Atonement is defined as reparation for a wrong or injury. In the religious context, it means reparation or repentance for sin. Atonement is the procedure by which people remove hindrances to their reconciliation with God.
“The term atonement developed in the English language in the 16th century by the combination of “at onement,” meaning to “set at one” or “to reconcile.” It was used in the various English translations of the Bible, including the King James Version (1611), to convey the idea of reconciliation and expiation, and it has been a favorite way for Christians to speak about the saving significance attributed to the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Various theories of the meaning of the Atonement of Christ have arisen: satisfaction for the sins of the world; redemption from the Devil or from the wrath of God; a saving example of true, suffering love; the prime illustration of divine mercy; and a divine victory over the forces of evil. In Christian orthodoxy, there is no remission of sin without “the shedding of [Christ’s] blood” (Hebrews 9:26).” (Writer, n.d.)
John 3:16-17 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” We call this concept “substitutionary atonement.” Christ died in our place as our substitute to atone for our sins. This allows us to have a proper relationship with a holy God.
Unfortunately, many people think they will be accepted into heaven just because they go to church, do good deeds, and behave. Romans 3 reminds us that we all sin and fall short of what God wants for us. Many do not accept that Romans 6 tells us that someone has to die for our sins. Hebrews 9 states that there has to be the shedding of blood, or there will be no forgiveness. In First Corinthians, Paul tells us that Jesus died for our sins “according to scriptures.” Paul was referring to all of the Old Testament Scriptures that talked about God providing a Savior who would pay the ultimate penalty for sins. Paul was not referring to any one particular verse or scripture.
Paul wanted everyone to understand that “substitutionary atonement” was the central theme and extremely important to our understanding of the death of Jesus and what was truly involved in the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Paul starts in Romans by saying, “For while we were still helpless, Christ died for the ungodly at the right time. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; perhaps for the good man, someone would dare even die. But God demonstrates His love toward us while we were yet sinners.” Paul continues in Second Corinthians 5, “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, therefore all died.” And then “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” These two verses are obviously telling us that Jesus died for us and that Jesus paid the penalty in our place. Paul is telling us that we are sinners. Nothing will save us without God’s condemnation. The penalty is death. In Galatians 1 and 3, Paul writes, “The Lord Jesus Christ is the One who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. He gave Himself for our sins; He paid the penalty and provided Atonement.” “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law.” How did He do it? By “having become a curse for us, because it is written, cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.” He came under the condemnation of sin. He accepted the curse and took the judgment that was due us by paying our penalty.
Why is Atonement important to us. The Atonement is the cost Jesus paid to help us repent our sins, overcome adversity, and accept death. We atone by accepting Christ’s sacrifice and placing our faith in Him. With our faith, we repent of our sins, are baptized, believe and receive the Holy Ghost, and obey God’s commandments. Our Atonement helps us to be forgiven and cleansed from sin. It prepares us to return and live forever with our Heavenly Father. Atonement is essential because the atoning death of God’s Son was the only way to bring salvation to humanity. The Christian Day of Atonement comes from the Jewish Holy Day Yom Kippur. The day is recognized with a 25-hour fast by Jews, but usually a 24-hour fast by Christians who observe it.
The simple reason for Atonement, in a nutshell, is Christ died for us to take the burden of our sins.
Writer, S. (n.d.). Britannica. Retrieved from Atonement: https://www.britannica.com/topic/atonement-religion