The Why and How of the Messiah's Sacrifice: Understanding Atonement in the Bible

Son of God, Emmanuel and the Messiah are crucial figures in Christian theology, and their sacrificial death is a central concept in understanding the atonement and forgiveness of sins. According to the Bible, why did the Messiah need to die? This question has puzzled many, but it finds its answer through the lens of sacrifices of atonement.

God's Sacrifice of Atonement

In the book of Romans, 3:25-26, it is written: “God presented him [Jesus] as a sacrifice of atonement through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice by being patient with sins previously overlooked, so as to demonstrate his justice in the present time in order to be just and to make righteous all who have faith in Jesus.”

This passage clarifies that the atoning work of Christ on the cross was focused on satisfying the demands of justice. The atonement process is complex, involving the punishment of the wicked and compensation for the victims of unjustified suffering. Jesus, as a victim of unjustified suffering, was awarded compensation that He used to pay off the debt of others' sins. The justice of God was thus satisfied, allowing for the application of forgiveness.

2 Thessalonians 1:6 also sheds light on the dual aspect of justice. The text indicates that the arm of justice that punishes the wicked and the arm that compensates the wronged find balance through the atonement of Christ.

Judgment and Redemption

The judgment and the redemption of sins are intertwined, as reflected in the Bible. Psalm 49:7-9 explicitly states: “No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him – for the ransom for a life is costly, and it would be for all the gold in the world.”

Yet, the Bible also reveals that Jesus was uniquely qualified to redeem us. John 1:3 emphasizes that through Jesus, all things were made. The value of His unjustified suffering was so great that it could redeem the sins of the world. Ephesians 1:7 and 1 John 2:2 further support this idea, highlighting the sufficiency of Jesus' atoning work and the requirement of faith in His sacrifice for salvation.

Jesus' Death: Voluntary and Necessary

Many perceive the death of the Messiah as a requirement due to human traditions or the interpretation by His followers. However, it is essential to understand that the Bible does not require a human sacrifice for forgiveness. Jesus had the authority and capability to forgive sins Himself, as evidenced in His teachings and encounters with sinners. Yet, His death had a much deeper significance in Attonement.

John 20:28 reinforces this by affirming: “Jesus said to him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” The death of Jesus was a pivotal moment not just for faith but as a demonstration of God's love and justice.

In conclusion, the death of the Messiah was not a necessary human sacrifice but a profound act of love and justice. It was a means to atone for sins, demonstrating the just and merciful nature of God. Understanding this concept deepens our appreciation for the Bible and the sacrifice made by the Messiah, leading to a more profound faith and understanding of divine justice.