Topical Bible: The Atonement: Reconciliation to God Effected By

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Definition and Significance

The term "atonement" refers to the reconciliation between God and humanity, achieved through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Christian theology, atonement is central to understanding salvation, as it addresses the problem of sin and the means by which humans can be restored to a right relationship with God. The concept is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, where it is portrayed as a divine initiative to bridge the gap caused by sin.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the concept of atonement is primarily associated with the sacrificial system established under the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew word "kaphar," often translated as "to atone," means "to cover" or "to make reconciliation." The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, was the most significant of these rituals, as described in Leviticus 16. On this day, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people, symbolically transferring their sins onto a scapegoat, which was then sent into the wilderness.

Leviticus 17:11 underscores the importance of blood in the atonement process: "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 highlights the substitutionary nature of the sacrifices, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on how Christ's sacrifice supersedes the old covenant sacrifices, offering a once-for-all atonement for sin. 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."

The Apostle Paul further explains the doctrine of atonement in Romans 3:23-25 : "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 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 Role of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is central to the Christian understanding of atonement. His life, death, and resurrection are seen as the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for reconciliation. Christ's atoning work is described as substitutionary, meaning He took upon Himself the penalty for sin that humanity deserved. This is vividly portrayed in Isaiah 53:5 , a prophetic passage often associated with Christ: "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."

The New Testament also emphasizes the love and grace of God in providing atonement through Christ. John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse encapsulates the divine initiative and the universal scope of the atonement.

Theological Implications

The atonement has profound theological implications for the believer. It is the basis for justification, the process by which individuals are declared righteous before God. Through faith in Christ's atoning work, believers are forgiven and reconciled to God, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 : "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."

Moreover, the atonement is the foundation for sanctification, the ongoing process of being made holy. It empowers believers to live transformed lives, reflecting the character of Christ. Romans 6:6-7 explains, "We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. For anyone who has died has been freed from sin."

Conclusion

While the atonement is a complex and multifaceted doctrine, its essence lies in the reconciliation between God and humanity through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. It is a testament to God's love, justice, and mercy, providing the means for eternal life and fellowship with Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 5:10
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
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2 Corinthians 5:18-20
And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
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Ephesians 2:13-16
But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made near by the blood of Christ.
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Colossians 1:20-22
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things to himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
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Hebrews 2:17
Why in all things it behooved him to be made like to his brothers, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
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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

1 John ii. 1, 2
... christian consciousness,"new methods of atonement and purification ... The reconciliation
of Christ has for its object ... in its estrangement from God; all which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john ii 1 2.htm

Fifth Sunday in Lent
... God is building it and he shall reveal it. ... other offerings, and with these make formal
reconciliation for the ... die for us, to obtain for us the true atonement. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fifth sunday in lent.htm

Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant
... in Him personally; in Him the reconciliation between the ... part; and Surety for us
with God, that we ... Christ's work in atonement and intercession, in His bestowal ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter x jesus the mediator.htm

The New Covenant.
... implies that, when a sufficient atonement for sin ... appease conscience through sacrifice,
and God, by the same sacrifice, proclaimed that reconciliation had not ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

The Gentile Christian Theology. Paul and the Gospel of Faith.
... His death, therefore, is a vicarious sacrifice, an atonement, an expiation or ... full
and final remission (aphesis) and reconciliation between God and man ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 71 the gentile christian.htm

2 Cor. v. 11
... and makes the emphasis to lie on the reconciliation effected in or ... Christ the punishment
of our sin, God made him ... not only of the vicarious atonement, but also ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xi 2 cor v.htm

The Universal Chorus
... of His cross, He has effected a reconciliation, not only ... This distinct application
to God, in the person of the ... who, by the virtue of His atonement, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon l the universal chorus.htm

Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man
... which this enmity is slain, and reconciliation is effected ... Heaven's "unspeakable
gift," by Christ's invaluable atonement, by the ... Thanks be unto God, who giveth ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/evans the fall and.htm

The National Preacher.
... of the truth and necessity of the great atonement. ... acceptable"is most dishonourable
to God, and ruinous ... are found in the treaty of reconciliation sent from ...
/.../leland/the national preacher vol 2 no 7 dec 1827/the national preacher.htm

The Johannine Writings
... as having the whole secret of the atonement in it ... of His death, and so put right
with God. ... also may be sanctified.' He establishes the reconciliation; they, to ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 5 the johannine writings.htm