The atonement is a central doctrine in Christian theology, representing the reconciliation between God and humanity accomplished through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This profound act of divine love and justice is a cause for great praise among the saints, who recognize the atonement as the foundation of their salvation and relationship with God.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of atonement is deeply rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system, where offerings were made to atone for the sins of the people. 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 foreshadows the ultimate atonement made by Christ, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins.

In the New Testament, the atonement is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:25 declares, "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." This passage highlights the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice, satisfying the demands of God's justice while extending mercy to sinners.

Saints' Praise for the Atonement

The saints, those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, are called to praise God for the atonement. This praise is both a response to the grace received and an acknowledgment of the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. Ephesians 1:7 states, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." The realization of such grace compels the saints to worship and glorify God.

The book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the saints' praise for the atonement. Revelation 5:9-10 records the song of the redeemed: "And they sang a new song: 'Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.'" This passage illustrates the global and eternal impact of the atonement, as well as the saints' response of worship.

Theological Significance

The atonement is not merely a historical event but a living reality that continues to inspire praise among the saints. It is the means by which believers are justified, sanctified, and ultimately glorified. Hebrews 10:10 affirms, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." The atonement assures the saints of their standing before God, providing peace and confidence in their salvation.

Furthermore, the atonement is a demonstration of God's love and justice, as seen in Romans 5:8 : "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This love, manifested through the atonement, elicits a response of gratitude and praise from the saints, who recognize the depth of God's commitment to their redemption.

Practical Implications

The atonement has profound implications for the life of the believer. It calls the saints to live in a manner worthy of the sacrifice made on their behalf, as expressed in 1 Peter 1:18-19 : "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 awareness motivates the saints to pursue holiness and to offer their lives as a living sacrifice in response to the atonement.

In summary, the atonement is a central tenet of the Christian faith, prompting the saints to praise God for His immeasurable grace and mercy. Through the atonement, believers are reconciled to God, empowered to live transformed lives, and assured of their eternal inheritance.Revelation 5:9-13
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

Christ's Humility Our Salvation.
... Christ, as God, as man, as the atonement, as the ... and envying, that is often found
even among God's saints? ... Let us praise God for it; the Holy Spirit means this ...
/.../murray/the masters indwelling/vii christs humility our salvation.htm

The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... 5:16. HYMN 38 PART 1 The atonement of Christ. Rom. ... 2 Tim. 1:9,10. HYMN 138 Saints
in the hands of Christ Jn. ... HYMN 1 A song of praise to God from Great Britain. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/

Index of First Lines.
... heavenly King, 298 Christ has for sin atonement made, 199 ... hear, 42 How firm a foundation,
ye saints, 369 How ... thy Spirit from on high, 464 Praise God from whom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/index of first lines.htm

The Lamb of God in Scripture
... of the lamb has whitened all the saints who are ... and you may at once begin to praise
the name ... the Incarnate God, the bleeding Lamb, the full atonement paid, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the lamb of god in.htm

Sundry Exhortations.
... Though the atonement of the Cross is Christ's, and cannot ... let us offer a sacrifice
of praise."[412] The ... and contributing[413] to the necessities of the saints. ...
/.../chapter xvi sundry exhortations.htm

Andover Orthodox Creed.
... alone, by his sufferings and death, has made atonement for the ... raised up to glory,
and that the saints will be ... rage of wicked men and devils to praise him; and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/andover orthodox creed.htm

The Glory of the Trinity
All Saints' Day and Other Sermons. ... freely forgiven us; that God the Son is our Atonement,
our Redeemer ... join our feeble praises to that hymn of praise which goes ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xvi the glory of.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Salvation
... us say that the only limitation in the Atonement we have ... to glorify Christ, to vivify
the elect, to edify the saints. ... Praise God from whom all blessings flow,. ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter four the sovereignty of.htm

Songs of Deliverance
... the righteousness of God satisfied by the atonement of Christ ... The Lord prizes his
saints above all the world ... of ordinances, and so rehearse the praise of God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 13 1867/songs of deliverance.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... It is admitted that the doctrines of atonement and forgiveness ... That we should be
to the praise of his glory ... the inspired writers, to address the saints as the ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm

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Atonement: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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