Scripture Reading: Romans 5:6-11
Memory Verse: “And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby” —Ephesians 2:16
Introduction:
Atonement literally means “reconciliation.” It speaks of the bringing together of two people whose fellowship has been broken because a wrong has been done by one towards the other. Man was created for fellowship with God, but fellowship was broken by sin. Jesus Christ made “atonement” for our sin, thus making possible a reconciliation between God and man.
Since Adam’s fall, man has been cut off from the life-giving presence of God and nothing he can do in his own strength can restore his fellowship with the Creator. God, however, has provided the means by which man can know Him personally through His Son, Jesus. Through accepting Christ’s death on the cross, man is reconciled to God and made one with Him in heart and spirit.
The death of the sinless Lamb of God made available to man, if he chose to take it, God’s forgiveness. At the time of His death, the veil in the Temple at Jerusalem was torn apart, signifying that the way into God’s presence was now open. So Christ’s death accomplished something that none of the sacrifices of animals ever had. . . it made it possible for every individual to experience God personally.
Christ made available to us through His death on the Cross, not only the forgiveness of sins, but also victory over the power of sin in our lives. We can exchange all that we inherited as Adam’s “children” for the beauty of Christ’s life. One of Jesus’ last cries was, “It is finished.” God’s plan for man’s salvation through the cross was completed!
Lesson Questions:
- How is reconciliation possible between God and man? 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Colossians 1:21-22.
- What did Christ’s death accomplish that the sacrifice of animals could not accomplish? Hebrews 10:19-22; Matthew 27:50-53; John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:19.
- List the sins and woes of humanity taken by Christ. Isaiah 53:4-10; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 8:9; Deuteronomy 28:15-68, 47-48; Galatians 3:10, 13; Romans 6:6, 23; Ephesians 2:2-3; Hebrews 2:9.
- What aspects of death did Christ take for us on the cross? Matthew 27:46; Ephesians 2:12; Matthew 27:50; Revelation 20:14-15; Ephesians 4:8-10; 1 Peter 3:19.
- List the benefits Christ’s atonement offers to the believer. Ephesians 1:3, 7; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24; Galatians 3:13-14; Corinthians 9:8; John 3:16, 36.
- What aspects of life did Christ’s atonement bring us? Ephesians 2:5; John 14:23; 17:23; 1 Corinthians 15:21, 26, 51-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 21.
- God’s purpose for redeemed man is much more than just the experience of forgiveness and freedom from sin. What other things does the Lord desire? John 14:15-23; 1 Peter 3:18; 1:16; Revelation 3:20; Romans 8:28-30; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 3:10; 2:10; Titus 2:14; John 10:10; Romans 8:9-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
- Because of Christ’s atonement, what is our standing with God? Hebrews 4:16; Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:13.