Christ and the Atonement

Since sin was a universal problem affecting all men born into the world, the resolving of the problem necessitated a power both human and divine. Isaiah 59:16 states, “And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was not intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him”.

 

Man’s humanity could not save him and he possessed no divinity in his character to save himself, therefore it was of necessity that His Son be made flesh, thus the Incarnation of the Word (John 1:14). A virgin was sought, a godly woman in whom the seed of the Word could be planted. God chose the handmaid Mary in Luke 1:30-31. Prophecy concerning this even is found in Isaiah 7:14-16.

 

We need not think that it was impossible for Christ to fail, for as long as a man is in the flesh, failure becomes plausible. Christ chose to trust in His divine attributes, which were not subject to failure. He lived a consistent, holy, Godly, sinless life. As 1Peter 2:22 states, "who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth."

 

An atonement for the sins of the world was needed. Christ alone met the requirements. The Old Testament set the pattern of animal sacrifice and shedding of blood for sin. However, more than animal blood was needed (Hebrews 9:22;10:1-10).

 

Christ's vicarious suffering and sacrifice for sin satisfied God's justice such that the sentence of death on all mankind was annulled when man accepted the terms of the atonement. The death and ressurrection of Jesus made it possible for man to be reconciled back to God. (Matthew 1:21; Isaiah 25:8; Luke 1:79; John 5:24; Roman 5:19-21)