Berean Questions for Volume V: The Atonement Between God and Man is a comprehensive question-based study guide crafted to accompany the fifth volume of Studies in the Scriptures by Charles Taze Russell. This guide is designed to lead readers through a deep and structured exploration of the Bible’s teachings on the doctrine of atonement, clarifying God’s plan of salvation and the reconciliation of humanity through Jesus Christ.

It breaks down complex theological issues into carefully framed questions, making the profound truths of the Atonement easier to study, discuss, and internalize. Each question references specific paragraphs and pages in Volume V and is grouped into topical “Studies,” covering scriptural, doctrinal, and philosophical aspects of redemption.

1. The Fact and Philosophy of the Atonement

• Establishes that Justice and Love are the foundational principles of God’s government, and that the Atonement is the central doctrine of biblical Christianity.

• Contrasts the orthodox view (penal substitution) and modern liberal views, then presents the Scriptural view, highlighting mankind’s fall, the resulting death sentence, and the need for a ransom.

• Emphasizes that Jesus’ sacrificial death was necessary because divine justice required satisfaction before mercy could be extended.

• Introduces the idea of the Atonement being a two-phase process: the ransom sacrifice and the application of its benefits through Christ’s future reign.

2. The Author of the Atonement

• Clarifies that God the Father is the original architect of the plan of Atonement, and Jesus Christ willingly fulfilled His part.

• Refutes misconceptions of Christ pleading with an angry God, instead showing cooperation and harmony between Father and Son.

• Analyzes symbolic elements such as the “scroll” in Revelation, portraying the divine covenant and Christ as its executor.

• Explores exaltation of Jesus not as inherent divinity but as a reward for His obedience.

• Refutes Trinitarian interpretations, arguing against the idea that Jesus is Jehovah, while honoring Christ as the exalted Son of God.

3. The Mediator of the Atonement – The Only Begotten One

• Focuses on the pre-human existence of Jesus as the Logos, the first direct creation of Jehovah, through whom all other things were created.

• Explains how the Logos became flesh, not through incarnation in the traditional sense, but by a transfer of life.

• Emphasizes Jesus’ unique position as the “Only Begotten Son”, a being distinct from the Father yet united in purpose.

• Shows that Jesus gave up heavenly glory to become a man and, after completing His mission, was glorified again—now holding the title of Mediator between God and mankind.

4. The Mediator of the Atonement – The Undefiled One

• Defends Jesus’ sinless humanity, explaining how He could be born of a fallen woman (Mary) and still be “holy, harmless, undefiled.”

• Introduces a biological and scriptural rationale: life comes from the father, and since Jesus' life came from God, He was untainted by sin.

• Refutes the Catholic doctrine of Mary’s immaculate conception, emphasizing instead that God miraculously preserved Jesus’ purity.

• Shows how the miraculous birth was in harmony with God’s natural laws, not a contradiction of them.

• Concludes that Jesus’ human perfection qualified Him to act as a ransom for Adam and the race.

5. The Mediator of the Atonement – Touched with Our Infirmities

• Explains how Jesus could sympathize with human weakness while remaining sinless.

• Details the temptations Jesus endured—especially during His 40 days in the wilderness—and relates them to temptations experienced by His followers.

• Emphasizes that Jesus was “made perfect through sufferings,” not morally, but in terms of completing His experience and qualifying to be High Priest.

• Teaches that Christ’s brethren (the Church) must also endure suffering and temptation to be fitted for their future priestly role.

• Introduces the doctrine of shared sacrifice—that the Church, as Christ’s Body, participates in the sin-offering through consecration.

6. The Mediator of the Atonement – David’s Son and David’s Lord

• Examines Jesus’ genealogy and royal lineage, demonstrating His legal right to David’s throne through both Mary and Joseph.

• Discusses His titles as Second Adam and Everlasting Father, showing how He will regenerate the human race during the Millennial reign.

• Explains the expression “David’s Son and Lord” to highlight Jesus’ human descent from David and His divine appointment as Lord over all.

• Describes how the Church will assist in this work, and how Christ will become a Father to the world, not to the Church, which is His Bride.

7. The Mediator of the Atonement – The Son of Man

• Explores Jesus’ favorite self-title—“Son of Man”—used to emphasize His role as humanity’s representative and Redeemer.

• Highlights how His identification with Adam (the first man) allowed Him to act as a corresponding price (ransom).

• Describes how Jesus, though divine, embraced the limitations of humanity and was obedient unto death.

• Clarifies how this role continues even after the resurrection—Jesus remains identified with mankind, forever retaining the title and role of Mediator and Redeemer.

8. The Channel of the Atonement – The Holy Spirit of God

• Explains the role of the Holy Spirit as the divine power or influence used by God in executing His will—not as a separate “person” of a Trinity.

• Refutes Trinitarian views using scriptural and historical evidence, showing that the Holy Spirit is God’s energy or power, not a person.

• Examines the Spirit’s role in revealing truth, guiding the Church, and empowering believers during the Gospel Age.

• Outlines how the Holy Spirit will operate during the Millennium to bless the world and extend the benefits of the Atonement.

• Details the fruits of the Spirit as evidence of transformation and spiritual maturity.

Conclusion:

Berean Questions for Volume V: The Atonement Between God and Man offers a deeply detailed and logical study of the divine plan of salvation. It affirms that God’s purpose has always included a just and loving atonement for sin—centered in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and extended through the Church to the world.

Through structured inquiry, the book not only strengthens understanding of doctrine but also reinforces faith in God's justice, love, and perfect timing. It's an essential study tool for serious Bible students who seek to grasp the full scope of God's redemptive plan and the roles of Christ, the Church, and the Holy Spirit in achieving it.