Atonement

ATONEMENT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 5:11

"And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."

Supporting Texts:

Leviticus 17:11, Isaiah 53:5-6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 9:12-14, 1 John 2:2

INTRODUCTION

Atonement is a central theme in the Bible, referring to the reconciliation between God and humanity through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. Sin separated man from God, but atonement provided a way for that broken relationship to be restored. From the Old Testament sacrifices to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, atonement reveals God's plan for redemption.

The concept of atonement is deeply rooted in God's justice and mercy. Because of sin, justice demanded punishment, but mercy provided a substitute. In the Old Testament, the blood of animals temporarily covered sins, but in the New Testament, Christ became the perfect and final sacrifice, fully paying for sin and granting believers complete forgiveness.

Understanding atonement helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and the cost of our salvation. It reminds us that salvation is not earned but received through faith in Christ. In this study, we will explore the meaning, necessity, process, and benefits of atonement.

1. THE MEANING OF ATONEMENT

a) Atonement is reconciliation between God and man (Romans 5:10-11)

Through Christ, our broken relationship with God is restored.

b) It involves the payment for sin (Hebrews 9:22)

Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.

c) Jesus' death was the ultimate atonement (1 John 2:2)

He became the propitiation for our sins and for the whole world.

d) Atonement removes guilt and grants righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Christ took our sin and gave us His righteousness.

e) Biblical Example: The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:30-34)

The High Priest offered sacrifices once a year to cleanse Israel from sin.

2. THE NECESSITY OF ATONEMENT

a) Sin created separation from God (Isaiah 59:2)

Man's rebellion against God led to spiritual death.

b) God's holiness demands justice (Habakkuk 1:13)

He cannot overlook sin without a payment.

c) Man is incapable of saving himself (Romans 3:23-24)

All have sinned and need redemption through grace.

d) Only the blood of Jesus could fully cleanse sin (Hebrews 10:4-10)

Animal sacrifices were temporary, but Christ’s sacrifice is eternal.

e) Biblical Example: The Passover Lamb (Exodus 12:13)

The blood of the lamb spared Israel from destruction, foreshadowing Christ.

3. THE PROCESS OF ATONEMENT

a) Jesus took our place as the sacrificial Lamb (John 1:29)

He bore the punishment that we deserved.

b) His blood was shed for our cleansing (1 Peter 1:18-19)

We are redeemed by His precious blood.

c) His resurrection confirmed the atonement (Romans 4:25)

Christ’s victory over death secured our justification.

d) Atonement is received by faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9)

We are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone.

e) Biblical Example: The Bronze Serpent (Numbers 21:8-9)

Those who looked at the serpent were healed, just as faith in Christ brings salvation.

4. THE BENEFITS OF ATONEMENT

a) Forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:14)

Through His blood, we have redemption and forgiveness.

b) Justification before God (Romans 5:1)

We are declared righteous because of Christ.

c) Access to God's presence (Hebrews 10:19-22)

The veil is torn, and we can approach God with confidence.

d) Eternal life through Christ (John 3:16)

His atonement secures our place in God’s kingdom.

e) Biblical Example: The Reconciliation of Peter (John 21:15-17)

After denying Jesus, Peter was restored and commissioned for ministry.

CONCLUSION

Atonement is the heart of the Gospel. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God provided a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him. It was not our goodness that saved us, but His grace and mercy. Without atonement, we would remain in sin, but through it, we have been made right with God.

As recipients of this atonement, we must live in gratitude and obedience. We should share this message with others, inviting them to receive the forgiveness Christ offers. Let us always remember the price that was paid for our salvation and walk in the freedom that atonement brings.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Thank You, Lord, for the atonement through the blood of Jesus.

2. Father, cleanse me from every sin and make me righteous before You.

3. Lord, help me to live in the reality of my redemption and justification.

4. Let the power of the atonement break every yoke of sin in my life.

5. Use me to share the message of salvation with those who are lost.