Those three little syllables have been on my mind.
It could be because Pastor Gulstrom used it in a sermon recently. I’m not sure.
I just know I keep pausing to consider the meaning of the word and its implication for me.
To atone for something is to make amends for it.
amends = compensation offered to right a wrong
compensation = an award to counterbalance an offense or injury
counterbalance = a weight that equally offsets a burden
When I consider the sin I’ve carried and continue to confront, I know I deserve the wrath of the One True God.
It is justice to require compensation in order to come into His holy presence and build a relationship with Him. But how can I possibly make amends?
Especially when Hebrews 9:22 declares, “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
What blood counterbalance could possibly offset the offense of my sin against the great I AM?
The only effective payment is acceptable blood offered for my unacceptable sin.
I have no sufficient compensation to present.
Instead, on Calvary, Christ sacrificed His sinless life on our behalf.
1. The perfection of His life blood appeases the Father’s wrath.
2. The perfection of His life walk meets the Father’s standards.
3. The perfection of His life submission is applied to my account.
“Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love of us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 5:3b-5
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
The more I ponder the Truth of the atonement, the more I am humbled and grateful.
His blood, walk, and submission are all applied to those who believe.
I pray that you too have taken hold of the Savior’s gift and are learning to serve Him with gladness. Amen
with joy in The Lamb,
Sandra
*Scripture quotes from NIV1984