Little Red Book Ministry

I. Atonement
“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement” (Romans 5:10–11).

Atonement for a Christian is that special result of Christ’s sacrificial sufferings and death by virtue of which all who truly repent (determine to turn from sin to godliness) and exercise faith receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Included in atonement are the ideas of substitution, the covering over or blotting out of sin and a reconciliation between God and man. Atonement offers “at-one-ment” with God. It is entirely an act of love.

A. Synonyms for atonement in the Bible
1. Reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5:18–19; Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 2:17

2. Propitiation
Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10

3. Ransom
Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; 1 Timothy 2:6

4. Redemption
Luke 2:38; Hebrews 9:12

B. Atonement is a substitution
2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 3:18