Topical Bible: The Atonement: Redemption By

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The concept of atonement is central to Christian theology, representing the reconciliation between God and humanity achieved through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The term "atonement" itself signifies the process by which sinners are made "at one" with God, overcoming the separation caused by sin.

Old Testament Foundations

The idea of atonement is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it is primarily associated with the sacrificial system established under the Mosaic Law. 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 bloodshed for the forgiveness of sins, a principle that foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, described in Leviticus 16, was the most significant atoning ritual 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, symbolically transferring their sins onto a scapegoat, which was then sent into the wilderness. This ritual highlighted the need for a mediator and the removal of sin from the community.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the atonement is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Gospels present Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). His death on the cross is portrayed as the ultimate and final sacrifice, rendering the Old Testament sacrificial system obsolete. Hebrews 9:12 affirms, "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 elaborates on the doctrine of atonement in his epistles, particularly in Romans and 2 Corinthians. Romans 3:23-25 states, "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." Here, Paul emphasizes that atonement is a gift of grace, accessed through faith in the redemptive work of Christ.

Theological Implications

The atonement has several key theological implications. First, it underscores the holiness and justice of God, who cannot overlook sin but requires a satisfactory payment for it. Second, it highlights the love and mercy of God, who provides His own Son as the means of reconciliation. John 3:16 encapsulates this truth: "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."

Furthermore, the atonement is the foundation for the believer's justification, sanctification, and eventual glorification. Through Christ's atoning work, believers are declared righteous before God, set apart for His purposes, and assured of eternal life. The Apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:24 , "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His stripes you are healed."

Conclusion

The atonement is a profound mystery and a cornerstone of Christian faith, encapsulating the depth of human sin and the greater depth of divine love. It calls believers to a life of gratitude, obedience, and worship, as they live in the light of the redemption secured by Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 20:28
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 20:28
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 2:6
Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 9:12
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 5:9
And they sung a new song, saying, You are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

3083. lutron -- a ransom
... ransom. From luo; something to loosen with, ie A redemption price (figuratively,
atonement) -- ransom. see GREEK luo. (lutron) -- 2 Occurrences. 3082, 3083. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3083.htm - 7k

Library

Particular Redemption
... teach the same redemption. We differ as to the nature of atonement, and
as to the design of redemption. For instance, the Arminian ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/particular redemption.htm

Atonement.
... I will first quote a few passages to show that the atonement and redemption through
it, was a matter of understanding and covenant between the Father and Son. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xxv atonement.htm

Redemption
... The immense significance of these truths in regard to our redemption is this, that
a separate individuality cannot be ... Here is the heart of the Atonement. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beibitz/gloria crucis/vi redemption.htm

Plenteous Redemption
... Your troubles are almost unutterable; but this atonement is quite unutterable. Your
needs you can scarce tell; but this redemption I know you cannot tell. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/plenteous redemption.htm

Redemption through Blood, the Gracious Forgiveness of Sins
... No scanty grace could have provided an atonement equal to your iniquities. ... of grace
were wanted, and riches of grace were forthcoming in redemption by blood ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/redemption through blood the gracious.htm

Whether Christ's Passion Brought About Our Salvation by Way of ...
... For the atonement by which one satisfies for self or another is called the price,
by which he ransoms ... And therefore Christ's Passion is called our redemption. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs passion brought about 3.htm

The Blood of the Covenant
... an atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the ...
of a new covenant, that a death having taken place for the redemption of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/chapter ix the blood of.htm

Redemption (Continued)
... GLORIA CRUCIS VII REDEMPTION (CONTINUED ... The doctrine of the Atonement is incomplete,
it is irrational, until it is completed by the doctrine of the Spirit, the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beibitz/gloria crucis/vii redemption continued.htm

The Mission of the Son of Man
... I cannot therefore imagine, since Jesus Christ was the Son of God, that in his
atonement and redemption, his real intention and desire can in any way be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the mission of the son.htm

Confession of the Free-Will Baptists. AD 1834, 1868.
... Though Christ's atonement is the foundation of the sinner's redemption, yet without
repentance and faith it can never give him justification and peace with God ...
/.../confession of the free-will baptists.htm