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3. Angel Manuel Rodriguez Principal Contributor Angel Manuel Rodriguez Principal Contributor

4. The Doctrine of Atonement General Introduction {180} The doctrine of atonement is not an abstract theory of salvation; it is, rather, the saving power of God in the lives of fallen sinful beings. What is atonement? In general, the word atonement refers to the removal of any hindrance to fellowship with God.

5. The Doctrine of Atonement General Introduction {180-181} In a sense, atonement is the equivalent of reconciliation, but it also includes the idea of expiation, a word that portrays the idea of removing any barrier that exists between God and us. The doctrine of atonement emphasizes the sacrifice of Christ as the expiatory means by which the barrier—which is sin—is removed.

6. The Doctrine of Atonement General Introduction {181} The atonement is centered in Christ’s life, death, resurrection, ascension, mediation, and return. A proper understanding of the biblical doctrine of God is also indispensable for understanding the atonement. It was God’s love that made it possible to restore us to this union through Jesus Christ.

7. The Doctrine of Atonement General Introduction {181} The fullness of the benefits of the atonement is enjoyed only by those who, after being touched by the Holy Spirit, accept God’s offer of salvation in Christ as the exclusive means of forgiveness and reconciliation. Their hearts are possessed by love and gratitude to God and Christ for this infinite sacrifice.

8. Atonement and the Cross of Christ Contents 1. God’s Nature: The Basis of Atonement 2. Cosmic Crisis: The Disruption of God’s Established Order 3. The Fall Into Sin 4. Atonement and the Divine Initiative 5. Atonement Announced 6. Atonement in Symbols: Part 1 7. Atonement in Symbols: Part 2 8. Born of a Woman—Atonement and Incarnation 9. Metaphors of Salvation 10. Atonement at the Cross 11. Benefits of Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice 12. United to Christ 13. Atonement and Universal Harmony 1. God’s Nature: The Basis of Atonement 2. Cosmic Crisis: The Disruption of God’s Established Order 3. The Fall Into Sin 4. Atonement and the Divine Initiative 5. Atonement Announced 6. Atonement in Symbols: Part 1 7. Atonement in Symbols: Part 2 8. Born of a Woman—Atonement and Incarnation 9. Metaphors of Salvation 10. Atonement at the Cross 11. Benefits of Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice 12. United to Christ 13. Atonement and Universal Harmony

9. Atonement and the Cross of Christ Our Goal {181} As you study the meaning of Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice, be moved toward a greater commitment to the One who suffered so much for you, so that whether you live or die, you can do so in peace.

10. Atonement and the Cross of Christ Lesson 1, October 4 Atonement and the Cross of Christ Lesson 1, October 4

11. God’s Nature: The Basis of Atonement Key Text Isaiah 46:10 NIV “ ‘I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please’.”

12. God’s Nature: The Basis of Atonement Initial Words {183} There are many things about God that we just cannot understand. Yet, there is one aspect about Him that we can begin to understand: His love. A love manifested to us through His Son’s redemptive work, a work that touches us at the personal level, a work that is the outgrowth of God’s own nature and being.

13. God’s Nature: The Basis of Atonement Quick Look 1. Eternal, Omniscient God (Psalm 90:2; 1 John 3:20) 2. Loving, Holy God (1 John 4:8, 9; Isaiah 40:25) 3. Creator God (Psalm 100:3)

14. God’s Nature: The Basis of Atonement 1. Eternal, Omniscient God Psalm 90:2 NKJV “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting You are God.”

15. 1. Eternal God From Everlasting {184} The concept of eternity is difficult for us to understand. Everything in this world had a beginning and will have an end. In contrast, the idea of God never having a beginning and never having an end isn’t easy to understand, not with minds so used to thinking in finite terms.

16. 1. Eternal God From Everlasting {184} Throughout eternity, before He made anything, there was nothing else apart from God. He therefore existed by Himself, dependent on nothing. Only He who is life in Himself, can restore life to repentant sinners. We are dependent upon Him for everything.

17. God’s Nature: The Basis of Atonement 1. Eternal, Omniscient God 1 John 3:20 NKJV “For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.”

18. 1. Omniscient God Knows Everything {192} Nothing is hidden from Him. He also perfectly knows the future. Because God knows everything, sin was not something that caught Him by surprise. He formulated a plan to deal with the problem of sin, even before it arose in humans. Therefore, God’s decision to save us was hidden in eternity and revealed in Christ.

19. God’s Nature: The Basis of Atonement 2. Loving, Holy God 1 John 4:8, 9 NKJV “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”

20. 2. Loving God Self-giving {186} God is by nature love; the essence of His being is self-giving, and this is expressed in concern for the well-being of others. And nothing, of course, reveals His love toward us more than the plan of salvation. Christ became our Mediator, Redeemer, and Savior—the ultimate expression of God’s love toward the fallen race.

21. 2. Loving God What “God is Love” Means {186} 1. An exploration into God’s essence would reveal that it is by nature, love. 2. He is a relational Being; He enjoys by nature fellowshipping with His creatures. 3. There is nothing outside God that can move Him to love us. It is unnecessary, even impossible, for us to make ourselves lovable in order to be accepted by Him.

22. God’s Nature: The Basis of Atonement 2. Loving, Holy God Isaiah 40:25 NKJV “ ‘To whom will you liken Me, or to whom shall I be equal?’ says the Holy One.”

23. 2. Holy God His Uniqueness {190} The holiness of God is not simply an attribute of God but like love, reveals what He is in Himself. His holiness and love are inseparable. God’s holiness does not tolerate sin but actively reacts against it. God’s natural hatred for sin made necessary the role of a Mediator.

24. God’s Nature: The Basis of Atonement 3. Creator God Psalm 100:3 NKJV “ Know that the L ORD, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves.”

25. 3. Creator God Its Meaning {188} 1. God is not part of the created order. 2. There was nothing before Him or before His acts of creation. 3. Everything belongs to Him and depends on His power and benevolence for sustenance. 4. Creation reveals the glory and power of the Creator.

26. 3. Creator God And Sustainer {188} God created and sustains everything through the power of His Son. The atonement is God’s solution to the problem of sin within this creation. The power of God displayed during the creation of the universe is the same power He employs in re-creating fallen human beings into His own image.

27. God’s Nature: The Basis of Atonement Final Words {194} “Only as we contemplate the great plan of redemption can we have a just appreciation of the character of God.” Testimonies 5:739 “When we study the divine character in the light of the cross we see mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended with equity and justice.” The Acts of the Apostles 333