The concept of atonement is central to Christian theology, representing the reconciliation between God and humanity through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The atonement is seen as the means by which the barrier of sin is removed, allowing believers to be acceptable to God. This entry explores the biblical basis and theological significance of the atonement as acceptable to God.

Old Testament Foundations

The idea of atonement is deeply rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system. The Hebrew word "kaphar," often translated as "atonement," means to cover or to make reconciliation. Leviticus 17:11 states, "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 by the life." This verse underscores the necessity of blood sacrifice for atonement, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, described in Leviticus 16, was the most significant atoning ritual in Israel's religious calendar. The high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people, symbolizing the need for a mediator between God and humanity.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system. His death on the cross is portrayed as the ultimate atoning sacrifice. In Romans 3:25 , Paul writes, "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand."

The Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on Christ's role as the high priest and the perfect sacrifice. 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 superiority and finality of Christ's atonement compared to the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant.

Theological Significance

The atonement is central to the doctrine of salvation, emphasizing that it is only through Christ's sacrifice that humanity can be reconciled to God. Ephesians 1:7 declares, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." This underscores the grace of God in providing a means of atonement that is both sufficient and acceptable.

The atonement also addresses the justice of God. Sin incurs a penalty, and God's holiness demands that justice be satisfied. Isaiah 53:5 prophetically speaks of the suffering servant, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." This passage illustrates the substitutionary nature of Christ's atonement, where He bears the punishment due to sinners.

Practical Implications

For believers, the atonement provides assurance of salvation and acceptance before God. Romans 5:1 affirms, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is a direct result of the atoning work of Christ, which removes the enmity caused by sin.

The atonement also calls believers to a life of holiness and gratitude. In 1 Peter 1:18-19 , Peter reminds Christians, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot." This redemption demands a response of worship and obedience.

In summary, the atonement is a foundational doctrine that affirms the acceptability of Christ's sacrifice to God, providing the means for reconciliation, forgiveness, and eternal life for all who believe.Ephesians 5:2
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling smell.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

On the Atonement.
... God and man are both to be represented in the atonement; the divine ... God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/xii on the atonement.htm

The Day of Atonement
... the atonement was accepted; both of them offering burnt offerings as a type that
they desired now to be "a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God." ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the day of atonement.htm

Separation to God.
... and for peace offering, remind us of the sin of our holy things; and that not our
worst, but our best, is only acceptable to GOD through the atonement of our ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part i separation to god.htm

Entire Sanctification in Type.
... First, atonement for guilt and to secure pardon; afterwards, the ... that are bound;
to proclaim the acceptable year of ... the day of vengeance of our God." It was ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iv entire sanctification in.htm

The Lamb of God in Scripture
... accepted of God; he offered a more acceptable sacrifice than ... have begun to think
of the Incarnate God, the bleeding Lamb, the full atonement paid, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the lamb of god in.htm

March 17 Morning
... offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him ... house, a holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/march 17 morning.htm

A Reasonable Service
... of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is ... He had been present on the great day of Atonement when the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/a reasonable service.htm

Leviticus.
... In Leviticus there is given the place of sacrifice, as an atonement for sin ... These
are atoning in nature and show that Jesus is acceptable to God because he ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter iii leviticus.htm

Fifth Sunday in Lent
... Christ's blood has obtained for us pardon forever acceptable with God ... God is building
it and he shall reveal it ... die for us, to obtain for us the true atonement. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fifth sunday in lent.htm

Parable of the Pharisee and Publican.
... one fast in the year, viz.: on the Day of Atonement ( Leviticus 16:29 ... of the prodigal
son, that the penitent unrighteous are more acceptable to God than the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xcvii parable of the pharisee.htm

What is the recapitulation theory of the atonement? | GotQuestions.org

What is the substitutionary atonement? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)? | GotQuestions.org

Atonement: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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