The Atonement

Was there another way or by some other means to redeem fallen mankind from the shame and penalty of sin than that of which was chosen. . .sending one of the Godhead (Christ) to die at the hands of sinners?

            We have come to realize by our study of the Bible that God (Godhead) is love, good, merciful, and all wise. From such we conclude that God chose to save mankind because He created us in His image and after His likeness. It is only mankind that has a “living souls”. That way He chooses to save us falls under the heading and truth that only God is “All Wise”! We therefore do not question it, and except it with love and faith. Then or now we are able to see the necessity of  “The Atonement”.

            In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed, “If it be possible, let this ‘cup’ pass from me; nevertheless, not as  I will, but as thou wilt”. (Matt.26:39). We may be confident that Jesus always prayed according to the will of the Father, and that He always prayed with fullness of faith. Therefore, it seems that this prayer, which Matthew is inspired to record for us, shows that it was not possible for Jesus to avoid the death on the cross which was soon to come to Him (the ‘cup’ of suffering He said would be His). If He was going to accomplish the work the Father sent Him to do, (and He said He had finished the work in Jno,15:4), and if people were going to be redeemed from sin, then it was necessary for Christ to die on the cross.

            You might notice how He said something similar to this after His resurrection, when He was talking with two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They were sad that Jesus had died, but His response to these two was, “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory”. (Lk.24:25-26). (K.J.V.)  May we point out from this verse the word “ought” that it is from a Greek word meaning “it is necessary”,  “must”. Jesus understood that God’s plan of redemption, as explained to the disciples and substantiated by many passages found in the Old Testament prophets like (Psa.16:9-10) (Psa.132:11) (Isa.53:4010), and of which made it necessary for Christ Jesus to come to earth, take upon Him the likeness of mankind and die for the sins of the whole world. Only the blood of Christ, which necessitated His death, and by that blood alone are we able to be saved! (Heb.9:23). Thank God For “The Atonement”.

. . . .Fred  House