I John 2:2 “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
Have you ever goofed up in a relationship? Really? Me too. More than once – okay, more than twice, even – I’ve had to admit that I’ve done something really dumb, causing damage to an important relationship. When that happens, I have to figure out how to make amends.
To atone means to make amends for something, to reconcile, to bring into harmony or unity. Atonement becomes necessary when a wrong has been committed, and things are out of harmony. Because we are all sinful, we are all out of harmony with God. And by ourselves, we have no way of reconciling the situation, because we continue to be sinful!
God cannot, will not tolerate sin. But He is merciful and loving. He looked down and saw us in our pitiful state. He knew that reconciliation was needed, and so He sent His perfect, sinless Son. Jesus did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He made atonement for us, through His death. He paid the price, and provided a way of reconciliation with God.
The emphasis on this verse is not just what Christ did for us as individuals, but what He did for the entire world. “God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son!” (Jn.3:16). There is not a person, not a race of people, not a group in this world He does not love and will not save through the precious blood of His Son. That means that He loves and will save you too!
Dear Father, Thank You for sending Jesus to be my atoning sacrifice. Thank You that I can now live in harmony with You.
Amen
Hallelujah! Christ’s forgiveness is available to all who will accept it. To all who will turn to the cross.
Thanks, Renae. I hope you and your family enjoyed a wonderful Easter.
Jean
Thanks, Jean. Yes, we had a wonderful Easter. I hope yours was great, too!
So thankful He paid the price.. so thankful for His great love!
Me too, Cheryl!
Simple and clear…one of the best explanations I’ve read, Renae! It is a blessing to me.
Thanks, Jeanette! That word “atonement” can be pretty lofty. It helped me when I better understood the definition. 🙂