085. HEB 9:22. THE ATONEMENT

Heb_9:22. The Atonement

"Without shedding of blood is no remission."’97Heb_9:22

The doctrine of the atonement is the basis of the Christian structure. It is connected with all that is consolatory in the experience, and powerful in the practice, of the believer. Without this doctrine, the light of truth is beclouded, the hope of acceptance doubtful, and the proposed remedy for man’s sin and misery, of very questionable efficiency. Let us consider, I. The Necessity. II. The Nature, and III. The Effects of the Atonement.

I. The Necessity of the Atonement.

This necessity arises,

1. From man’s sin, and its necessary consequences.

A holy and righteous law was given to a free and responsible agent. Sanctioned by rewards and penalties’97that law was violated, hence the penalty was justly incurred; that penalty was death. Notice,

2. Man’s utter incapability to atone for himself.

If he did not stand when holy, how shall he serve God, or be acceptable to him, now he is guilty and polluted? Besides, if obedience could be rendered in future, that could not be efficient in removing past guilt, and the curse annexed to it; neither could tears of repentance make amends for the violated law, &c. Consider.

3. The demands of the law cannot be relaxed with honor to the lawgiver.

If relaxed, truth would be violated, rights of justice be infringed, interests of holiness suffer, confusion and disorder be introduced into the administration of God. Here, then, is man’s misery and exigency. What did Deity do? He devised the expedient of the atonement; and this leads us to consider,

II. The Nature of the Atonement.

The person atoning must,

1. Be of superior dignity to the persons for whom the atonement is made.

So was the great sacrifice provided. He possessed all power, and honor, and glory, infinitely higher than the first Adam, when in a state of innocency. Lord of all, &c.

2. He must possess the same nature as the offender.

Law was given to man, violated by man, and the penalty is justly demanded from man; therefore it behooved Christ to be "made of a woman, under the law," &c., Gal_4:4.

3. He must have a right to dispose of his own life, and freely offer himself to this end.

No mere creature has this right. God is the only rightful owner and disposer of men. Christ had this right: Joh_10:18. And he did freely become a sacrifice for sins. "Lo, I come, as it is written," &c.; Heb_10:7.

4. He must approve of the law, and recognise the justice of its claims.

So Christ did; he delighted in God’s law, he loved to perform it. It was his meat and drink, &c.

5. He must be free from all charges of personal guilt.

If not, he would require a sacrifice for himself’97his offering would be polluted and therefore valueless. Christ was spot less.

6. He must answer all the demands of the law, and endure its curse.

Christ embodied the law in his life. He was the ten commandments alive; it was engraven on his heart, and he "was made a curse for us," to "redeem us from the curse of the law;" Gal_3:13. As man’s blood or life was justly forfeited, he "gave his life a ransom for many," Mat_20:28, "Suffered the just for the unjust," &c.; 1Pe_3:18. And thus, by the shedding of his blood he obtained for us remission of sin. This doctrine of the atonement was set forth,

(1) In the ancient ceremonies and sacrifices. Lamb slain. Scapegoat, &c., see Heb_9:19-22.

(2) Clearly stated by the prophets, who testified of the person and work of Christ; Isa_53:4-12; Zec_13:1, Zec_13:7. It was,

(3) Taught by the Saviour; Joh_10:11-18. Also at the supper, Mat_26:27.

(4) It is a prominent doctrine in the epistles; 2Co_5:21; 1Ti_2:5; 1Pe_1:18; Joh_4:19; Rev_1:5, &c. Notice,

III. The Effects of the Atonement.

1. All the perfections of Jehovah have been illustriously displayed.

Truth, justice, holiness, mercy, love, grace, power, wisdom, &c., &c.

2. The atonement has rendered man’s salvation possible.

God can now be "the just God, and yet the Saviour;" can save the sinner, and yet do no violence to the rights of holiness and truth. It has opened a door of escape from danger, and a way of access to God and to eternal life. God says, "Return unto me, for I have redeemed thee." He may now be pardoned, obtain peace, be made holy, and at last be eternally saved.

3. The atonement leaves the impenitent without excuse.

He need not perish, for Christ hath died. Jesus has come that he may have life, &c. If he believes the record of the gospel, he shall have everlasting life; if not, his sin of unbelief is his own act, and he is therefore the inexcusable author of his own ruin. Joh_3:14-18.

Application

(1) Let the subject of the atonement be scripturally investigated, that it may be rightly understood. (2) Let it be cordially received, by a hearty faith; Rom_10:9. (3) Let a scriptural knowledge and a cordial reception of it, fill the soul with hope and joy. (4) Let not the dying sinner reject the only way of salvation.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS