The Power Of Atonement

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Isaiah 53:5 "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."

Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Think

In the classic C.S. Lewis book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Aslan, the mighty lion, willingly sacrifices himself on the Stone Table to save Edmund, a young boy who betrayed his siblings. Aslan, innocent and powerful, takes the punishment that Edmund deserved. It’s a moving scene of selfless love and sacrifice; and it is a powerful image of what Jesus did for us. Atonement is the work Christ did in his life and death to earn our salvation. Like Aslan, Jesus chose to bear the weight of our sins – not just for one person, but for the entire world – securing our freedom and redemption.

John Stott, a renowned theologian, said, “The essence of sin is we human beings substituting ourselves for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for us.” This captures the heart of the atonement: Jesus, the sinless Son of God, stepped in as our substitute. He endured the punishment we deserved, satisfying the justice of God while demonstrating his incredible love for us. Just as Aslan’s sacrifice brought life back to Narnia, Jesus’ sacrifice brings us new life and a restored relationship with God. He didn’t just die for humanity in general; he died for you personally, carrying your specific sins to the cross.

Christ’s atonement is complete. He didn’t just cover part of our sins—Jesus fully and perfectly paid the price for every sin. It’s like in the movie when the Stone Table cracks, signaling the end of the old power and the beginning of a new era. Jesus’ sacrifice was more than sufficient, covering every failure, every wrong choice, and every sin you’ve ever committed or will ever commit. The atonement brings us complete forgiveness and the chance to live a new life, free from the guilt and shame of our past.

Albert Barnes (1798–1870), an American theologian and pastor known for his extensive Bible commentaries, emphasizes that the atonement is not just a past event but a present reality. Just as Aslan’s victory changed the course of Narnia’s history, Jesus’ atonement changes the course of our lives every day. When you feel overwhelmed by your failures or distant from God, remember that Jesus’ atonement has already secured your reconciliation with him. You are not defined by your mistakes, but by his grace and sacrifice. The atonement, the blood of Jesus, is your assurance that you are fully forgiven and deeply loved.

Apply

Do you struggle with guilt or feel distant from God? Remember Jesus died to bridge the gap, to pay the price for your sins. Turn from your sin and embrace the forgiveness he has freely offered.

Pray

Jesus, thank you for taking my place and bearing the punishment I deserved. I bring before you the areas in my life where I feel guilty or distant from you; thank you for your forgiveness and healing. Help me to fully embrace the truth that I am forgiven, loved, and restored because of your sacrifice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.