Topical Encyclopedia
AtonementAtonement is a central theme in the Bible, referring to the reconciliation between God and humanity, achieved through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The concept of atonement is rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system, where the shedding of blood was necessary for the forgiveness of sins.
Leviticus 17:11 states, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life."
In the New Testament, the atonement is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 9:12 declares, "He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate sacrificial lamb, whose death on the cross satisfies the righteous requirements of God's justice, making it possible for believers to be forgiven and reconciled to God.
The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, described in
Leviticus 16, is a significant Old Testament foreshadowing of Christ's atoning work. On this day, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. This annual event pointed to the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, who, as the Great High Priest, offered Himself as the perfect and final atonement for sin.
Romans 3:25 explains, "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand." This passage highlights the propitiatory nature of Christ's sacrifice, appeasing God's wrath and allowing for the justification of those who have faith in Him.
RedemptionRedemption in the Bible refers to the act of being set free from bondage or slavery, often with the payment of a price. In the spiritual sense, redemption involves liberation from the power and penalty of sin through the work of Jesus Christ. The concept is deeply intertwined with atonement, as Christ's sacrificial death is the means by which redemption is accomplished.
The Old Testament provides a vivid picture of redemption in the account of the Exodus, where God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This historical event serves as a typological foreshadowing of the greater redemption found in Christ.
Exodus 6:6 states, "Therefore tell the Israelites: I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment."
In the New Testament, redemption is fully realized through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:7 affirms, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." This verse underscores the cost of redemption—the blood of Christ—and its result, which is the forgiveness of sins.
The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the concept of redemption in
Galatians 3:13 : "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.'" Here, Paul emphasizes that Christ's redemptive work involves bearing the curse of the law on behalf of humanity, thus freeing believers from its condemnation.
Redemption also carries an eschatological dimension, pointing to the future hope of complete deliverance from sin and its effects.
Romans 8:23 speaks of this future aspect: "And not only this, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." This passage highlights the ultimate fulfillment of redemption, which includes the resurrection and glorification of believers.
In summary, atonement and redemption are foundational doctrines in the Christian faith, intricately connected through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Atonement addresses the need for reconciliation with God through the sacrificial death of Christ, while redemption speaks to the liberation from sin and its consequences, achieved through the same sacrificial act. Together, they encapsulate the heart of the gospel message, offering hope and salvation to all who believe.
