Atonemenet in Mormon Terminology

17 March

Atonement

“What is the Atonement?

As used in the scriptures, to atone is to suffer the penalty for sins, thereby removing the effects of sin from the repentant sinner and allowing him or her to be reconciled to God. Jesus Christ was the only one capable of carrying out the Atonement for all mankind. Because of his Atonement, all people will be resurrected, and those who obey His gospel will receive the gift of eternal life with God.”

http://www.lds.org/study/topics/atonement-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng

Romans 5:10-11; “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. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”

Romans 5:10 is considered to be the definition of atonement. Without His death there is no atonement. 

The Greek word for atonement is katallagé. It means exchange or a restoration, favor and reconciliation. 

The Holman Bible Dictionary said that the “Hebrew “atoned for” is used where the KJV translates forgave which is also true in Deut. 21:8. Because God “atones for” or “covers” human sin, atonement is best understood as expiation, that is removing the barrier that sin creates rather than propitiation or appeasing and angry God, though both views of atonement continue to be taught by Bible students.” 

In the NT this word is rarely used except for when referring to a marriage as in 1 Cor. 7:11. 

When speaking of the atonement our minds should go directly and immediately to the cross. It is the focal point of God’s atoning work according toMatthew Henry, Holman Bible Dictionary and Oswald Chambers. 

Sadly enough the LDS Church doesn’t teach that along with Jesus’ atonement came death. They strongly believe that He paid the penalty of sin in the Garden of Gethsemane (D&C 19:18).  This is a lie. 

Without the death of Christ there is no forgiveness of sins. He came as a ransom and gave His life – Mark 10:45. Notice Jesus’ words while at the Last Supper in Mark 14:25; “Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” 

This is another reason we adore Him. Who would give His life for us and the ugly sins we commit each and every day?  I know I wouldn’t and I certainly wouldn’t give my child up for the sins of others. I’ve lost a child and it’s excruciatingly painful beyond what human words can express.  

I praise God He is a God of mercy! He is the Jehovah-jireh, the Great Deliverer!!! 

We’ll have more on this in the near future.

With Love in Christ;

Michelle Grim

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