What is atonement?
Quick Answer
Atonement is the reconciliation of God and humanity through Christ's sacrificial death, which satisfied divine justice and removed the barrier of sin between us and God.
Understanding Atonement
Atonement refers to the means by which the broken relationship between God and humanity is restored. The English word 'atonement' can be understood as 'at-one-ment' - the bringing together of parties that were estranged. Sin created an infinite gulf between holy God and sinful humanity. God's justice demanded that sin's penalty be paid; His love desired that sinners be saved. In Christ's death, both were satisfied. Jesus bore the punishment our sins deserved (penal substitution), satisfied God's righteous wrath against sin (propitiation), covered and removed our sins (expiation), and reconciled us to God. The cross is the meeting place where God's justice and mercy embrace. Christ's atoning work is sufficient for all humanity but effective for those who believe.
In the Old Testament
The Old Testament sacrificial system established the principle that 'without shedding of blood is no remission' (Hebrews 9:22). The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was the most solemn day in Israel's calendar, when the high priest entered the Holy of Holies with sacrificial blood to make atonement for the nation's sins. The Hebrew word 'kippur' means to cover or wipe clean. Two goats were used - one sacrificed for sin, the other (the scapegoat) sent into the wilderness symbolically carrying away the people's sins. These sacrifices were shadows pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
In the New Testament
The New Testament presents Christ as the fulfillment of all Old Testament sacrifices. He is both the perfect High Priest and the perfect Sacrifice (Hebrews 9-10). His death was not an accident but the predetermined plan of God for salvation (Acts 2:23). The cross accomplished what animal sacrifices could only picture - the actual removal of sin and reconciliation with God. Jesus' atoning work was 'once for all' - never to be repeated (Hebrews 10:10). The Lord's Supper continually reminds believers of this atoning sacrifice.
Key Scripture References
“And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”
Read full commentary →1 John 2:2“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
Read full commentary →Romans 3:25“Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past.”
Read full commentary →Hebrews 9:22“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”
Read full commentary →Isaiah 53:5“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
Read full commentary →2 Corinthians 5:19“God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them.”
Read full commentary →Related Concepts
Want to Learn More About Atonement?
Ask a Biblical figure directly about this concept. Get Scripture-grounded answers in their own voice.
Explore More Concepts
What is salvation?
Salvation is God's deliverance of humanity from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ, restoring our relationship with God and granting eternal life.
What is grace?
Grace is God's unmerited favor and lovingkindness toward humanity - the free gift of salvation and blessing that we could never earn or deserve.
What is faith?
Faith is complete trust and confidence in God - believing His promises, accepting His truth, and committing one's life to Him even when circumstances seem contrary.
What is justification?
Justification is God's act of declaring guilty sinners righteous based on Christ's perfect righteousness, received through faith - as if they had never sinned.
What is sanctification?
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers to become more like Christ in character and conduct, separating them from sin for holy purposes.
What is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the Christian doctrine that God eternally exists as three distinct persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - who are one in essence, equal in power and glory.