Topical Bible: Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Ransoming

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In the context of the Old Testament, the concept of atonement is deeply intertwined with the idea of ransoming, a process by which reconciliation between God and humanity is achieved. The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites, established a sacrificial system that underscored the necessity of atonement for the forgiveness of sins and the restoration of fellowship with God.

Atonement in the Mosaic Law

The Hebrew term for atonement, "kaphar," carries the meaning of covering or purging. Under the Law, atonement was primarily achieved through the offering of sacrifices. These sacrifices served as a ransom, a means by which the people of Israel could be redeemed from the consequences of their sins. The sacrificial system was a foreshadowing of the ultimate atonement that would be accomplished through Jesus Christ.

Ransoming Through Sacrifices

The Book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions on various offerings, including burnt offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, each serving a specific purpose in the atonement process. 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 highlights the significance of blood in the atonement process, symbolizing the life given in exchange for the sinner's life.

The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, was the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar, during which the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the nation. Leviticus 16 outlines the elaborate rituals performed, including the sacrifice of a bull and a goat, and the release of a scapegoat, symbolically carrying the sins of the people into the wilderness.

The Role of Atonement in Ransoming

Atonement under the Law was necessary for ransoming the people from the penalty of sin, which is death. The sacrificial system served as a temporary measure, pointing to the need for a more perfect and lasting atonement. The concept of ransoming is further illustrated in Exodus 30:12 , where a ransom is required for each Israelite during a census to prevent a plague: "When you take a census of the Israelites to number them, each man must pay a ransom for his life to the LORD when he is counted, so that no plague will come upon them when they are numbered."

Fulfillment in Christ

The New Testament reveals that the sacrificial system was a shadow of the good things to come, with Christ being the ultimate fulfillment of the Law's requirements. Hebrews 9:12 declares, "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." Jesus Christ, through His sacrificial death, provided the perfect atonement, ransoming humanity from sin and reconciling believers to God.

In summary, under the Mosaic Law, atonement was necessary for ransoming the people of Israel from the consequences of sin. The sacrificial system established by the Law served as a temporary measure, pointing to the ultimate atonement accomplished by Jesus Christ, who provided eternal redemption through His blood.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 30:15,16
The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering to the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 33:24
Then he is gracious to him, and said, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Epistles of St. Paul
... work of Christ and an objective atonement " a katallage in ... is an ambiguous expression,
and it is necessary to be ... 7:4), or that we are not under law but under ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/denney/the death of christ/chapter 3 the epistles of.htm

The Earliest Christian Preaching
... Not that one would include under this head the ... be fulfilled which were written in
the law of Moses ... doctrine with some definite teaching of atonement; but when ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 2 the earliest christian.htm

The Synoptic Gospels
... and act of Jesus, the work of atonement was begun ... Jesus takes the start of them,
apparently under some overpowering ... That is the law for all, even for the highest ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 1 the synoptic gospels.htm