The pendulum may be overweighed by ones sin; however, the atonement is still there. Dishonesty, immodesty, profanity and immorality are only a few common sins amongst my peers. Paralleling in the New Testament, I have been taught right from wrong. Our savior’s promise of forgiveness through an infinite atonement is the same today as it was yesterday. It is a gift to me, and if sincerely acted upon, I can receive forgiveness, comfort and peace. At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus was identified as “the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29) The purpose of His coming was “to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). He explained His death in terms of the “blood of the new testament, which is shed for many” (Mark 14:24). The New Testament discusses how Atonement is a result from the freedom of choice or agency. It is essential to existence and progression. I can choose liberty and eternal life or captivity and power of the devil. If there were no laws given there is no punishment, and without punishment condemnation fails and where there is no condemnation, people do not plead in mercy.
Sincere repentance is accepted if we remember the words of our God, by praying unto him continuously by day and giving thanks unto his holy name by night. Whilst on my knees, my heart can rejoice, as I plead for forgiveness and look to my Savior as a teacher. How important this is to remember; when I stumble upon temptation. In Hebrews 9:28 it says that Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many” and has become a “new and living way” (Hebrews 10:28) into God’s presence.
He is the one who “[bore] our sins in his own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). Thus, if we are ever weary, we will always be able to turn to him. I have learned to notice the blessings of the bible in my life and to really know my Heavenly Father as my eternal father. The Lord will never give up on his people because he loves us, has given me hope, faith, and confidence to continue to repent, like my own father, he loves me unconditionally. Paul wrote that “when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Romans 5:10).
The aforesaid quote not only proves and defines the meaning of atonement, but also reveals the warm heart of the gospel. The Lord has the power to help us through any of our trials, and is willing to forgive us, even after we have turned our back on him. Atonement reminds me of girl’s camp. We would make these beautiful golden fires. As the embers would burn we would sing hymns and the light that radiated from the fire was the spirit of our Heavenly Father, I could feel it.
The New Testament has taught that we can’t just walk in our own light; we need to walk in the light of our Heavenly Father. When I think of the times where I have really felt the spirit, they are the moments when I have reverenced with the Lord and walked in his light. To do so, is not necessarily easy. However, Christ was a “propitiation” (Romans 3:25) and became a “curse for us” (Galatians 3:13) so that those “who sometimes were far off made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13).
If I speak to my father in holiness and look to him as an instructor, my questions will be answered. I have been taught that my Heavenly father is the keeper of the gate who knows all things. He is the Creator that suffered many things on my behalf; like stated in Hebrews 10:12, “Christ’s death is called a “sacrifice for sins. ” Our father in heaven has a plan for each one of us and if I search with a genuine heart, the eternal questions on the meaning of life and purpose on earth will be found.
Furthermore, the New Testament interprets the cross in the light of the resurrection. Atonement is the achievement of Christ crucified and risen. Paul even emphasized this by saying “if Christ be not raise, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Through the New Testament I have been taught about the Atonement and how great the plan of our God is. He knows all things and remains outside my bedroom door or right next to me and it only takes a humble place or prayer to welcome him into my daily life and feel his spirit.
One only needs to listen to the news, to realize how Satan’s power has spread across the world. When I read and ponder, it sparks a reminder that the Lord will ‘always’ have power over Satan. I need to remind myself that I should never be afraid to choose the right, pleasing the Lord instead of my peers will ultimately bring me the greatest happiness. The New Testament makes clear that Christ’s death is the climax of His perfect obedience. He “became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. ” (Philippians 2:8)
