The topic of atonement is often met with controversy. It is an Old Testament term typically translated in the New Testament as reconciliation; to make amends for sins that separate people from God.
God had prescribed for the children of Israel to set aside the tenth day of the seventh month to serve as the Day of Atonement. On that day they would afflict their soul by fasting, confessing sins, and repenting to make amends with God, and reconcile their standing with God. Messiah Jesus, however, became our atonement! So, we receive the grace of His redemption by receiving His atonement.
RELEVANCE
One reason God used animal sacrifices to atone for sin was to illustrate how much sin grieved Him. He hoped to grab at, and pierce the heart of man through an awful act of killing an innocent animal. That’s why He related through David:
You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand—you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings…I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart (Psalm 40:6-8 NLT).
David allowed his heart to be pierced and turn from his sins. That’s what repentance is; a turning from sinful ways and turning back to God’s righteous ways. The only problem is, a perfect holy God can only be fully satisfied with a perfect sacrifice for sin. Hence He required such a sacrifice. But the only way mankind could provide such a perfect sacrifice was through a representative human sacrifice. Reality is, none other than God’s own Son could be that sacrifice; being fully God and fully man.
The LORD’s atonement, therefore, settled God’s issue with mankind forever! He has wiped away all the spiritual requirements for righteousness that were—and could ever be—set against us. So, in union with Him we are set free from all traces of guilt and condemnation and given the gift of the Holy Spirit to walk in that freedom!
REFLECT AND RELATE
Have you received the blood of Christ to atone for your sins and accept the fact that you are fully discharged from guilt and condemnation? Have you received the liberty of the Holy Spirit to walk in the freedom of the new life in Christ?
REFERENCES
Psalm 119:57-176; Romans 1:1-6:23