Topical Bible: The Atonement was Voluntary

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the voluntary nature of the atonement is central to Christian theology, emphasizing that Jesus Christ willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. This voluntary act is seen as a demonstration of divine love and obedience to the will of God the Father.

Biblical Foundation

The voluntary nature of Christ's atonement is rooted in several key scriptural passages. In the Gospel of John, Jesus explicitly states His willingness to lay down His life: "No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father" (John 10:18). This verse underscores the autonomy and intentionality of Jesus in His sacrificial act.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus' prayer further illustrates His voluntary submission to the Father's will: "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). Here, Jesus expresses His human desire to avoid suffering but ultimately chooses to align His will with that of the Father, highlighting His voluntary commitment to the atonement.

Theological Significance

The voluntary nature of the atonement is significant in understanding the character of Christ and the nature of His sacrifice. It reflects His obedience and love, as described in Philippians 2:7-8: "He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" . This passage emphasizes that Jesus' humility and obedience were self-chosen, underscoring the voluntary aspect of His atoning work.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

The voluntary nature of the atonement is also foreshadowed in the Old Testament sacrificial system. The offerings made by the Israelites were to be given willingly, as seen in Leviticus 1:3: "If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male; he must present it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, so that he may be accepted by the LORD" . This requirement for a willing offering prefigures Christ's own willing sacrifice.

Christ's Love and Sacrifice

The voluntary nature of the atonement is a profound expression of Christ's love for humanity. In Romans 5:8, Paul writes, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" . This act of love was not coerced but freely given, demonstrating the depth of Christ's commitment to redeeming humanity.

Implications for Believers

For believers, the voluntary nature of Christ's atonement serves as a model for Christian living. It calls Christians to willingly offer themselves in service to God and others, as Paul exhorts in Romans 12:1: "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship" . The voluntary sacrifice of Christ inspires believers to live lives marked by love, obedience, and self-giving.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 40:6-8
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire; my ears have you opened: burnt offering and sin offering have you not required.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 10:5-9
Why when he comes into the world, he said, Sacrifice and offering you would not, but a body have you prepared me:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 10:11,15,17,18
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

3521. nesteia -- fasting, a fast
... fasting. From nesteuo; abstinence (from lack of food, or voluntary and religious);
specially, the fast of the Day of Atonement -- fast(-ing). see GREEK nesteuo. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3521.htm - 6k

Library

Voluntary Suffering
... But His compliance was, likewise, voluntary, for He gave Himself up freely to suffer,
the ... He knew that no blood but His own could make atonement for sin, that ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xviii voluntary suffering.htm

The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement
... This title, therefore, The Lamb of God, refers to His voluntary substitution for
sinners, that ... This is what I understand by atonement and satisfaction for sin. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xvi the lamb of.htm

Extent of Atonement.
... exercise this self-denial; and as it was by his own voluntary consent, no injustice
was done to any one. (2.) If he had no right to make an atonement, he had ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxvi extent of atonement.htm

Orthodox Creeds.
... or instinct, which is regarded as back of our voluntary exercises, and the source
of them. "All the Orthodox believe in the doctrine of atonement; but all do ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/orthodox creeds.htm

Baptists.
... a state of holiness, under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression
fell ... sin; honored the law by his personal obedience, and made atonement for our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/baptists.htm

The New Hampshire Baptist Confession. AD 1833.
... in holiness, under the law of his Maker; [2074] but by voluntary transgression fell ...
personal obedience, [2083] and by his death made a full atonement for our ...
/.../the new hampshire baptist confession.htm

Suffering the Birth-Pains of a New Life.
... There is no cross in God's plan of atonement. ... He had said it was purely voluntary
on His part, and the record plainly shows that it was. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/suffering the birth-pains of a.htm

The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy
... offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will, at ... of
the burnt-offering; and it shall be accepted for him, to make atonement for him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the burnt offering a picture.htm

The Servant's Obedience
... us. The combination of holiness and sorrow leads on to the mystery of
atonement. The ... sons. THE SERVANT'S VOLUNTARY SUFFERINGS. 'I ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the servants obedience.htm

The Consensus and Dissensus of Creeds.
... 5. The mediatorial work of Christ, or the atonement. ... Here is the root of the ascetic
and monastic system (vota monastica: voluntary obedience, poverty, and ...
/.../ 115 the consensus and.htm