Chapter 3 - Atonement
Introduction
The word atonement has been defined in a number of ways by various theologians. Some break the word apart into separate words, such as “At-One-Ment,” referring to being made one with God after being separated by our sins. The word is typically defined as making amends for a wrong doing. In the Old Testament we find two words relating to atonement, the first being the Hebrew verb kāpar which means to cover, for example Noah was instructed to cover the ark inside and outside with pitch (see Genesis 6:14). But it also carries the meaning beyond covering to include a change, like a contract annulled (see Isaiah 28:18). When used to express the covering of sin it is more that just a ‘paint job’ as the person becomes righteous in God’s eyes. The second word is the Hebrew plural noun kippuriym, primarily referring to the process of reconciliation, most often seen in relationship to the Day of Atonement. Interestingly, many English Bible translations do not use the word atonement in the New Testament, they often lean towards words like ‘propitiation’ or ‘expiation’ instead when they translate the either the Greek noun hilasmos (aimed at averting wrath) or the verb hilaskomai (which refers to the means by which forgiveness is accomplished). The term propitiation is technically different from expiation as it primarily refers to appeasing someone while expiation refers to the action of making amends.
The concept of atonement as a covering creates a beautiful connection to the blood of Jesus. Throughout the Old Testament we see references to blood (Hebrew noun dām, found 361 times) starting with Genesis 4:10 regarding the blood of Abel to Zechariah 9:11 referring to the blood of the covenant. But it is in the book of Leviticus where we find out why it is such a major theme in the Bible, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.” (Leviticus 17:11, ESV)
Not Just Any Blood
We are given insight regarding three things in that verse from Leviticus: 1) life of the flesh (the body) is contained in the blood; 2) God gave to the Israelites the ability to offer blood sacrificed on the bronze altar to make an atonement (a covering) for their souls; and 3) the blood is what makes atonement for life possible. Also in Leviticus we read that certain animals were sacrificed for what we might call a “limited atonement,” being that all sacrifices required specific protocols and were only valid for a short period of time. It is believed that since these animals were without blemish (perfect in appearance, whole, and not lame) and not guilty of sin, the blood from these animals was acceptable to God for a temporary atonement. These procedures were followed on and off for many years (not their choice but whenever the Israelites disobeyed God their enemies were allowed to overcome them stopping most temple operations). But then Jesus the Messiah came!
The Bible appears to teach that sin passes through the father (inherited sin, see Exodus 34:7; Deuteronomy 5:9; Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22) and since Jesus was born of a virgin woman without a human father He was born human but without inheriting that sin. Jesus remained sin-free His entire life which qualified Him to make atonement for all of humanity. In addition, as God, He would never die again so His atonement will last forever. The author of the book of Hebrews extends that definition to also include forgiveness, “Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Hebrews 9:22, ESV) In other words our forgiveness is eternal!
Understanding that atonement allows and ultimately achieves reconciliation which then leads to a restored relationship, we will look at that word next.