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Atonement: Reconciled to God

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By Bismark Chemhuru

The Meaning of Atonement in the Bible

Atonement is the process by which a person is reconciled to God. The concept of atonement involves the covering, forgiveness, and removal of sin, allowing a restored relationship between humanity and the Lord. The Bible provides numerous references that illustrate the necessity, means, and significance of atonement.

The Meaning of Atonement

The word "atonement" in the Bible conveys the idea of making amends for sin and restoring harmony with God. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for atonement is kaphar, meaning "to cover." This covering of sin was accomplished through sacrifices, as seen in the Levitical laws. In the New Testament, atonement is ultimately fulfilled through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

Leviticus 17:11 explains the necessity of blood in atonement: "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." (KJV) 

This verse emphasizes that atonement requires a substitutionary sacrifice, symbolizing the payment for sin.

The Means of Atonement

1. Animal Sacrifices in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, atonement was primarily achieved through the sacrificial system. God commanded the Israelites to offer specific sacrifices to cover their sins. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was a significant event where the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people.

Leviticus 16:30 states: "For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord." (KJV) 

The sacrifices, though temporary, foreshadowed a greater atonement to come.

2. The Ultimate Atonement Through Jesus Christ

The New Testament reveals that the ultimate atonement was accomplished by Jesus Christ. The animal sacrifices were insufficient to completely remove sin, but Christ's death provided the perfect and final atonement.

Hebrews 9:12 declares: "Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (KJV) 

Atonement in the BibleJesus' sacrifice was superior because He was sinless, making His blood the perfect offering. His atonement is available to all who believe in Him.

Romans 5:11 further explains: "And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement." (KJV) 

The Importance of Atonement

1. Reconciliation with God

Sin separates humanity from God, but atonement restores the broken relationship. Without atonement, mankind would remain under the judgment of sin.

Isaiah 59:2 states: "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." (KJV) 

Through atonement, believers are brought back into fellowship with God.

2. Forgiveness of Sin

Without atonement, there is no forgiveness. The blood of Jesus cleanses believers from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:7 declares: "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (KJV) 

Through atonement, sins are not merely covered but completely removed.

3. Eternal Life

Atonement through Jesus provides the promise of eternal life. Those who accept His sacrifice are saved from eternal separation from God.

John 3:16 affirms this truth: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (KJV) 

Examples of Atonement in the Bible

1. The Sacrifice of the Passover Lamb

In Exodus, the Israelites were instructed to apply the blood of a lamb to their doorposts so that the angel of death would pass over them.

Exodus 12:13 states: "And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt." (KJV) 

This foreshadowed Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb.

2. The Scapegoat on the Day of Atonement

On the Day of Atonement, a scapegoat was released into the wilderness, symbolizing the removal of sin.

Leviticus 16:10 states: "But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness." (KJV) 

Jesus became our scapegoat, bearing our sins and taking them away.

3. Jesus’ Death on the Cross

The greatest act of atonement occurred when Jesus died for the sins of the world.

Matthew 26:28 records Jesus saying: "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (KJV) 

His sacrifice replaced the Old Testament system, offering complete atonement.

Key Points:

Atonement is essential for salvation and reconciliation with God. While the Old Testament sacrifices provided temporary atonement, Jesus Christ fulfilled the law by offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. His blood cleanses all who believe in Him, granting forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life.

Hebrews 10:10 confirms this: "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (KJV) 

Through faith in Christ, believers receive the full benefits of atonement, securing their place in God’s eternal kingdom.

References

1. The Holy Bible, King James Version. 1769. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

2. Hayford J. 1980. The Bible and Atonement: A Study of the Old Testament Sacrificial System. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House.

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