Atonement
Introduction
(Leviticus 16; Hebrews 9:22–28)
The word “atonement” speaks of reconciliation between God and man.
In Scripture, it always involves blood, sacrifice, and the removal
of sin. Today, we will study the meaning of atonement, its
foundation in the Old Testament, and its fulfillment in Christ.
The Day of
Atonement Under the Law (Leviticus 16; Leviticus 23)
To understand atonement in the New Testament, we first look at its
Old Testament foundation. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, was the
most solemn day of the Jewish calendar. It was a day of humility,
fasting, and sacrifice.
On that day, the
high priest bathed, dressed in white linen, and offered a young bull
for his own sins. Then he offered two goats for the sins of the
people. One was slain, its blood sprinkled before the mercy seat,
symbolizing sacrifice. The other became the scapegoat, over which
sins were confessed before it was sent into the wilderness,
symbolizing removal.
These ceremonies
reminded Israel of sin’s seriousness, the necessity of blood, and
the costliness of forgiveness. Yet the sacrifices had to be repeated
every year, proving that the blood of bulls and goats could never
fully remove sin (Hebrews 10:1–4).
The
Fulfillment in Christ (Hebrews 9:23–28; 10:1–4)
The sacrifices of the law were shadows. Christ is the reality. He
entered not into an earthly tabernacle but into heaven itself,
offering Himself once for all. Unlike animals who died
involuntarily, Jesus laid down His life willingly (John 10:17–18).
Unlike imperfect priests, He was sinless and needed no sacrifice for
Himself.
Jesus was both
the slain goat and the scapegoat. He shed His blood for our
forgiveness and bore our sins away, never to be remembered again.
His sacrifice was voluntary, substitutionary, and sufficient for
all.
The Meaning
of Atonement for Us (Romans 3:25; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24)
Through Christ’s atonement, we receive reconciliation—we are brought
back into fellowship with God. We are redeemed—purchased by His
blood. We are justified—declared innocent through His sacrifice. We
are healed—our sins borne by Him on the cross.
The atonement of
Christ is universal in provision, offered to all mankind. Yet it
becomes effective only for those who obey Him in faith. Forgiveness,
redemption, and salvation are received by those who believe, repent,
and are baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38).
Atonement
and the Shedding of Blood (Hebrews 9:22)
The law declared that without the shedding of blood there is no
forgiveness. The sacrificial system taught Israel that sin is
deadly, costly, and destructive. The life is in the blood, and so
blood must be shed to cover sin. Christ’s blood, shed on Calvary,
accomplished what animal sacrifices never could—complete removal of
sin and eternal reconciliation with God.
Atonement Sermon Outline:
-
Introduction (Leviticus 16; Hebrews 9:22–28)
-
The Day
of Atonement Under the Law (Leviticus 16; 23)
-
Solemn
day of sacrifice and confession
-
High
priest’s offerings: bull, goats, ram
-
The
slain goat for sacrifice; scapegoat for removal of sin
-
Annual
repetition showed animal blood could not remove sin
-
The
Fulfillment in Christ (Hebrews 9:23–28; 10:1–4)
-
Christ
entered heaven itself with His blood
-
His
sacrifice was voluntary (John 10:17–18)
-
His
death was substitutionary (2 Corinthians 5:21)
-
He was
both slain goat and scapegoat, sufficient once for all
-
The
Meaning of Atonement for Us (Romans 3:25; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1
Peter 2:24)
-
Reconciliation—restored fellowship with God
-
Redemption—purchased by His blood
-
Justification—declared innocent
-
Healing—sins borne on the cross
-
Universal provision, but effective only for those who obey
in faith
-
Atonement and the Shedding of Blood (Hebrews 9:22)
-
Life is
in the blood—blood necessary for forgiveness
-
Sacrificial system taught sin’s seriousness
-
Christ’s
blood fully atones for sin once for all
Call to
Action
Atonement is not merely a doctrine to study, but a reality to
accept. Jesus shed His blood so that you could be reconciled,
redeemed, and justified. His atonement is offered to all but is
effective only for those who obey. Will you accept His sacrifice by
faith, repent, and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins? The
invitation is open to you today.
Key
Takeaways
-
The Day of
Atonement pointed forward to Christ (Leviticus 16; Hebrews
10:1–4).
-
Without the
shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22).
-
Jesus
willingly laid down His life as our substitute (John 10:17–18; 2
Corinthians 5:21).
-
His
atonement provides reconciliation, redemption, justification,
and healing (Romans 3:25; 1 Peter 2:24).
-
Christ’s
sacrifice is sufficient for all but effective only for the
obedient in faith (Acts 2:38).
Scripture
Reference List
-
Leviticus
16; 23 – The Day of Atonement described.
-
Hebrews
9:22–28 – Christ’s superior sacrifice.
-
Hebrews
10:1–4 – Animal sacrifices could not take away sin.
-
John
10:17–18 – Jesus voluntarily laid down His life.
-
2
Corinthians 5:21 – Christ became sin for us.
-
1
Corinthians 15:3 – Christ died for our sins according to the
Scriptures.
-
1 Peter 2:24
– He bore our sins in His body on the cross.
-
Romans 3:25
– God set forth Jesus as a propitiation.
-
Acts 2:38 –
Forgiveness of sins through obedience to the gospel.
Prepared by
Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
|
The
church of Christ
