A New Theory of Atonement

And what exactly does "atonement" mean. The word "atonement" comes from the root word "atone". The word "atone" literally means "at one". In its usage it means to set at one, to unite, to reconcile, to find agreement. And in some circumstances this can imply a need for reparation or appeasement to make up for past mistakes.

And with all the evil that has gone on in the past - murder, rape, injustice, and war, history has certainly proven that mankind is in need for atonement to make up for all the evil that it has done. We have needlessly destroyed men and animals and the resources of the earth. Surely we have offended God who has created all things to live in harmony. Surely we deserve punishment for all the evil we have done.

So the question becomes what can atone for all the sins of mankind? What can make up for all the evil we have done? How can sinners ever find agreement with God. How can God's anger for our sins be appeased? What can make reparation for our sins so that we can live in union with God? What can release us from the punishment we deserve?

It is clear that there is no one thing a person can do to make reparation for his sin before God. It is a lifestyle that God requires. No one will ever brag of himself before God and demand that God honor him. For it is God who should be honored and worshipped and praised by men. It was a lack of faith in God that lead to sin; and so only by faith in God can we atone for sin. The only way a person can atone for his sins is to repent of his evil ways and worship and honor God for the righteous things that God has done. For God alone is perfect; therefore, everyone else is destined to have sinned. And so the only way to even prove that we understand and care about doing what is right is to applaud and honor God for His righteous deeds. However, this would require God to become a man so that we could see His deeds and prove that we care about doing good by applauding the righteous deeds that He has done. And this is what many believe is the purpose of the life of Christ.

The question becomes then is how do the deeds of Christ in any way make up for the sins of mankind? Since Christ's life is characterized by His death and resurrection, the question is how does the death of Christ make atonement for us. How can His death and resurrection unite us with the purposes of God? How does it inspire us to repent and do what is right? How does it encourage the worship of God? How are we reconciled with God through faith in Christ?

The most common theory is that the suffering of Christ serves as a "substitutionary atonement" for our sins. This theory claims that Christ died in our place and that the punishment for our sins was inflicted on Christ. We are then made acceptable to God because the penalty for our sins was paid in full by Christ. However, I think extreme caution must be used in considering such a theory. For it would be a blaspheme to even suggest that God does injustice or accepts injustice or approves of injustice, etc. Christ is the most innocent and sincere person that was ever alive. And I think to assert that GOD considers Christ guilty of the sins of the wicked is by definition the most evil thing a person can say. Isn't it an evil thing to say that GOD punishes an innocent man for the crimes of those who have sinned? That would be the very definition of injustice. And therefore, I think it is a complete blaspheme.

I'm not saying that those who hold to this theory are deliberately committing blaspheme. I'm willing to accept that most who hold to this theory do so with good intent. For it may be true that Christ suffered because of His association with "sinners". And it may be true that Christ suffered the punishment that sinners deserve. But I would like to avoid any appearance of injustice being done by God. So I propose a different theory of atonement. I call it the atonement of sincerity. And it works like this:

Jesus went around doing miracles of love: healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons, preaching the hope of eternal life. And He continued His good work even when threatened by the Jews of His day. He knew of the murderous design of those in high office. But He continued His good work anyway. For He was determined to show the Father's love and to do good things. And He was devoted to doing the Will of God. Therefore, when they caught and crucified Him, His suffering only proved that He was sincerely devoted to doing good deeds. For He knew it would happen and yet continued in His way.

Jesus proved that He was sincerely devoted to righteousness. I think that this is fairly obvious. And I think it is compelling and inspiring . And I think that atonement for mankind rests on this very fact. For since He proved sincerely devoted to righteousness, everyone else by comparison is seen to be more of a self serving sinner in need of a Savior. For nothing can compare to the sincerity of Christ. So in Christ we see that there is a need for mankind to repent. Jesus proved sincerely devoted to righteousness, therefore, those who honor Christ prove that they really know and care about good and noble deeds. For they joyfully honor someone whose deeds were righteous and good. There is hope that such people will be inspired to do good deeds. For if we believe that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead, then we believe that God does reward those who do what is right. God has honored Jesus Christ with the resurrection and ascension because of His steadfast faith in eternal life. So, if we honor Christ for His love and sincerity, then we become one with the purposes of God to honor Jesus Christ for His noble intent. God will surely not destroy those who have the same purpose and intent as He has. Jesus spent His efforts on behalf of sinful human beings, yet God raised Him from the dead. And since God vindicated His efforts on our behalf with the resurrection, then we have reason to believe that God will save us who believe in Christ. For if the suffering of Christ on our behalf is something that is not in vain, then those who believe in Christ can be healed and will be saved. And if God or anyone else were tempted to think that all mankind is utterly worthless, then Christ has proven that there is at least one person that is worthy of honor and respect. This one Great Act of true devotion makes up for all the sins of mankind. And it stays the wrath of God from coming on us. And it sets the course that history should take. For now we must see what can come from it. We must see who will come to understand and believe. We must see what kind of deeds it inspires. And because His Intent was so completely noble and sincere, those who honor Christ will be forgiven for their past crimes. They make up for their sins by worshipping Christ for His Intent.

This article was only meant as an introduction.
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Peace be with you.