Topical Bible: The Atonement: Made But Once

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The concept of atonement is central to Christian theology, representing the reconciliation between God and humanity through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The doctrine that the atonement was made but once is rooted in the New Testament and underscores the sufficiency and finality of Christ's sacrifice.

Biblical Foundation

The Epistle to the Hebrews provides a comprehensive explanation of the once-for-all nature of Christ's atonement. 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 verse highlights the contrast between the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant and the singular, efficacious sacrifice of Christ.

Further emphasizing this point, Hebrews 10:10 declares, "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 sacrifices of the Levitical priesthood were insufficient to fully atone for sin, whereas Christ's sacrifice was perfect and complete.

Theological Implications

The once-for-all atonement signifies the completeness of Christ's work on the cross. It affirms that no further sacrifices are necessary for the forgiveness of sins, as Jesus' death was sufficient to cover all sin for all time. This is further supported by Hebrews 10:14 : "For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."

This doctrine also underscores the uniqueness of Christ's priesthood. Unlike the priests of the Old Testament who had to offer sacrifices continually, Jesus, as the Great High Priest, offered Himself once and sat down at the right hand of God, signifying the completion of His redemptive work (Hebrews 10:12).

Christ's Role as Mediator

The singular nature of the atonement also highlights Christ's exclusive role as the mediator between God and humanity. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 states, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all." This passage affirms that Christ's atoning sacrifice is the sole means by which humanity can be reconciled to God.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

The once-for-all atonement was foreshadowed in the Old Testament sacrificial system, particularly in the Day of Atonement rituals described in Leviticus 16. These annual sacrifices pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. The insufficiency of these sacrifices is noted in Hebrews 10:1-4 , which explains that the law was only a shadow of the good things to come and could never make perfect those who draw near.

Conclusion

The doctrine of the atonement made but once is a cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming the sufficiency, finality, and exclusivity of Christ's sacrificial death. It assures believers of the complete forgiveness of sins and the eternal redemption secured through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

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:
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Library

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Foreshadowed in the Ritual ...
... type, our great High Priest, has already made atonement and has ... in the presence of
God for us," but soon He ... above type) refers""So Christ was once offered to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/5 the fact of the.htm

The Day of Atonement
... the Lord, and was not brought into the most holy place; but this goat's ... made atonement
for ever, even as this one slaughtered goat made atonement once in a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the day of atonement.htm

Atonement.
... Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. ... which can never take away sins:
but this man ... from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xxv atonement.htm

Particular Redemption
... If, then, you and I had sinned but once, nothing but an atonement infinite in value
could ever have washed away the sin and made satisfaction for it. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/particular redemption.htm

'The Scapegoat'
... That consciousness once awakened has in it these elements ... The one which was slain
made 'atonement ... ... transgressions, even all their sins,' but that expiation ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the scapegoat.htm

Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists
... Some few of the expressions are such as we should not use today, but the main things
that ... The smoke of Thy atonement here. ... Made the new way to heaven appear,. ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/hymns for the use of.htm

The Only Atoning Priest
... will sadden her; there must be an atonement day next ... remembrance of sin was of necessity
made every day. ... sins of the world," was sacrificed but once, and that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the only atoning priest.htm

The Importance of the Death of Christ in Preaching and in Theology
... he delivered to the Corinthians en protois the message of the Atonement. ... been requisite
before the appeal could be made with any prospect of success; but St ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 6 the importance of.htm

The Day of Atonement
... The ritual for the atonement of the sins of the people ... The same use is made of the
blood, which is once ... It is not, however, all employed there, but part of it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the day of atonement.htm

On the Atonement.
... But if you do not look at it, and will not set your ... 6. Jesus was made a sin-offering
for us. ... 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