Topical Bible: Atonement: Made by Jesus: Made But Once

◄ Atonement: Made by Jesus: Made But Once ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

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. In the New Testament, the atonement made by Jesus is depicted as a singular, definitive act that fulfills the requirements of the Old Testament sacrificial system and establishes a new covenant between God and His people.

Biblical Foundation

The Epistle to the Hebrews provides a comprehensive theological exposition on the once-for-all nature of Christ's atonement. Hebrews 9:12 states, "He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." This verse underscores the sufficiency and finality of Christ's sacrifice, contrasting it with the repeated sacrifices of the Levitical priesthood, which could never fully atone for sin.

Hebrews 10:10 further emphasizes this point: "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." The author of Hebrews argues that the repeated offerings of the Old Covenant were a shadow of the good things to come, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, which alone could perfect those who draw near to God.

Theological Significance

The atonement made by Jesus is unique in its efficacy and scope. Unlike the temporary and incomplete atonements of the Old Testament, which required continual offerings, Christ's atonement is described as perfect and eternal. This is because Jesus, as both fully God and fully man, offered Himself willingly and without blemish, satisfying divine justice and expressing divine love.

Romans 6:10 affirms the singularity of Christ's sacrificial act: "The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God." This passage highlights the transformative power of Christ's atonement, which not only addresses the penalty of sin but also empowers believers to live a new life in Christ.

Implications for Believers

The once-for-all atonement made by Jesus has profound implications for Christian faith and practice. It assures believers of their complete forgiveness and acceptance before God, as stated in 1 Peter 3:18 : "For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." This assurance provides the foundation for a personal relationship with God, free from the fear of condemnation.

Furthermore, the singular nature of Christ's atonement calls believers to a life of gratitude and holiness. As recipients of such a great salvation, Christians are encouraged to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, reflecting the love and sacrifice of Christ in their daily lives.

Conclusion

The atonement made by Jesus, accomplished once and for all, stands as the cornerstone of Christian doctrine. It fulfills the Old Testament sacrificial system, secures eternal redemption, and transforms the lives of those who place their faith in Him. Through His singular act of atonement, Jesus Christ has made a way for humanity to be reconciled to God, offering hope and assurance to all who believe.

Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 7:27
Who needs not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 9:24-28
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 10:10,12,14
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Day of Atonement
... So with Jesus's blood, "Sprinkled now with blood the ... brought into the most holy place;
but this goat's ... as this one slaughtered goat made atonement once in a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the day of atonement.htm

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Foreshadowed in the Ritual ...
... condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" (Rom.8 ... type, our great High Priest,
has already made atonement and has ... the presence of God for us," but soon He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/5 the fact of the.htm

Atonement.
... in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. ...
"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xxv atonement.htm

Forgiveness Made Easy
... he hath pierced, and believe and accept the atonement made, and it ... It is then because
of what Jesus Christ has ... did not fall personally at the first, but in our ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 24 1878/forgiveness made easy.htm

Sirs, what must I do to be Saved? and they Said, Believe on the ...
... then voluntarily laying down his life to make atonement, casts such ... "Of him are ye
in Christ Jesus, who of ... Christ is received and believed on, he is made to us ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/sirs what must i do.htm

On the Atonement.
... 6. Jesus was made a sin ... within which none might enter on pain of death, save the
High Priest, and he only once a year, on the great day, of atonement. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/xii on the atonement.htm

Particular Redemption
... I had sinned but once, nothing but an atonement infinite in ... have washed away the
sin and made satisfaction for ... The men for whom Jesus died, however great their ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/particular redemption.htm

Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant
... Christ's work in atonement and intercession, in His bestowal of pardon ... Him; as the
eye is fixed on Jesus the Surety ... into a hope, and the inquiry is made, as to ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter x jesus the mediator.htm

The Only Atoning Priest
... their stead, suffered what was due to the righteousness of God, and made atonement
to divine ... Jesus offered no other sacrifice: he had never made one before ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the only atoning priest.htm

The Atonement and the Modern Mind
... for atonement in the sense of the mediation of God's forgiveness through Jesus Christ. ...
of Kant saw from the first all that could be made of atonement on the ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 7 the atonement and.htm