Last night I let my granddaughter play in the bathtub with washable paint. When it was time to get out she looked around and announced, “I made a mess!” I replied, “Yes, you made a pretty mess, but we can clean it up,” as I grabbed the pop-up wipes. She wanted to help clean up, but with her still paint-covered fingers she just spread the red paint even more. I had to clean her up before we could finish cleaning the bathtub.
The author of Hebrews identified yet another reason that God sent Jesus to earth – “That He might make atonement for the sins of the people” (2:17b). That’s not a common word in the non-Jewish church today, but it’s the heart and soul of Jesus’ ministry. Atonement is the work of Jesus on the cross by which our sins are forgiven. I don’t know about you, but I have a lot for which I need forgiveness. I am grateful to the depths of my soul for God’s mercy on this wretched sinner. But atonement provides even more. It also allows for reconciliation between God and sinners.
I unknowingly did something awful to a friend once. It broke her heart, and when I realized what I did it broke mine too. I begged for her forgiveness and she gave it, but she said she could never be my friend again. I was forgiven but still shut out. Atonement provides both forgiveness and reconciliation. Through Jesus, you and I are clean before God and we are welcomed as His beloved child.
We’ve made a mess of our lives with sin, and like Joy in the bathtub, the more we try to clean ourselves up, the bigger the mess becomes. Only the atoning blood of Jesus can wash away all our sins and allow us to stand before God in a righteous state. I love the definition of “atonement” that I heard in a children’s sermon: “at one ment.” Through Jesus’ sacrifice we are “at one” with God – as we were “me[a]nt to be.”
Beloved, are you at one with God?
Deeper Roots 
“I was forgiven but still shut out. Atonement provides both forgiveness and reconciliation.”
Sister Beth, if we were all totally honest, we’ve all been here. I look back on my life at times with such regret at those I hurt due to my actions when younger. It is sad that as a people we CAN’T forget, but when we realize even with those mistakes God in His mercy and grace can make us more like Himself and especially when we can forgive ourselves. We may not always have reconciliation here in this natural world, but oh Sis, when we cross that threshold to stand with our Lord and Savior THAT’S when we shall truly experience the power of that atonement!!! God bless for this great message.
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Amen Bro. Roland – that is the Joy of having a relationship with Jesus Christ!
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Reblogged this on FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.
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