctrine sadly fading from focus in our modern evangelical churches. Yet Richard Phillips asserts that it is a necessary truth for Christian salvation. As soon as we start to ask questions like "How is Jesus the Christ?", "Why do we need a Savior?", and "What did he do to save us?", the answers take us directly to Christ's atoning work. This booklet explores and defends the importance of the atonement in terms of its centrality, terminology, theories, extent, and role in ministry—the "why", "what", "how", "for whom", and "what then" of the atonement. Basics of the Faith booklets introduce readers to basic Reformed doctrine and practice. On issues of church government and practice they reflect that framework—otherwise they are suitable for all church situations.