The theory of substitutionary atonement began in the 11th century by a man named Anselm. He concluded that because of the enormity of sin man caused only a divine being could satisfy what God required. For that reason Jesus came and took the sin upon himself instead of mortal man. A noble thought but does it align with scripture? Can you cite a single scripture that says Jesus took our place on the cross?
I recently read where the scapegoat (as used under the Law) is an example of what Jesus did on the cross, but the scapegoat was set into the wilderness after the sacrifice of atonement had been made for sins. The scapegoat symbolized to the people that their sins were being taken away from them through the activities on the day of atonement. Jesus is seen in the sacrifice of atonement and not solely in the scapegoat.
In fact, the scriptures never liken Jesus to scapegoat. Jesus is likened to the sacrifice. Further, the sins were not literally transferred on to the scapegoat. We know that the blood of bulls and goats did not take away sins (Hebrews 10:1-4). The sins remained with the people. The scapegoat simply symbolized God overlooking these transgression until the true sacrifice of Jesus could come. In the same way, Jesus did not literally carry our sins on him, rather, Jesus' sacrifice, resurrection, and ascension shows that our sins have been taken away from us.
Consider what I say.....