Monday, February 16, 2009

Effectual Atonement

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Romans 5:6-11

Atonement: 1. reconciliation; becoming friends again with someone who had been an enemy; 2. being forgiven for our sins through a sacrifice acceptable to God. This was done through the shedding of blood--in the OT, animals were sacrificed, and in the NT, Jesus was the complete and final sacrifice to take away the sins of mankind.
Basic Bible Dictionary, the Standard Publishing Company, 1983.

Yesterday, I took the day off from teaching Sunday School (thank the Lord for my sub Sara), and was treated to a video presentation in the adult class on the doctrines of grace. The speaker was great, and while the primary focus was on the various doctrines distinctive to Baptists in particular and evangelicals in general, the doctrine of "effectual atonement" caught my thoughts and heart the most. Too much to write down here, but let me sum it all up by asking if you have any idea of the scope of the benefits which are ours by virtue of the atonement which we have received through the work of Christ Jesus. This atonement may be limited to only its beneficiaries, but unlimited in its blessings to these beneficiaries. Sound like double talk? Well it's not!

6 comments:

Mimi said...

I am so very very thankful that I am a beneficiary of unlimited blessings...
Praise God...

Susan said...

Oh thank GOD for that provision that was made for us.

Yes, being a beneficiary of sooooooooooo much Grace.

Too much for our minds to grasp.

Thanking God for the cross today♥

HOPE said...

These are the very verses of Scripture that opened my heart to the Saving Grace of our Lord Jesus. Awakened to that perfect atonement and hope found in all the promises of GOD.

AMEN. I love these cherished verses!

God bless..
HOPE

Unknown said...

Beautiful post. God's precious Blood was shed for you and me. I hope I can always find myself Worthy of his scarifice. GOD Bless you.

Beverly said...

Thank God for those unspeakable benefits that are mine!!

Susan Skitt said...

Reconciled to God, what beauty there is in that thought. That we were far from Him, but He in love reached out to us.

The benefits are amazingly wonderful...

Much love,
Susan