Theology Terms Explained: “Atonement”
In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including:
The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced.
The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.
The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.
Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.
The Term
“Atonement”
a·tone·ment
\ ə- tōn-mənt \ˈ
The Definition
Merriam-Webster: Reparation for an offense or injury; the reconciliation of God and humankind through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.
FTG’s Expanded Explanation: Atonement refers to the work Jesus did to bring sinners back into right relationship with God. Because of sin, humanity is separated from God and under His righteous judgment. Atonement means making things right—it is the payment or satisfaction for sin so that reconciliation can happen.
In the Old Testament, atonement was made through animal sacrifices that symbolically covered sin. But these were just a shadow of what was to come. In the New Testament, Jesus becomes the once-for-all atonement for sin (Hebrews 10:10). He lived a sinless life, died in our place, and rose again, satisfying God’s justice and making peace between God and sinners.
To atone is to “make amends,” and Jesus did that on behalf of all who would believe in Him. The atonement is at the heart of the gospel and the foundation of our forgiveness.
The Biblical Connection
Leviticus 17:11 – “For the life of the flesh is in the blood...it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.”
Isaiah 53:5 – “He was pierced for our transgressions...and with his wounds we are healed.”
Romans 3:25 – “God put [Christ] forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by
faith.”
Hebrews 9:22 – “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”
1 John 2:2 – “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the
whole world.”
Throughout the Bible, atonement is directly tied to sacrifice, blood, justice, and mercy. From the
Day of Atonement in the Old Testament to the cross in the New Testament, God makes a way
for sinners to be cleansed and forgiven.
Used in Everyday Conversation
“The cross wasn’t just an example of love—it was the atonement for sin. Jesus wasn’t just
showing kindness, He was satisfying God’s justice in our place.”
“I heard someone say that people don’t need saving—they just need guidance. But without the
atonement, we’re all still guilty before a holy God. That’s why the cross matters so much.”
