Dictionary of Bible Themes Scripture stresses the seriousness and reality of human sin, and that human beings are unable to atone for their own sins. In his grace, God provides a means by which the situation can be remedied. Isaiah 59:2Atonement is necessary because of human sinfulness See also Atonement is necessary because sin cuts people off from God Isaiah 64:7Ezekiel 39:23 Habakkuk 1:13 John 9:31 Ephesians 2:1-3 See also Atonement is necessary because sin provokes God's wrath Genesis 6:5-7Exodus 32:30-35 Romans 1:18-20; 2:8 Ezekiel 18:32 God's gracious nature is the basis for atonement See also Atonement is grounded in God's reluctance to punish sinners Ezekiel 33:111 Timothy 2:1-4 2 Peter 3:9 Exodus 34:6-7 Atonement is grounded in God's readiness to forgive sin See also Psalms 145:8The punishment of subsequent generations makes God's abhorrence of sin quite clear, but the extension of his love and forgiveness "to thousands" puts the emphasis in these verses on God's grace and compassion. Daniel 9:9Jonah 4:2 Numbers 14:19 Atonement is grounded in God's covenant love See also Psalms 25:6-7; 103:8-12The Hebrew word for "great love" means God's loving faithfulness to those within the covenant. Joel 2:13Leviticus 9:7 God's provision of atonement is a means of dealing with sin See also Atonement through sacrifice Exodus 30:10Numbers 15:22-26 Hebrews 10:16-17 See also God's promised new covenant of forgiveness was fulfilled in Jesus Christ's atoning death Jeremiah 31:33-34Matthew 26:28 Hebrews 9:15; 12:24 Ephesians 1:7-8 Images used to portray the at-one-ment, or restored relationship, between God and humanity See also Atonement as forgiveness of sins Leviticus 19:22Acts 13:38 Colossians 2:13-14 Leviticus 16:30 See also Atonement as cleansing and purification Isaiah 6:6-7Titus 2:14 1 John 1:7 Revelation 7:14 2 Corinthians 5:19 See also Atonement as reconciliation Romans 5:9-11Ephesians 2:14-16 1 Peter 2:24 See also Atonement as healing 2 Chronicles 7:14Psalms 103:2-3 Isaiah 53:5 Revelation 5:9 See also Atonement as God buying people back for himself Matthew 20:28Acts 20:28 1 Peter 1:18-19 pp Mk 10:45 Hebrews 10:10See also Atonement as making holy: creating a relationship of consecrated nearness to God Colossians 1:22Hebrews 13:12 See also 1055 God, grace & mercy6025 sin, and God's character 6510 salvation 6653 forgiveness, divine 6717 reconciliation, world to God 6720 redemption 7314 blood 8266 holiness |
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