Atonement (pt. 2)

Good Wednesday to you!

This past Sunday we looked a little deeper into the various atonement theories. That God desires to be reconciled with the world God created is clear throughout the Bible. As I have repeatedly said, I have five fundamental truths I rest my faith upon: Jesus is fully God and fully man, the Bible is the first and final authority in all areas of life and faith, Jesus died on the cross for our sins (atonement), Jesus bodily rose from the grave three days later, and one day, Jesus will bodily return to fully establish His kingdom.

Questions about what happened on the cross and why it was necessary for Jesus to die upon the cross has given us many theories – moral influence, ransom, Christus Victor, satisfaction, penal substitute, government, and others. While there is no place in Scripture that gives us the precise answer to atonement questions, we are given many "pieces" to the puzzle that help us to form our understanding of atonement. I provided several verses and suggested you look each one up and read it in context.

Here they are…
Romans 3:25, 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13-14; Ephesians 2:15-16; Colossians 2:13-15; Hebrews 8:22; 1 Peter 2:24, 3:18; 1 John 2:1-2; and, the one that speaks loudest about why Jesus suffered and died, Isaiah 53:10 – it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer. Spend some time looking at each of these verses in context and see what you think.

The sacrificial system in the Old Testament is set up (in my opinion) to communicate that sin has consequences. The greater the sin, the greater the consequence, the greater the suffering. Sin separates us from God and the more we sin the more we will suffer. No one suffered more than Jesus. And He did it because it was the Father's will (Luke 22:42). It was the only way.

We may never fully understand that this side of eternity, but suffice it to say, God did it because God loves us that much. Knowing what Jesus has done for us, what can we do in grateful response? We can become His disciples. Next week we will look at what it means to be called into a discipleship relationship with God, looking at John 1:35-42.

Good news! We have resumed the "Coffee Connection" between services! Coffee and donut holes have finally returned. If you (and a friend or two) would be willing to host this fellowship opportunity, click here and we will "put you to work!" If you have any questions, feel free to email me!

I will be holding a new members/inquirer's class on March 26 from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. I have many names of people who are interested. Click here to make sure you are on the list.

As my retirement draws closer (January 1, 2023), I want to encourage you all to pray for me, for the process of selecting a new pastor, for the people of our community, and for the pastor God will bring to continue the ministry. Remember, pray for the pastor you want!

I hope the rest of your day is blessed.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!