Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Atonement in the Scriptures

Concept of Atonement in the Jewish Scriptures (Old Testament):

1 - Gen. 3:15 - Son on Man will crush the Serpent

2 - Lev. 17:11 - Blood of animals will "cover" the sins of the people

*Notice that the word is “cover (kippur),” not “remove.” This is important, because it sets the stage for the need of a legitimate sacrifice, and negates the false teaching that Christianity is a “new” religion, or that OT Biblical Judaism was a sufficient means of worship.

3 - Dan. 9:24-25 - Messiah will bring an end to sin & restore righteousness

Fulfillment of above in the New Testament:

Hebrews 9:11-14

When Messiah came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!