Topical Bible: Atonement by Jewels

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Definition and Significance:
Atonement, in the biblical context, refers to the reconciliation between God and humanity, achieved through the sacrificial system in the Old Testament and ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The concept of atonement is central to Christian theology, emphasizing the restoration of a broken relationship between the Creator and His creation due to sin.

Old Testament Context:
In the Old Testament, atonement is primarily associated with the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites. The Hebrew word for atonement, "kaphar," means to cover or to make reconciliation. The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, was the most significant day for atonement in the Jewish calendar. On this day, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. Leviticus 16:30 states, "For on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD."

The sacrificial system required the offering of unblemished animals, symbolizing the need for purity and the seriousness of sin. The shedding of blood was necessary for atonement, as Leviticus 17:11 explains, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul."

New Testament Fulfillment:
The New Testament reveals the ultimate fulfillment of atonement through Jesus Christ. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament pointed to the need for a perfect and final sacrifice, which was accomplished through the death of Jesus on the cross. Hebrews 9:12 declares, "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."

Jesus is described as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). His atoning sacrifice is sufficient for all humanity, providing a way for individuals to be reconciled to God. Romans 5:11 states, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

Theological Implications:
Atonement is foundational to understanding salvation in Christian theology. It underscores the gravity of sin and the holiness of God, who cannot tolerate sin in His presence. The atonement through Christ demonstrates God's love and justice, as He provides a means for sinners to be justified and reconciled to Himself.

The doctrine of atonement also emphasizes the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."

Practical Application:
Believers are called to live in light of the atonement, recognizing the cost of their redemption and responding with gratitude and obedience. The atonement encourages Christians to pursue holiness, knowing that their sins have been covered by the blood of Christ. It also compels them to share the message of reconciliation with others, as 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 exhorts, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation."

Conclusion:
The atonement is a profound and central theme in the Bible, encapsulating God's plan for redemption and the means by which humanity can be restored to a right relationship with Him. Through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, believers are assured of forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 31:50
We have therefore brought an oblation for the LORD, what every man has gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets, rings, earrings, and tablets, to make an atonement for our souls before the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Blessed is He who Atoned Your Sins, that Ye Might Receive his Body ...
... 4. At the well Rebecca received"in her ears and hands the jewels."The Spouse ... ye up
and triumph in the fight!"receive from the water atonement,"and from ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn vii blessed is he.htm

The Cripple at Lystra
... Take thee to Persia with all its gems and jewels, and thou dost suit the ... To wit,
he preached that Jesus Christ had offered a full atonement to divine wrath for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the cripple at lystra.htm

Death by Disuse
... "There is a strong tendency to look upon the Atonement of Christ ... Widows do not wear
jewels, as a rule, among the Hindus of the higher Castes, but Christians do ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xiii death by disuse.htm

August 14 Morning
... decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. ...
our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."I will ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/august 14 morning.htm

Spiritual Peace
... must be slaughtered a thousand times, but "this man, having made one atonement for
sins ... from the dens and kens of our city, are the brightest jewels that are ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/spiritual peace.htm

The Fruits of Grace
... The gospel has found some of its brightest jewels in the lowest haunts of vice. ... would
not have answered my turn, for great sin wanted a great atonement, and my ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the fruits of grace.htm

Success.
... his heart with enthusiasm and energy, and give him a host of jewels washed from ...
concerning Socinianism"; does "not like the old idea of the Atonement"; in fact ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter x success.htm

"Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... transgressors, when he bore the punishment of our sins, and made an atonement for
them ... up for some few, whom he makes his peculiar treasure and jewels, Malachi 3 ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xix seek first the.htm

The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot
... procession, because then the robbers might expect to obtain many jewels, or, if ... God
which support and guarantee the efficiency of the great atonement of Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the royal pair in their.htm

Exodus
... the manner of consecration of the priests, the priestly dues, the atonement for
the ... the Egyptians as neighbours, so that the women can borrow jewels from them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/exodus.htm