The concept of atonement is central to Christian theology, representing the reconciliation between God and humanity achieved through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This doctrine underscores the belief that through atonement, believers gain access to God, restoring the relationship that was fractured by sin.

Old Testament Foundations

The idea of atonement is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it is primarily associated with the sacrificial system established under the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew word for atonement, "kaphar," means to cover or to make reconciliation. 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." This verse highlights the necessity of blood sacrifice for atonement, a principle that foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, was the most significant atoning ritual in the Jewish calendar. On this day, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). This annual event symbolized the temporary covering of sins and pointed to the need for a more permanent solution.

Christ's Atonement

In the New Testament, the atonement is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on how Christ's sacrifice surpasses the Old Testament sacrifices. Hebrews 9:12 declares, "He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." This passage emphasizes that Christ's atonement is complete and final, providing eternal access to God for believers.

The Apostle Paul also articulates the significance of Christ's atonement in Romans 5:10-11 : "For if, while we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! Not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." Here, Paul underscores the transformative power of the atonement, which not only reconciles but also brings joy and salvation.

Access to God

Through the atonement, believers are granted direct access to God, a privilege that was previously restricted. Ephesians 2:18 states, "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." This access is not limited to a select few but is available to all who accept Christ's sacrifice.

The tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Christ's death (Matthew 27:51) symbolizes this newfound access. The veil, which separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple, represented the barrier between God and humanity. Its tearing signifies that through Christ's atonement, the barrier has been removed, allowing believers to approach God with confidence.

The Role of Faith

Faith is the means by which individuals appropriate the benefits of Christ's atonement. Romans 3:25 explains, "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand." Faith in Christ's atoning work is essential for receiving forgiveness and establishing a relationship with God.

Ongoing Implications

The atonement has ongoing implications for the believer's life. It not only provides initial access to God but also sustains the believer's relationship with Him. 1 John 1:7 assures, "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." This continuous cleansing underscores the enduring nature of Christ's atonement, enabling believers to maintain fellowship with God.

In summary, the atonement is the divine provision through which believers gain access to God. Rooted in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament and fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, the atonement removes the barrier of sin, allowing for reconciliation and ongoing fellowship with the Creator.Hebrews 10:19,20
Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Lamb of God, the Great Atonement
... II. The efficacy of this Atonement is complete. ... Guilt or obnoxiousness to punishment
being removed, the soul has an open way of access to God, and is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xvi the lamb of.htm

The Day of Atonement
... cleanliness, can yet only draw near to God as a ... there as having a right of access,
but beseeching ... was intended, as seems probable, to make atonement for the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the day of atonement.htm

The Day of Atonement
... into the throne of the heavenly grace." The vail of the temple is rent by the atonement
of Christ, and access to the throne is now ours. O child of God, I know ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the day of atonement.htm

In the Holy of Holies.
... It is those who by faith follow Jesus in the great work of the atonement, who receive
the ... That door by which men had formerly found access to God, was no ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /24 in the holy of.htm

In the Holy of Holies
... It is those who by faith follow Jesus in the great work of the atonement who receive
the ... That door by which men had formerly found access to God was no ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 24 in the holy.htm

A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
... clean and white,' the priestly dress on the day of atonement, be put on ... verse 7)
is the promise of continuance in office and access to God's presence, which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a vision of judgement and.htm

Prayer and Obedience
... attitude, and to display, moreover, a lamentable ignorance of the work and implications
of the Atonement. ... If you would have free access to God in prayer ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ix prayer and obedience.htm

The Covenant of an Everlasting Priesthood
... jealous for his God, and made an atonement for the ... no inheritance with their brethren;
the Lord God was their ... They had access to His dwelling and His presence ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/chapter xv the covenant of.htm

Prayer --A Privilege, Princely, Sacred
... to God, unlimited and unhesitating in its access and its ... make efficient and cooperate
with God's will, whose ... in extent and power with the atonement of Jesus ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/i prayera privilege princely sacred.htm

The Epistle to the Hebrews
... which the eternal priesthood of Christ is exercised, and the sinner's access to
God assured. Now, a finished work of Christ and an objective atonement are the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/denney/the death of christ/chapter 4 the epistle to.htm

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