Leviticus tells us of the way Israel were to deal with sin. There were three main elements to the process. The first was a sin offering, the second a burnt offering and thirdly, a peace offering. The idea was that through laying on of hands the sin was transferred from the guilty person to the innocent animal. Then the animal would be killed. The whole animal would be placed on the alter and burned. Having done this the peace offering was made. It is worth exploring Leviticus for its multi-layered wealth of application but for now we will just stay superficial.
When Jesus came it was well reported, especially through John the Baptist that Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. We can track the last days of Jesus and how he was crucified, slain like the Leviticus sacrifice. Of course the whole blood-bath that the Levitical process was simply foreshadowed the coming of Messiah. Jesus would be that sacrifice so we could have peace with God.
Atonement is not the reconciliation with God. Reconciliation is the result of 'atonement' which means 'covering.' Our sins are covered because Jesus became our sin on the cross. But this also includes every person who ever lived! Don't forget John said he takes away the sin of the world! So is everyone saved? No. Those who respond to Jesus who was slain and place their whole self on the alter to be 'burned up' can be at peace with God. Then the outrageous swap takes place.
Imputation is when Jesus's righteousness is credited to your account. Jesus has been credited with your unrighteousness now you get his righteousness. This occurs when we believe in Jesus. All sins are covered but only those who believe are credited with righteousness and are saved. Everyone has the potential to be saved but only believing in Jesus activates this imputation of Jesus' righteousness.
Atonement is not just a substitution thing... my friend and Bible Teacher Beresford Job observed that all our condemnation and sinful nature was because we were in Adam. When Jesus died on the cross, sentence was passed onto me and you also because we were placed 'in Christ' when he was on the cross. So every person who ever lived died with Christ. But... and this is the amazing part:
Although everyone in history takes part in Jesus' death and therefore satisfies God's justice, only those believing in Jesus are able to take part in his Resurrection.
Chew on that for a while!
Gary Ward
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