September 26, 2004

THE ATONING BLOOD OF JESUS

ROMANS 5:6-11

 

Introduction:

1.  The word "atonement" is derived from a word that means "that which brings about a

     harmonious relationship, reconciliation, covering."

2.  Atonement, in the Bible, is used principally or reconciliation between God and man.

3.  The need for atonement is based upon the fact that man's nature has caused a breach in his

     relationship with God.  Romans 3:11  There is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God.

4.  Atonement is found in Jesus alone, who obtained eternal salvation for mankind by the

     offering of His blood as the acceptable sacrifice for man's sins.  Romans 3:23-25a  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood...

5.  Because Jesus so willingly shed His blood, mankind can be:

     A.  Justified (right with God).  Romans 5:9  Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

     B.  Reconciled to God.  Colossians 1:20  and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

 

  I.  THE REASON FOR BLOOD ATONEMENT.  Romans 5:8  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

      A.  Man's natural sinfulness has separated him from God.

      B.  Because man by nature is a sinner, he is totally unable to reconcile himself to God.

      C.  God, therefore, because of His great love for man, sent His Son to be the supreme

            sacrifice for man.  It took a sinless Jesus to cover the sinfulness of man.

            2 Corinthians 5:19  ...God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them...

 

 II.  THE NATURE OF BLOOD ATONEMENT.  Romans 5:9  Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

      A.  The implication in the Bible is that the objective of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was not

            man, but God.

      B.  It is man that must be reconciled to God for man is a sinner, lost, and under the eternal

            condemnation of God's wrath.  John 3:18  He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

      C.  Sin is revolt against God, it is the overstepping of God's perfect law and must be

            punished!

      D.  Therefore, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was the way in which God could show that\

            He is righteous in forgiving sins and justifying all who will trust in Him for salvation.

            Romans 3:24-26  being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

 

III.  THE PERFECTION OF BLOOD ATONEMENT.  Romans 5:10  For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

      A.  Much of religion has what is termed "a continuing need for salvation." 

      B.  That is, that other things must continually be done in the life of the believer to maintain

his salvation.

      C.  Jesus' offering on the cross was a perfect offering and cannot be improved upon.

            Hebrews 10:14  For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

 

IV.  THE EXTENT OF BLOOD ATONEMENT.  Romans 5:11  And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

      A.  The "we" of verse 11 refers to those who have placed their trust in Jesus for their soul's

            safekeeping.

      B.  "We" also refer to the "whoever" of Romans 10:13.  For whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.

      C.  The atonement of Jesus that took place 2000 years ago still provides coverage for the

            whole world.  1 Timothy 4:10  For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

 

Conclusion:

1.  The blood atonement was given by God to you solely because He loves you.

2.  He did the work but you must be the one who is willing to accept that work in the person of

     Jesus Christ.

3.  Will you believe in Him and trust Him to save your soul today?