Understanding atonement

Lent 2024 – Part 14, Good Friday

This Lent, I reflect deeply on the profound significance of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, exploring the various theories embraced or historically cherished by Christian churches. This journey reveals a rich tapestry of beliefs and interpretations. It’s important to acknowledge that there is more than a single perspective, and for those who have engaged in discussions about them, there are way more than the two you have argued over.

Changing what you believe about atonement is not denying Jesus. The gospel is not a description of how Jesus’ death (and resurrection, ascension, and enthronement) rescues the world, but that it does so. The gospel is not a theory or advice, it is news.

The Bible is a human story. It starts with humans living in harmony with God and with each other and ends in the same way, with everything being made right. But why did it have to be made right? Atonement theories in Christianity are attempts to say what went wrong and how it was put right.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,  which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.

Ephesians 1:7-8

Atonement is not in the New Testament

Good Friday is a time for us to come together and reflect on the profound atonement of Jesus Christ. It’s worth noting that this significant event did not take place on the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, in the autumn, but rather in the vibrant season of Spring, coinciding with the feast of Passover. This leads us to ponder—why was Christ’s crucifixion not observed on the day traditionally known for atonement? Perhaps it’s important to consider that the insights we’ve shared about atonement may not align perfectly with the teachings of the Old Testament on this deeply meaningful subject.

As for the New Testament, it never mentions atonement in the Greek of the New Testament. Not once. And is rarely mentioned in the English New Testament. The Hebrew for atonement, used 103 times in the Old Testament, is kipur. It means to cover. When the Old Testament was translated into Greek they did not use a word meaning cover. which in Greek is kalupto, but uses exhilaskomai which does not mean cover but means to appease or to reconcile. New Testament Greek never uses exhilaskomai.

So what word does the New Testament use for the work of Jesus on the cross? There is not one, but many:

• They used the word lytraoō to draw out the ransom (Mark 10:45).
• They used apolutrōsis to understand the meaning of redemption (Ephesians 1:7).
• They used hilastērion to draw out propitiation (Romans 3:25).
• They used katallassō to draw out the meaning of reconciliation (Romans 5:10).
• They used katharismos to draw out the meaning of purification for sins (Hebrews 1:3).
• They used pherō and thusias to show Christ’s offering of himself as a sacrifice (Hebrews 7:27).
• They used aphaireō and periaireō to refer to taking away sins (Hebrews 10:4, 11).
• They used dikaioō to get at justification (Romans 5:9).
• They used sōzō to get at simply saving us from our sins (Matthew 1:21).
• They simply say that Jesus died so we will not face God’s anger (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).

So many words because what Jesus achieved is far more than one word can mean. The New Testament writers seem to avoid kipur and its associations with the Day of Atonement; the cross is not about covering sin but completely destroying it, allowing us to become members of God’s family. We no longer need to hide our sins when Jesus has annihilated them.

Freedom, forever freedom

So far I’ve talked about why Jesus was not killed on the day of atonement. But why did he die at Passover?

What is Passover

I’ll start with the definition of from a Jewish perspective. “Passover, or Pesach (PEH-sach) in Hebrew, commemorates the slavery of the Israelites in Egypt and their ultimate exodus to freedom.”

The Passover represents a deep and meaningful journey toward freedom. It tells the story of the Israelites who found liberation from the heavy chains of slavery and oppression in Egypt. In a similar vein, the death of Jesus Christ during Passover takes on profound significance, serving as a powerful reminder of our own freedom from the burdens of sin, death, and the deceit of the devil. Through the triumphant sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we are embraced with the invitation to share in this victory. This gift equips us with the strength and faith to face life’s challenges while providing a source of hope and a pathway toward reconciliation with God and one another.

The same website, the Peninsula Jewish Community Center, says: “In each generation every person is obliged to feel as though he or she personally came out of Egypt.” As a Christian, I find myself reflecting on the idea of obligation; while I believe in God’s gracious invitation for everyone to join his family, I understand that each person has the freedom to choose their own path. During Passiontide, or really at any time you discover this blog, I encourage you to journey through the events of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection as if you were there. Embrace the weight of Good Friday and Holy Saturday which can bring about an intimate understanding, and allow the joy and freedom of the resurrection to resonate within your heart.

Becoming a nation, becoming a people

The Israelites who left Egypt were a diverse group, often expressing their struggles and frustrations during their time in the desert, even though God graciously provided them with water, manna, and meat. By the time they reached the promised land, they had transformed into a united nation, ready to face the challenges ahead and fight against the armies that threatened to hinder their journey toward the land that had been promised to them.

You can become a new holy nation! Peter beautifully reminds us, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). This describes who we are as Christians—a vibrant community called out of the slavery of sin and united in God’s radiant light. We are entrusted with the joyful mission of inviting others not just to adopt the practices of Christianity, but to embrace being a holy nation, holy meaning set apart, for a glorious purpose. We need Christ, far beyond merely following his teachings. This uplifting journey is just a glimpse of what we’ll explore further on Easter Sunday!

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