Topical Encyclopedia The concept of atonement is central to Christian theology, representing the reconciliation between God and humanity achieved through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. This profound mystery is rooted in the divine plan of salvation, as revealed in the Scriptures, and is a cornerstone of Christian faith.Biblical Foundation The atonement made by Jesus is foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. The sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law, particularly the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Leviticus 16 outlines the rituals performed by the high priest to atone for the sins of Israel, involving the shedding of blood and the scapegoat. These practices point to the necessity of a perfect and final atonement. In the New Testament, the Epistle to the Hebrews elucidates the superiority of Christ's sacrifice over the old covenant sacrifices. Hebrews 9:12 states, "He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." This passage highlights the sufficiency and finality of Jesus' atoning work. The Mystery of Atonement The atonement made by Jesus is described as a mystery, not in the sense of being unknowable, but as a divine truth revealed progressively through Scripture. The Apostle Paul frequently refers to the mystery of Christ's redemptive work. In Ephesians 1:7-9 , Paul writes, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ." This mystery encompasses the profound truth that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, chose to reconcile the world to Himself through the incarnation, death, and resurrection of His Son. The atonement is not merely a legal transaction but a relational restoration, bringing humanity back into fellowship with God. Theological Implications The atonement made by Jesus carries significant theological implications. It underscores the holiness and justice of God, who cannot overlook sin, and the depth of His love, demonstrated in the willingness to provide His own Son as the atoning sacrifice. Romans 5:8 declares, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Furthermore, the atonement is the basis for justification, sanctification, and glorification. Through faith in Christ's atoning work, believers are justified—declared righteous before God. This justification leads to sanctification, the process of being made holy, and ultimately to glorification, the final redemption of the believer. Christ as the High Priest and Sacrifice Jesus fulfills the dual role of High Priest and sacrificial Lamb. As the High Priest, He mediates between God and humanity, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. Hebrews 4:14-15 affirms, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin." As the sacrificial Lamb, Jesus embodies the fulfillment of the Passover lamb, whose blood spared the Israelites from judgment. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), emphasizing His role in the divine plan of redemption. The Universal Scope of Atonement The atonement made by Jesus is universal in its offer, extending to all humanity. 1 John 2:2 states, "He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." This universality underscores the inclusivity of the gospel message, inviting all to partake in the salvation offered through Christ. Conclusion The atonement made by Jesus remains a profound mystery, revealing the depths of God's love and the intricacies of His redemptive plan. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus has secured eternal redemption for all who believe, reconciling them to God and granting them the hope of eternal life. Nave's Topical Index 1 Corinthians 2:7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world to our glory: Nave's Topical Index Library "Love and I" --A Mystery Forgiveness Made Easy The Old, Old Story A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! The Death of Christ Jesus Christ an Example of Prayer Good Friday Christmas Day. The Man Christ Jesus The Aggravated Guilt of Him who Delivered Christ to Pilate. Resources What are the main arguments against limited atonement? | GotQuestions.orgLimited atonement-is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org Is the atonement of Christ unlimited? | GotQuestions.org Atonement: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Atonement for Tabernacle and Furniture Atonement for Those Defiled by the Dead Atonement in Consummation of the Levites Atonement: Day of How Observed Atonement: Made by Animal Sacrifices Atonement: Made by Jesus with Context Atonement: Made by Jesus: A Mystery Atonement: Made by Jesus: Divinely Ordained Atonement: Made by Jesus: Made But Once Atonement: Made by Jesus: Redemption By Atonement: Made by Jesus: Typified Atonement: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Atonement: Acceptable to God The Atonement: Access to God By The Atonement: Commemorated in the Lord's Supper The Atonement: Effected by Christ Alone The Atonement: Exhibits The: Grace and Mercy of God The Atonement: Exhibits The: Love of Christ The Atonement: Exhibits The: Love of God The Atonement: Faith In, Indispensable The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of Sin The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of the Devil The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of the World The Atonement: Justification By The Atonement: Ministers should Fully Set Forth The Atonement: Reconciles the Justice and Mercy of God The Atonement: Reconciliation to God Effected By The Atonement: Remission of Sins By The Atonement: Saints Glorify God For The Atonement: Saints Praise God For The Atonement: Saints Rejoice in God For The Atonement: Sanctification By the Day of Atonement: A Day of Humiliation the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the High Priest the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the Holy Place the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the Whole Congregation the Day of Atonement: Observed As a Sabbath the Day of Atonement: Offerings to be Made On the Day of Atonement: Punishment for not Observing the Day of Atonement: Tenth Day of Seventh Month the Day of Atonement: The High Priest Entered Into the Holy Place On the Day of Atonement: The Sins of the People Borne off by the Scapegoat On the Day of Atonement: Year of Jubilee Commenced On Under the Law Atonement by Priests Alone Under the Law Atonement: Extraordinary Cases of Under the Law Atonement: Made by Sacrifice Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Propitiating God Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Purifying Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Ransoming Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Sinning Ignorantly Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Sinning Wilfully Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Swearing Rashly Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Unclean Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Withholding Evidence Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Altar Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Congregation Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Healed Leper Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Holy Place Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Leprous House Healed Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Priests Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Women After Childbirth Under the Law Atonement: Typical of Christ's Atonement Related Terms Atonement-money (1 Occurrence) Trespass-offering (34 Occurrences) Guilt-offering (34 Occurrences) Unintentionally (20 Occurrences) Peace-offering (46 Occurrences) Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) |
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