Daily devotion – Knowing Christ’s Atonement
The Atonement of Christ – John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
Understanding the Atonement – The Atonement of Christ stands as the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It refers to Jesus making amends for the sins of the world through His sacrificial death on the cross at Calvary. Unlike countless crucifixions carried out by Rome, Christ’s crucifixion was unique—it was the atoning death that reconciled humanity to God.
Atonement means making up for sin and restoring what was broken. It is central to the Gospel, explaining both how and why we are saved.
The Purpose of Atonement Why Did Jesus Come? Jesus came with one ultimate purpose: to die for our sins. Matthew 1:21 declares, “You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” His crucifixion was no accident or mistake—it was God’s plan for redeeming humanity.
How Are We Saved? Salvation is not through our works, efforts, or merit but solely through Jesus’ atoning death. It is His sacrifice that makes the Gospel good news.
Why Are We Saved? Salvation is not earned by our goodness but is given by God’s sovereign grace, affirming the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross.
The Heart of the Gospel: The Atonement is the essence of Christianity, making it distinct from all other religions. While other beliefs focus on personal merit, Christianity declares salvation by grace alone.
Knowing that Christ’s Atonement is sufficient gives us confidence in our salvation. It’s not about having great faith but about placing faith in a great Savior.
The Divide Atonement Creates – The Atonement highlights the exclusivity of salvation through Christ alone. It refutes the idea that all roads lead to God, reminding us that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
Understanding the Atonement equips us to share the Gospel boldly and confidently. It reminds us of God’s immense love and sacrifice, calling us to respond with gratitude, worship, and faith.
Let the Atonement assure you of your salvation and inspire you to live in the joy and victory of Christ’s finished work on the cross. Remember, it’s not about what we do but what He has done for us!
Lord, thank You for the Atonement of Christ. Help me to grasp its depth and live in the assurance of salvation that comes through faith in Jesus alone. Amen.