Atonement

Summary

Atonement is how a holy God and sinful people are reconciled — how the breach caused by sin is covered and the relationship restored. At its heart stands sacrifice: life given in place of life. The whole sacrificial system pointed forward to one final offering. Atonement is not God being talked out of anger but God himself providing the way back to himself.

In the Old Testament

On the Day of Atonement the high priest brought blood into the Most Holy Place and laid Israel's sins on a scapegoat sent into the wilderness. 'On this day atonement shall be made for you, to cleanse you.' Yet repeated yearly, it could never finally take sin away.

In the New Testament

Isaiah foresaw a servant 'pierced for our transgressions.' Jesus is that offering: he entered the true sanctuary 'by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.' He is the propitiation for our sins — and not for ours only, but for the whole world.

Common Misconception

Some recoil at the cross as if an angry Father punished an innocent Son. But Father and Son act in one purpose of love: God in Christ reconciling the world to himself. The cross is not love overpowering justice but love satisfying justice.

Application

You do not need to add to Christ's sacrifice or atone for yourself by guilt and good works. It is finished. Come to God through the blood of Jesus with confidence, cleansed, and let a settled conscience free you to love.

Key Passages