The Atonement of Christ

Introduction

The atonement of Christ is one of the most important doctrines in Christianity, and yet it is also one of the least understood. It is a complex theological topic that has been debated and discussed for centuries, and it is still one of the most contested doctrines in the church today. In this sermon, we will explore what the Bible has to say about the atonement of Christ and how it applies to our lives today. We will look at the various theories of atonement, why it is necessary, and how it brings about reconciliation between God and humanity.

The Nature of the Atonement

The atonement of Christ refers to the act of God in reconciling humanity to Himself through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Theologian Millard Erickson explains the atonement in that God has provided a way of satisfying the demands of his justice and yet not compromising his mercy and love. This is what is known as the atonement.[1] This act of atonement is a central part of Christian faith and has been a point of emphasis in the church for centuries.

The Bible speaks of the atonement in several ways. In Romans 5:10-11, Paul writes, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”[2] Here, Paul speaks of Christ’s death as an act of reconciliation, whereby God and humanity are brought back into harmony with one another.

The death of Jesus Christ is also spoken of in terms of a substitutionary sacrifice. In Isaiah 53:4-6, it says “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”[3] Here, it is clear that Christ’s death was a substitutionary sacrifice, whereby he takes upon himself the punishment for the sins of humanity.

The Necessity of the Atonement

The atonement of Christ was a necessary act in order to reconcile humanity to God. The Bible speaks of the need for a perfect sacrifice in order to atone for the sins of humanity. In Leviticus 17:11, it says “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.”[4] This passage speaks of the need for a perfect sacrifice to make atonement for humanity’s sins. The only perfect sacrifice that could be offered was that of Jesus Christ.

The atonement of Christ also serves to satisfy the justice of God. The Bible speaks of God as a holy and just God who must punish sin. In Romans 3:23-26, it says “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”[5] Here, Paul speaks of Christ’s death as a propitiation, or a satisfaction of God’s justice. The death of Jesus Christ was the only way to satisfy the demands of God’s justice and yet still offer mercy and love to humanity.

The Results of the Atonement

The atonement of Christ has several major results. The first is that it brings about reconciliation between God and humanity. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”[6] Here, Paul speaks of the atonement as a means of reconciliation between God and humanity. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God has made it possible for us to be reconciled to Him.

The atonement also brings about redemption and forgiveness. In Ephesians 1:7, it says “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”[7] Here, Paul speaks of the atonement as a means of redemption and forgiveness. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have been redeemed from our sins and can now receive forgiveness from God.

Conclusion

The atonement of Christ is one of the most important doctrines in Christianity. It is a complex and often contested doctrine, but it is essential to understand in order to properly understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. The atonement is the act of God in reconciling humanity to Himself through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is necessary in order to satisfy the demands of God’s justice and to bring about reconciliation, redemption, and forgiveness. As we reflect on the atonement of Christ, may we be filled with gratitude for what God has done for us and may our lives be transformed as we follow Him.

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1. Millard Erickson, Christian Theology (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013), 715.

2. Romans 5:10-11, ESV.

3. Isaiah 53:4-6, ESV.

4. Leviticus 17:11, ESV.

5. Romans 3:23-26, ESV.

6. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, ESV.

7. Ephesians 1:7, ESV.