Studies From Romans

Lesson #5: The Atonement for Sin (Romans 5:1-11)

 In this lesson we are going to be looking at the word atonement. It is a great word, and it is only found one in the New Testament, in verse 11 of the passage for this study. We will give a definition for the word, show the significance of it only being found one time, and give some of the benefits for receiving the atonement.

What does atonement mean?

 Atone – To stand as an equivalent, to make reparation, amends or satisfaction for an offense or a crime, by which reconciliation is procured between the offended and offending parties.

Atonement – Expiation; satisfaction or reparation made by giving an equivalent for an injury or by doing or suffering that which is received in satisfaction for an offense or injury;

[Both definitions come from The American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828]

This definition is shown to us in the passage by verses 5-8. God being the injured party by the sin of man had his wrath satisfied by Jesus Christ standing as an equivalent for us taking our place and receiving the punishment of death for sin. Therefore, Jesus Christ is the atonement.

Why is it significant that the word is only found once in the New Testament?

 Atonement is found over 50 times in the Old Testament but only once in the New Testament. In the Old Testament in most places where atonement is found you will also find the words made or make. The way sin was dealt with in the Old Testament was by sacrifice. So, they were making atonement over and over again. Let us look at some examples of the word being used in the Old Testament.

Exodus 29:33, 37 ; 30:10 ; 30:15-16 ; 32:30  and Leviticus 17:11

With the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ we now have a sacrifice that can obtain eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:12), therefore the atonement as been made once and for all. The question then becomes what will you do with this atonement, receive it or reject it (Colossians 2:6)? If you are going to be saved and make it to Heaven, you must receive the atonement of Jesus Christ for your sins and once you it only must be done once.

What are some benefits that we get through atonement?

 1)  New Position (verse 10)

• We are no longer enemies of God but we are sons of God (John 1:12-13 ; Ephesians 2:11-18)

2)  Peace with God (verse 1)

• Our justification is by faith in the work of Jesus Christ which results in peace with God, as we stated above we are no longer enemies with God.
• Everyone wants the peace of God (Philippians 4:6) but we must first have peace with God.

3)  Safety (verse 9)

• Our atonement is made possible by the blood of Jesus Christ and being justified by his blood we are saved from wrath through him.
• Jesus took upon himself the wrath of God for sin and through salvation by faith in him we are saved from this wrath.

 

Studies From Romans

Lesson #5: The Atonement for Sin (Romans 5:1-11)

Handout

 1)  Define the words atone and atonement.

 

2)  What is significant about the word atonement being found only one time in the New Testament?

 

3)  What are some of the benefits we receive through the atonement of Jesus Christ?