Bible Daily

The Profound Impact of Atonement in Christian Faith

Atonement is a cornerstone of Christian theology, deeply rooted in the narrative of God's love and mercy towards humanity. It's not merely an abstract concept but a divine act that restores the broken relationship between God and man due to sin.

The Essence of Atonement

Atonement, at its core, is an expression of God's immense love for us:

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4-6).

This act of love was necessary because humanity, through sin, had lost the intimate fellowship with God that was present in Eden. Atonement addresses this universal problem by providing a way for reconciliation:

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15).

This verse from Genesis, often referred to as the "protoevangelium," foretells the coming of a Savior who would atone for humanity's sin.

What Does Atonement Mean?

From a secular perspective, atonement might be understood as an act of making amends for wrongdoing. However, in the biblical context, it goes far beyond this:

  • Atonement in the Old Testament: The Law and the prophets lay the groundwork for understanding atonement, culminating in Christ's sacrificial death.

  • Atonement in the New Testament: It's described as:

    “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

The Atonement's Purpose

The atonement serves several critical purposes:

  1. Freedom:

    “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).

  2. Peace:

    “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

  3. Redemption and Forgiveness:

    “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

Substitutionary Atonement

Substitutionary atonement involves Christ taking our place, bearing our punishment:

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Bible Verses on Atonement

The Bible provides numerous verses that highlight the atonement:

  • Isaiah 53:5: "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."

  • Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

  • Romans 5:11: "Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

What Atonement Means for Believers Today

Atonement empowers believers to approach God confidently:

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

This divine act of atonement not only reconciles us to God but also provides the foundation for our faith, offering mercy, grace, and the assurance of eternal life.

In the words of William R. Newell:

Mercy there was great, and grace was free; Pardon there was multiplied to me; There my burdened soul found liberty, At Calvary!