What Is Atonement in the Bible?
What Is Atonement in the Bible? Atonement is the work of Christ on the cross by which He satisfied God's justice and reconciled sinners to God.
Key verse: Romans 5:11 (KJV)
Atonement is the work of Christ on the cross by which He satisfied God's justice and reconciled sinners to God.
Atonement is the work of Christ on the cross by which He satisfied God's justice and reconciled sinners to God.
"By whom we have now received the atonement." — Romans 5:11 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The word 'atonement' literally means 'at-one-ment' — bringing two estranged parties together. In the Old Testament, atonement was made through the blood of sacrificial animals, especially on the annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). But those sacrifices could never take away sin permanently; they pointed forward to a greater sacrifice. The Lord Jesus Christ made the full and final atonement when He shed His blood on the cross. His death paid the penalty for sin, satisfied the righteous wrath of God, and opened the way for sinners to be forgiven and brought near. 'Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures' (1 Corinthians 15:3). The atonement is the very heart of the gospel.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"By whom we have now received the atonement."
"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls."
"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Propitiation?
Propitiation is the satisfaction of God's wrath against sin through Christ's sacrificial death.
What Is Redemption in the Bible?
Redemption is God's act of buying back sinners from the bondage of sin through the precious blood of Christ.
What Is Reconciliation in the Bible?
Reconciliation is the restoration of friendship between God and sinners through the death of Christ.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Jesus Paid It All
Elvina M. Hall • 1865
Nothing But the Blood of Jesus
Robert Lowry • 1876
2 Corinthians 5:21 Commentary
In-depth study • Salvation & Gospel
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Can God Forgive Any Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Can You Lose Your Salvation?
Sin & Salvation
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Romans. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Romans on day 334 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is Atonement in the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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