Introduction to The Atonement

What is Atonement?

Definition of Atonement

Lexham Theological Wordbook Atonement

The term atonement expresses the notion of divine forgiveness as the removal or covering over of human guilt and the turning away of God’s wrath.

When we think of atonement it assumes some things like:

There Is a God or at least a victim who has been wronged

The wrong was so grievous that it alienates both parties

There has to be a “go between” or a mediator

The state of a person’s heart will not allow them to atone for their own sin.

That there is a way to “fix” the problem or atone for the offense

Ways to Atone In The Old Testament

-Money (Exodus 30:14-16)

-Prayer (Exodus 32:30-33)

-Scapegoat (Lev. 16:10)

-Incense (Numbers 16:46-47)

-Death

How long did the sacrifice cover the sins of Israel?

The sins of Israel would be cover for a year or until the next Day of Atonement.

The Death of Jesus Changed The System!

How did the death of Jesus change the atonement system?

a. Once and for all

b. No more blood sacrifices

c. The mediator is a person not an animal