Atonement: In Cultural Terms

       Today's Adult Bible Study focuses on an overview of the Atonement for Sins through the work of Jesus. As we discuss the "Day of Atonement" from Leviticus 16 and its significance for both Israelites and Christians, allow me to borrow some thoughts from Everett Ferguson's fantastic book The Church of Christ: An Ecclesiology for Today. The New Testament inspired commentary on atonement approaches the scene of the cross from multiple viewpoints, using a variety of cultural terms. Here are some of the terms you will see in your New Testament:

1) SACRIFICE -- the language of worship -- "to offer something of highest value"

"Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant OFFERING and SACRIFICEto God." (Eph. 5:2)

2) RECONCILIATION -- the language of personal relations -- "to become friends again"

"For if while we were enemies, we were RECONCILEDto God through the death of His Son, much more surely, having been RECONCILED, we will be saved by His life." (Rom. 5:10)

       3) REDEMPTION -- the language of the marketplace -- "to buy back a slave"

"Since a death has taken place for the REDEMPTIONof the transgressions that were under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance." (Heb. 9:15)

       4) JUSTIFICATION -- the language of the law court -- "to be declared righteous/guiltless"

"Through one act of RIGHTEOUSNESS there resulted JUSTIFICATION of life to all men." (Rom. 5:18)

       5) VICTORY -- the language of warfare -- "to win"

"When God had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having TRIUMPHED over them through Him." (Col. 2:15)