INTRODUCTION.

PENAL SUBSTITUTIONARY ATONEMENT.

WHAT WAS FINISHED AT THE CROSS.

ROMANS 5:11.

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

The Hebrew word used for “atonement” in the Old Testament is “H3722; kaphar,” which had the root meaning and concept of “something being coated or treated such that it couldn’t be penetrated or destroyed.” According to “Strong’s” definition, it can mean “to cover; placate or cancel; appease; disannul’ forgive; be merciful; pacify; pardon; purge (away); put off; (make) reconcileliation.”

 

According to Leviticus 4:20, “the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them.” This “atonement” was available every day.  The same is restated in Leviticus 4:26 & 35.  Compare also with Leviticus 5:6.

 

Thus, we can see that we must “die daily,” First Corinthians 15:31.  But the final “Day of Atonement,” as described in Leviticus, Chapter 16, shows us that the final “atonement” does not take place until the Second Coming of Christ.  For if Christ’s work was totally completed at the cross, then why do we still have to “die daily?” Christ’s work on the cross gave/gives us the opportunity to give our lives to Him.  But there were more “atonements” to be accomplished.  Let’s se if that last statement is Biblically true.

 

 

PENAL SUBSTITUTIONARY ATONEMENT

 

 

The Penal substitution is Christ dying upon the cross as a substitute for sinners.  He bore the legal penalty for the breaking of God’s Law; taking humanities place.  This was God’s plan and we are the beneficiaries of that plan.  The punishment is due to us.  But Christ steps into our time to rescue mankind (those who accept that Substitute).  This is clearly a Biblical Substitutionary Atonement and is definitely a finished atonement.

 

Once Christ’s sacrifice was accepted by the Father, justification, reconciliation, and this atonement was accomplished and satisfied the atonement for the breaking of God’s Law.  All of Christianity accepts this atonement as occurring on/at the cross.  However, to say that Christ did not go up to and perform duties in the Heavenly Sanctuary, is to ignore His work there as shown in Revelation 1:12-13 & 20; 2:1; 11:4; and many others.

 

 

WHAT WAS FINISHED AT THE CROSS

 

 

WHAT WAS?  The great Sin-Bearer, now bears those persons sins who call on Him, confess their sins, and obey His voice.  Too many verses to list.  “Christ came to this earth to make an atonement for transgression.  His atonement was complete in every part.  As He hung on the cross, He could say, ‘It is finished.’ The demands of justice were satisfied.  The way to the throne of grace was opened for every sinner.” ST, July 31, 1901, paragraph 8.

 

By contrast, that “atonement” is very different from the antitypical “Day of Atonement.” See Leviticus 16:33-34.  That atonement is the last “atonement” to ever be made when our Lord will Come again to claim His Own.  Notice also, that even on the final “Day of Atonement,” there must be a proceeding “atonement” for the “cleansing” of the people (Lev. 16:30); and another “atonement” for the “Sanctuary,” where the record of sin must be destroyed, and “for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the Altar. . . and for the priests,” Leviticus 16:33.  If the people had not confessed their sins in order to be free from them, and found to be clean, by the time Probation is up, this “atonement” will have no cleaning power for them.  See Leviticus 23:27-28.

 

The atonement for the cleansing of the Sanctuary is clearly seen in Leviticus 16:33.  Therefore, to somehow conclude that all “atonements” are finished at the cross is un-Biblical.  One deals with the daily (we look to Christ on the cross making an atonement for our sins); while the other atonement is for the yearly (the final “atonement” for the cleansing of sin from the Sanctuary/universe).

 

That Christ continued to administer in the Heavenly Sanctuary working towards the final atonement, is brought out in Hebrews 9:12-15 (Heb. 2:17 and others).  These verses show that eternal redemption was achieved at the cross.  And according to Hebrews 7:25, Christ continues that ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary.

 

Christ’s ministry of “advocacy” continues to this day (1Jo. 2:1).  If Christ’s ministry is/was finished at the cross, then He is no longer pleading for you and attempting to have the Father forgive you of your sins because of the sacrifice that Jesus made for your soul.  See Hebrews 9:23.

 

 

ROMANS 5:11

 

 

The verse may be confusing in that it states, “we have now received the atonement.” But which “atonement” is meant?

 

According to the previous verse (Rom. 5:10), the “atonement” that happened at the cross was for mankind to be “reconciled” to Jesus.  Jesus now offers anyone who will to be “reconciled” to Him.  While we can see in Revelation 16:17, “It is done” is meaning a different “atonement” being fulfilled.  That being destroying and cleansing to Heavenly Sanctuary forever.  Sin will no longer be anywhere in the cosmos.  Or better, in the “new Heaven and new earth,” Revelation 21:1.

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