In the Bible, what is meant by Atonement?

Atonement in the Bible means, in Hebrew: to appease, forgive, or to pardon; and in Greek: to exchange, [make possible] restoration, [provide for] reconciliation. These definitions apply to each one of us as it concerns sin and describe how through the atonement accomplished on the cross Jesus made possible peace with GOD, not only in this life, but also in the eternal life to come.

How does understanding the atonement given us by the Son of GOD bring encouragement? If you’ve wondered about this, it’s a really good question. For some of us, studying or even light reading about theology seems best reserved for scholars and such. But actually, understanding atonement is necessary concerning sin and how it is the means by which GOD can and will pardon those who ask for it. This makes it worthwhile to study it and by understanding it better, gain comfort from the position it places us within the family of GOD.

GOD’s justice requires a penalty against sin, and by sin I mean not just those acts and thoughts deemed sinful, but the hereditary sin nature in every human being. If you’re familiar with events recorded in the book of Genesis, it’s there GOD warned the first man and woman against partaking of the fruit of a particular tree, the penalty for disobedience was death. (Genesis 2:16,17)

Scientists have studied the facts of human death and have theories derived from research as to why the human body dies. Regardless of how or why the body ages and dies, and I couldn’t find any conclusive scientific evidence presented online as to why we die, I know, by faith in GOD’s Word, death is the penalty for sin.

And what is sin? Simply put, it’s any and all that’s not of GOD. That means thoughts (intents of the heart), and actions we commit. Also, besides sins of commission, there are sins of omission, when Christians don’t do what they know is required, like helping someone in need and instead turn away, indifferent to the need. Atonement for sin is payment of the penalty. Since GOD loves us and created us in the beginning for companionship, friendship actually, He provided a way for you and me to escape the death penalty. This is where Jesus intervened in human history. 

This is also where Christianity differs from all other major religions (I queried major religions here – comparativereligion.com ).

The religions of the world require human effort to earn merit and somehow hope to find salvation, however they describe it.

The Bible teaches in Ephesians 2:8, salvation is by grace through faith, and even faith to believe is not of ourselves, though we must be willing; saving faith is the gift of GOD.

Christianity, at its purest form, is not a religion at all, but is rooted in a living, vital, relationship with GOD as a father, through the life and death of His Son Jesus, and made real in us by His Spirit. Forgiveness is offered free to us, though at great cost to GOD. If you’re a Christian, when you chose to believe and placed your faith in GOD’s atoning work (when Jesus died for your sin), your adoption into GOD’S family was secured. In the relationship of father and child, you are safe. Both now and forever.

Still, GOD required a sacrifice, a blood sacrifice, for sin. Animal sacrifices in the Old Testament revealed this requirement and pointed to the Messiah, Jesus. We know in looking back how Jesus came to provide the perfect sacrifice for sin by offering His life and perfect blood, untainted by sin. His life for ours. He alone atoned for sin and it is a finished work. He said so from the cross (John 19:30). I know this may offend any Jewish people reading this and I don’t mean to offend. I’m only sharing my faith, my belief in what I’ve found written in the Bible, including Psalm 22, and Isaiah 53, which describe Jesus.

Jesus’s declaration on that cross, “It is finished” is vitally important. Why? Because, in saying it is finished He meant the payment for sin was complete. Nothing more need be paid. His death, burial and resurrection provided atonement through the punishment He received on the cross when He took on Himself the sins of the whole world. Then He proved GOD His father accepted the payment when He rose from the dead.

Christians serve a living Savior. One who loves us all, but in justice requires a ransom for our souls be paid. Though He paid the full price for our rescue from hell’s death, each person must believe this and pray accordingly, asking for GOD’s pardon founded on the Atonement of Jesus. If you’ve done this, live accordingly. Dare to fully trust you are forgiven, a beloved child of GOD.

I must conclude with a warning in all fairness: Salvation, being saved from the penalty for sin, is something each person must ask for. GOD doesn’t demand your submission, though He does require it to escape the punishment for sin. Refusing the atonement He offers is your right, but, and I say this with a heavy heart, if you choose not to believe there is an eternal punishment coming, described as a burning hell (Luke 16:22-31). To believe or not believe carries consequences. Every human soul discovers this fact and whether the Bible is true not long after our last heartbeat. 

I have studied the Bible since 1983 and believe it true, though there are parts I don’t understand. That’s where faith comes in. When I don’t understand GOD’s ways, I trust His heart. Even a casual reading of Jesus’s interactions with hurting people reveals His true heart.