Atonement

Old Testament New Testament Book of Mormon Statements of Belief

Origins of the Topic

What is atonement?

The reconciliation of two parties in conflict is a very old concept and the Hebrew words (kippur, kipper, kaphar) are very old as well and whose original meanings are not well documented. The verb seems to be a derivative from the noun "kofer" (ransom) and to have meant originally "to atone." When one person performs wrongdoing against another person, there needs to be a payment made to atone for the wrongdoing. "Kofer" was the legal term for the propitiatory gift or ransom, for example, in case a man was killed by a goring ox. In the prophetic language, however, the original idea of the kofer offering had become lost, and, instead of the offended person (God), the offense or guilt became the object of the atonement. The sacrificial atonement in the Old Testament was based on the symbolic offering of life for life. The animals sacrificed were not the symbolism for atonement. Blood is the symbol for life, so the blood from the sacrifices were a symbol of a life for a life. God does not accept a kofer (a material gift), which is why the prophets do not recognize the need of any means of reconciliation with God after estrangement by sin other than repentance. Jesus Christ gave his life for our lives (a life for a life), as explained in Matthew 26:28, "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."

Commentary: A long article on the origins and meaning of atonement described in the Old Testament are discussed here (jewishencyclopedia.com). You will note from the verses concerning atonement, that the concept of atonement is tied very closely to repentance.

Old Testament

Moses is a type and shadow for the atonement that Jesus made for everyone. Not following God's commandments corrupts people. - Key Verse -
Exodus 32:7-14, 30-35, 33:11-17 [7] And the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: [8] They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. [9] And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: [10] Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation. [11] And Moses besought the Lord his God, and said, Lord, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? [12] Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. [13] Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. [14] And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people. [32:30] And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the Lord; peradventure I shall make an atonement (Hebrew "kaphar") for your sin. [31] And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. [32] Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. [33] And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. [34] Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them. [35] And the Lord plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made. [33:11] And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. [12] And Moses said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. [13] Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. [14] And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. [15] And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. [16] For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth. [17] And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. Commentary: Moses atoned for the sins of the House of Israel. He asked for his life to atone for the lives of the House of Israel (Exodus 32:32 - Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book [of life] which thou hast written).

Moses is a type and shadow for the atonement that Jesus made for everyone. Not following God's commandments corrupts people. - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Exodus 32:7-14, 30-35, 33:11-17
[7] And the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:
[8] They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
[9] And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:
[10] Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.
[11] And Moses besought the Lord his God, and said, Lord, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?
[12] Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.
[13] Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.
[14] And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

[32:30] And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the Lord; peradventure I shall make an atonement (Hebrew "kaphar") for your sin.
[31] And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
[32] Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
[33] And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
[34] Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.
[35] And the Lord plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.

[33:11] And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
[12] And Moses said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.
[13] Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.
[14] And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
[15] And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.
[16] For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.
[17] And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

Commentary: Moses atoned for the sins of the House of Israel. He asked for his life to atone for the lives of the House of Israel (Exodus 32:32 - Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book [of life] which thou hast written).

Priesthood (those with God's authority) made the atonement for people who had sinned - Key Verse -
Leviticus 4:18-20 [18] And he shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar which is before the Lord, that is in the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall pour out all the blood at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. [19] And he shall take all his fat from him, and burn it upon the altar. [20] And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering, so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement (Hebrew "kaphar") for them, and it shall be forgiven them.

Priesthood (those with God's authority) made the atonement for people who had sinned - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Leviticus 4:18-20
[18] And he shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar which is before the Lord, that is in the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall pour out all the blood at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
[19] And he shall take all his fat from him, and burn it upon the altar.
[20] And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering, so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement (Hebrew "kaphar") for them, and it shall be forgiven them.

Confession is part of repentance. Again, we see that Priesthood (those with God's authority) made the atonement for people who had sinned - Key Verse -
Lev 5:5-10 [5] And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing: [6] And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the Lord for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin. [7] And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the Lord; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering. [8] And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer that which is for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide it asunder: [9] And he shall sprinkle of the blood of the sin offering upon the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be wrung out at the bottom of the altar: it is a sin offering. [10] And he shall offer the second for a burnt offering, according to the manner: and the priest shall make an atonement for him for his sin which he hath sinned, and it shall be forgiven him. Commentary: The sacrifice was accompanied by a confession of the sins for which it was designed to make atonement.

Confession is part of repentance. Again, we see that Priesthood (those with God's authority) made the atonement for people who had sinned - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Lev 5:5-10
[5] And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing:
[6] And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the Lord for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin.
[7] And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the Lord; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.
[8] And he shall bring them unto the priest, who shall offer that which is for the sin offering first, and wring off his head from his neck, but shall not divide it asunder:
[9] And he shall sprinkle of the blood of the sin offering upon the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be wrung out at the bottom of the altar: it is a sin offering.
[10] And he shall offer the second for a burnt offering, according to the manner: and the priest shall make an atonement for him for his sin which he hath sinned, and it shall be forgiven him.

Commentary: The sacrifice was accompanied by a confession of the sins for which it was designed to make atonement.

This verse connects atonement with reconciliation (to correct a wrong)
Leviticus 6:30 - And no sin offering, whereof any of the blood is brought into the tabernacle of the congregation to reconcile (Hebrew "kaphar") withal in the holy place, shall be eaten: it shall be burnt in the fire.

Confession is part of repentance
Leviticus 16:21 - And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: Commentary: The sacrifice was accompanied by a confession of the sins for which it was designed to make atonement. Commentary from jewishencyclopedia.com: The goat in the annual atonement ritual (Lev. xvi. 7-22) was to carry away all the sins of the children of Israel into an uninhabited land and was sent out to Azazel in the wilderness, while another goat was killed as usual, and its blood sprinkled to make atonement for the sanctuary, cleansing it of the uncleanness of all the transgressions of the children of Israel.

Confession is part of repentance

Leviticus 16:21 - And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness:

Commentary: The sacrifice was accompanied by a confession of the sins for which it was designed to make atonement.
Commentary from jewishencyclopedia.com: The goat in the annual atonement ritual (Lev. xvi. 7-22) was to carry away all the sins of the children of Israel into an uninhabited land and was sent out to Azazel in the wilderness, while another goat was killed as usual, and its blood sprinkled to make atonement for the sanctuary, cleansing it of the uncleanness of all the transgressions of the children of Israel.

Blood is the symbol for life - Key Verse -
Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. Commentary from jewishencyclopedia.com: Blood, which to the ancients was the life-power or soul, forms the essential part of the sacrificial atonement. This is the interpretation given by all the Jewish commentators, ancient and modern, on the passage. Compare this verse with Hebrews 9:22.

Blood is the symbol for life - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Commentary from jewishencyclopedia.com: Blood, which to the ancients was the life-power or soul, forms the essential part of the sacrificial atonement. This is the interpretation given by all the Jewish commentators, ancient and modern, on the passage. Compare this verse with Hebrews 9:22.

Confession is part of repentance
Numbers 5:7 - Then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against whom he hath trespassed. Commentary: The sacrifice was accompanied by a confession of the sins for which it was designed to make atonement.

Prayer is important for atonement - Key Verse -
Deuteronomy 9:17-18 [17] And I took the two tables, and cast them out of my two hands, and brake them before your eyes. [18] And I fell down before the Lord, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger. Commentary: Since sacrifices were not possible during the exodus, prayer became a more important aspect of repentance. Moses prayed for forty days and forty nights for the House of Israel.

Prayer is important for atonement - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Deuteronomy 9:17-18
[17] And I took the two tables, and cast them out of my two hands, and brake them before your eyes.
[18] And I fell down before the Lord, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.

Commentary: Since sacrifices were not possible during the exodus, prayer became a more important aspect of repentance. Moses prayed for forty days and forty nights for the House of Israel.

The Lord provides the atonement when people repent - Key Verse -
Deuteronomy 21:8-9 [8] Be merciful, O Lord, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel's charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them. [9] So shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the Lord. Commentary: The Lord provides the atonement for the people when they "do that which is right" (repent). Blood (as a symbol of the people's life) is forgiven.

The Lord provides the atonement when people repent - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Deuteronomy 21:8-9
[8] Be merciful, O Lord, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel's charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them.
[9] So shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the Lord.

Commentary: The Lord provides the atonement for the people when they "do that which is right" (repent). Blood (as a symbol of the people's life) is forgiven.

The Lord makes atonement
Deuteronomy 32:43 - Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful (Hebrew "kaphar") unto his land, and to his people. Commentary: The Hebrew translation is "and he will atone for the land of his people." This another use of the Hebrew "kaphar."

This verse connects the concept of reconciliation with atonement - Key Verse -
2 Chronicles 29:24 - And the priests killed them, and they made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement (Hebrew "kaphar") for all Israel: for the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel. Commentary: Blood (as a symbol of life) is used here.

The Lord atones (pardons) peoples
2 Chronicles 30:18-20 [18] For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good Lord pardon (Hebrew "kaphar") every one [19] That prepareth his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary. [20] And the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people. Commentary: The Lord atones (pardons) people. The condition for atonement is a heart that is prepared to seek God.

The Lord atones (pardons) peoples

2 Chronicles 30:18-20
[18] For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good Lord pardon (Hebrew "kaphar") every one
[19] That prepareth his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.
[20] And the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.

Commentary: The Lord atones (pardons) people. The condition for atonement is a heart that is prepared to seek God.

God's compassion makes atonement possible
Psalm 78:35-38 [35] And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer. [36] Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. [37] For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. [38] But he, being full of compassion, forgave (Hebrew "kaphar") their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.

God's compassion makes atonement possible

Psalm 78:35-38
[35] And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer. [36] Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. [37] For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. [38] But he, being full of compassion, forgave (Hebrew "kaphar") their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.

The Lord makes atonement - Key Verse -
Psalm 130:5-8 [5] I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. [6] My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. [7] Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. [8] And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Confession is important for atonement. Also important is the concept of not repeating (forsaking) the sin that needs atonement - Key Verse -
Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Commentary from jewish encyclopedia: But the main stress is laid upon the undoing of the wrong done. "No sin that still cleaves to the hand of the sinner can be atoned for; it is as if a man would cleanse himself in the water while holding the contaminating object in his hand; therefore it is said, 'He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Prov. xxviii. 13; Ta'anit 16a).

Confession is important for atonement. Also important is the concept of not repeating (forsaking) the sin that needs atonement - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Commentary from jewish encyclopedia: But the main stress is laid upon the undoing of the wrong done. "No sin that still cleaves to the hand of the sinner can be atoned for; it is as if a man would cleanse himself in the water while holding the contaminating object in his hand; therefore it is said, 'He that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Prov. xxviii. 13; Ta'anit 16a).

If repentance is not complete, God does not accept the reconciliation - Key Verse -
Isaiah 1:11-13 [11] To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. [12] When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? [13] Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Commentary: God does not accept sacrifices as a substitute for repentance. The important aspect of the sacrifice is the intent of the person or people to repent.

If repentance is not complete, God does not accept the reconciliation - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Isaiah 1:11-13
[11] To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
[12] When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?
[13] Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.

Commentary: God does not accept sacrifices as a substitute for repentance. The important aspect of the sacrifice is the intent of the person or people to repent.

The Lord makes atonement
Isaiah 6:7 - And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged (Hebrew "kaphar" - is atoned).

The Lord will atone for our sins if we repent
Isaiah 55:6-7 [6] Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: [7] Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Commentary: The Lord will atone for our sins if we repent (repentance is a returning back to God's Word).

The Old Testament mentions the messiah as the hope of Israel - Key Verse -
Jeremiah 14:8 - O the hope (Hebrew "miqveh") of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night? Commentary: The term "our hope" is a play on words using mikweh ("fountain of water") saying the saviour of Israel is a fountain of water. Compare this with Revelation 21:6, "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."

The Old Testament mentions the messiah as the hope of Israel - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Jeremiah 14:8 - O the hope (Hebrew "miqveh") of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night?

Commentary: The term "our hope" is a play on words using mikweh ("fountain of water") saying the saviour of Israel is a fountain of water. Compare this with Revelation 21:6, "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."

This verse connects forgiveness with atonement
Jeremiah 18:23 Yet, Lord, thou knowest all their counsel against me to slay me: forgive (Hebrew "kaphar") not their iniquity, neither blot out their sin from thy sight, but let them be overthrown before thee; deal thus with them in the time of thine anger.

People will only live if they repent and follow God's commandments - Key Verse -
Ezekiel 18:25-32 [25] Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? [26] When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. [27] Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. [28] Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. [29] Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? [30] Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. [31] Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? [32] For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye. Commentary: People will only live if they follow God's commandments. People can repent if they turn away from God. God is interested in your heart. He has no pleasure in judging people to die a spiritual death.

People will only live if they repent and follow God's commandments - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Ezekiel 18:25-32
[25] Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
[26] When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.
[27] Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.
[28] Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
[29] Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?
[30] Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
[31] Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
[32] For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

Commentary: People will only live if they follow God's commandments. People can repent if they turn away from God. God is interested in your heart. He has no pleasure in judging people to die a spiritual death.

Repentance is important for atonement
Hosea 14:1-2 [1] O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. [2] Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. Commentary: Hosea is stating that repentance to God does not require a sacrifice, but that the sacrifice ("calves") can be made as a statement ("our lips").

Repentance is important for atonement

Hosea 14:1-2
[1] O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.
[2] Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.

Commentary: Hosea is stating that repentance to God does not require a sacrifice, but that the sacrifice ("calves") can be made as a statement ("our lips").

Atonement is not possible unless you are sincere in your repentance
Amos 5:22-24 [22] Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. [23] Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols. [24] But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. Commentary: God states that He will not accept sacrifices. It is not the sacrifices that are important, what is important is the repentance of the people that come to the priests seeking reconciliation for the sin they have committed. When people do not repent ("noise of thy songs"), the purpose of the sacrifices are meaningless.

Atonement is not possible unless you are sincere in your repentance

Amos 5:22-24
[22] Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.
[23] Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.
[24] But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.

Commentary: God states that He will not accept sacrifices. It is not the sacrifices that are important, what is important is the repentance of the people that come to the priests seeking reconciliation for the sin they have committed. When people do not repent ("noise of thy songs"), the purpose of the sacrifices are meaningless.

Following God's commandments (hear ye the rod) is important for atonement - Key Verse -
Micah 6:6-9 [6] Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? [7] Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? [8] He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? [9] The Lord's voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it. Commentary: God is not interested in the animals that are sacrificed. He is interested in the hearts of men and wants people to have wisdom and understand his word ('hear ye the rod").

Following God's commandments (hear ye the rod) is important for atonement - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Micah 6:6-9
[6] Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?
[7] Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
[8] He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
[9] The Lord's voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.

Commentary: God is not interested in the animals that are sacrificed. He is interested in the hearts of men and wants people to have wisdom and understand his word ('hear ye the rod").

New Testament

Jesus atoned for our sins that we may have everlasting life
Romans 5:17-19 [17] For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) [18] Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. [19] For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Jesus atoned for our sins that we may have everlasting life

Romans 5:17-19
[17] For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
[18] Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
[19] For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Forsake sin and follow God's Word
Romans 6:8-11 [8] Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: [9] Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. [10] For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. [11] Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Forsake sin and follow God's Word

Romans 6:8-11
[8] Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
[9] Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
[10] For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
[11] Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jesus appeared once to atone for our sins
Hebrews 9:22-28 [22] And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. [23] It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. [24] For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: [25] Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; [26] For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. [27] And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: [28] So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Jesus appeared once to atone for our sins

Hebrews 9:22-28
[22] And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
[23] It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
[24] For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
[25] Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
[26] For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
[27] And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
[28] So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Jesus atoned for all of our sins. His one sacrifice covers all sins forever. Sacrifices do not take away sins - Key Verse -
Hebrews 10:9-12 [9] Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. [10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. [11] And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: [12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; Commentary: Here we see a statement that the sacrifices performed in the Old Testament by the priests were not the means for atonement. This is the same idea prophesized by the prophets (Isaiah, Amos, Hosea, and Micah). As Moses offered himself to God to atone for the House of Israel, Jesus offered himself for all people.

Jesus atoned for all of our sins. His one sacrifice covers all sins forever. Sacrifices do not take away sins - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Hebrews 10:9-12
[9] Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
[10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
[11] And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
[12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

Commentary: Here we see a statement that the sacrifices performed in the Old Testament by the priests were not the means for atonement. This is the same idea prophesized by the prophets (Isaiah, Amos, Hosea, and Micah). As Moses offered himself to God to atone for the House of Israel, Jesus offered himself for all people.

Book of Mormon

Jesus makes an intercession for all people for atonement similar to Moses interceding for the House of Israel - Key Verse -
2 Nephi 1:73-80 [73] Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the holy Messiah, [74] Who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, [75] That he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise. [76] Wherefore, he is the first fruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; [77] And they that believe in him, shall be saved. [78] And because of the intercession for all, all men come unto God; [79] Wherefore, they stand in the presence of him, to be judged of him, according to the truth and holiness which is in him. [80] Wherefore, the ends of the law which the Holy One hath given, unto the inflicting of the punishment which is affixed, which punishment that is affixed is in opposition to that of the happiness which is affixed, to answer the ends of the atonement;

Jesus makes an intercession for all people for atonement similar to Moses interceding for the House of Israel - Key Verse - Key Scripture

2 Nephi 1:73-80
[73] Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the holy Messiah,
[74] Who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit,
[75] That he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.
[76] Wherefore, he is the first fruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men;
[77] And they that believe in him, shall be saved.
[78] And because of the intercession for all, all men come unto God;
[79] Wherefore, they stand in the presence of him, to be judged of him, according to the truth and holiness which is in him.
[80] Wherefore, the ends of the law which the Holy One hath given, unto the inflicting of the punishment which is affixed, which punishment that is affixed is in opposition to that of the happiness which is affixed, to answer the ends of the atonement;

Jesus' atonement for our sins is perfect, meaning there is no more need for periodic atonement as in the Old Testament - Key Verse -
2 Nephi 6:11-16 [11] For as death has passed upon all men, to fulfill the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection, [12] And the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; [13] And the fall came by reason of transgression; [14] And because man became fallen, they were cut off from the presence of the Lord; [15] Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement; [16] Save it should be an infinite atonement, this corruption could not put on incorruption.

Jesus' atonement for our sins is perfect, meaning there is no more need for periodic atonement as in the Old Testament - Key Verse - Key Scripture

2 Nephi 6:11-16
[11] For as death has passed upon all men, to fulfill the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection,
[12] And the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall;
[13] And the fall came by reason of transgression;
[14] And because man became fallen, they were cut off from the presence of the Lord;
[15] Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement;
[16] Save it should be an infinite atonement, this corruption could not put on incorruption.

Jesus' atonement for our sins is perfect - Key Verse -
2 Nephi 11:25-26 [25] Wherefore, the Jews shall be scattered among all nations; yea, and also Babylon shall be destroyed; wherefore, the Jews shall be scattered by other nations; [26] And after they have been scattered, and the Lord God hath scourged them by other nations, for the space of many generations, yea, even down from generation to generation until they shall be persuaded to believe in Christ, the Son of God, and the atonement, which is infinite for all mankind;

Jesus' atonement for our sins is perfect - Key Verse - Key Scripture

2 Nephi 11:25-26
[25] Wherefore, the Jews shall be scattered among all nations; yea, and also Babylon shall be destroyed; wherefore, the Jews shall be scattered by other nations;
[26] And after they have been scattered, and the Lord God hath scourged them by other nations, for the space of many generations, yea, even down from generation to generation until they shall be persuaded to believe in Christ, the Son of God, and the atonement, which is infinite for all mankind;

Atonement has been part of God's plan from the beginning. Atonement can only be made if you accept God and keep his commandments - Key Verse -
Mosiah 2:9-12 [9] I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long suffering towards the children of men, [10] And also, the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life; I mean the life of the mortal body; [11] I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation, through the atonement which was prepared from the foundation of the world, for all mankind, which ever were, ever since the fall of Adam, or who are or who ever shall be, even unto the end of the world; and this is the means whereby salvation cometh. [12] And there is none other salvation, save this which hath been spoken of; neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved, except the conditions which I have told you.

Atonement has been part of God's plan from the beginning. Atonement can only be made if you accept God and keep his commandments - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Mosiah 2:9-12
[9] I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long suffering towards the children of men,
[10] And also, the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life; I mean the life of the mortal body;
[11] I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation, through the atonement which was prepared from the foundation of the world, for all mankind, which ever were, ever since the fall of Adam, or who are or who ever shall be, even unto the end of the world; and this is the means whereby salvation cometh.
[12] And there is none other salvation, save this which hath been spoken of; neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved, except the conditions which I have told you.

Jesus provides the last sacrifice for atonement - Key Verse -
Alma 16:209-215 [209] Yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen, and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made; [210] For it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither of any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice: but it must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice. [211] Now there is not any man that can sacrifice his own blood, which will atone for the sins of another. [212] Now if a man murdereth, behold, will our law, which is just, take the life of his brother? I say unto you, Nay. [213] But the law requireth the life of him who hath murdered; therefore there can be nothing, which is short of an infinite atonement, which will suffice for the sins of the world; therefore it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice; [214] And then shall there be, or it is expedient there should be, a stop to the shedding of blood; then shall the Law of Moses be fulfilled; yea, it shall all be fulfilled; every jot and tittle, and none shall have passed away. [215] And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law; every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God; yea, infinite and eternal; and thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name;

Jesus provides the last sacrifice for atonement - Key Verse - Key Scripture

Alma 16:209-215
[209] Yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen, and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made;
[210] For it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither of any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice: but it must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice.
[211] Now there is not any man that can sacrifice his own blood, which will atone for the sins of another.
[212] Now if a man murdereth, behold, will our law, which is just, take the life of his brother? I say unto you, Nay.
[213] But the law requireth the life of him who hath murdered; therefore there can be nothing, which is short of an infinite atonement, which will suffice for the sins of the world; therefore it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice;
[214] And then shall there be, or it is expedient there should be, a stop to the shedding of blood; then shall the Law of Moses be fulfilled; yea, it shall all be fulfilled; every jot and tittle, and none shall have passed away.
[215] And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law; every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God; yea, infinite and eternal; and thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name;

Statements of Belief

- No Found or Stated Position

- Consistent with Scripture

- Partially Consistent with Scripture

- Inconsistent with Scripture

Anabaptism

Anglican

Assyrian Church

Church of Christ

Church of Jesus Christ (Restoration Branches)

(Utah) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Community of Christ

Eastern Orthodox

Islam

Jehovah's Witnesses

Judaism

Lutheran

Methodist

Pentecostal

Presbyterian

Roman Catholic

Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Southern Baptist Convention

Anabaptism -

Anglican -

Assyrian Church -

Church of Christ -

Church of Jesus Christ (Restoration Branches) -

Epitome of Faith: We believe that through atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

Section 76:5a-d,q [5a] And again, we bear record for we saw and heard, and this is the testimony of the gospel of Christ, concerning them who come forth in the resurrection of the just: [5b] They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name, and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he has given, that by keeping the commandments, they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, [5c] and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power; [5d] and who overcome by faith, and are sealed by that Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true; [5q] these are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood;

Commentary: These statements and the verses in the Book of Mormon are consistent with the Bible.

(Utah) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -

Atonement of Jesus Christ: As used in the scriptures, to atone is to suffer the penalty for sins, thereby removing the effects of sin from the repentant sinner and allowing him or her to be reconciled to God. Jesus Christ was the only one capable of carrying out the Atonement for all mankind. Because of His Atonement, all people will be resurrected, and those who obey His gospel will receive the gift of eternal life with God.

Commentary: While the words here are consistent with the scriptures, the LDS church also believes in blood atonement, which contradicts the scriptures. Their entry for "Blood Atonement" links to this entry which is not the same as atonement.

Community of Christ -

Eastern Orthodox -

Islam -

Jehovah's Witnesses -

Judaism -

Atonement (jewishencyclopedia.com): Accordingly, Atonement in Jewish theology as developed by the Rabbis of the Talmud, has for its constituent elements: (a) on the part of God, fatherly love and forgiving mercy; (b) on the part of man, repentance and reparation of wrong. The following exposition will serve to enlighten the reader on these elements:

(a) While God's quality of justice ("middat hadin"), which punishes the wrong-doing, would leave no hope for man, since "there is not a righteous man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not" (Eccl. vii. 20, R. V.), God's quality of mercy ("middat haraamin") has from the very beginning provided repentance as the means of salvation (Gen. R. i, xii.; Pesiḳ. xxv. 158b; Pesi. R. 44; Pes. 54a.) "Thou hast mercy upon all; thou condonest the sins of men in order that they should amend" (Wisdom xi. 23). "Wherever there are sins and righteous deeds set against each other in the scale of justice, God inclines it toward mercy"(Pesi. xxvi. 167a).

"Human Wisdom, when asked, 'What shall be done with the sinner?' replieth, 'Evil pursueth sinners' (Prov. xiii. 21). Prophecy, when asked, 'What shall be done with the sinner?' replieth, 'The soul that sinneth, it shall die' (Ezek. xviii. 4). The Law, when asked, 'What shall be done with the sinner?' replieth, 'Let him bring a guilt-offering and the priest shall atone for him' (Lev. i. 4 [Hebr.]). God himself, when asked, 'What shall be done with the sinner?' replieth, 'Let him repent, and he will be atoned for; was it not said: "Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way of repentance" (Psalms xxv. 8). For, my children, what do I require of you? "Seek me and live"' "

Commentary: The recognition that God has offered atonement and the responsibility for man is repentance and to try to repair the wrongs they do are consistent with the scriptures.

Lutheran -

Methodist -

Pentecostal -

Presbyterian -

The Atonement: ...Atonement means, therefore, the creation of the conditions whereby God and [humanity] come together...The Christian message tells us that God was incarnate in Jesus, and that his sin-bearing was incarnate in the Passion of Jesus. God in Christ has paid the price. Atonement is a reality.

Commentary: The concepts of an intention to change and work towards reconciliation are consistent with the scriptures. No statements regarding reparation or restoring to an original state for the wrong are mentioned.

Roman Catholic -

Seventh-Day Adventist Church -

Fundamental Beliefs - Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ: In Christ's life of perfect obedience to God's will, His suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the only means of atonement for human sin, so that those who by faith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness of God's law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. The resurrection of Christ proclaims God's triumph over the forces of evil, and for those who accept the atonement assures their final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow. (John 3:16; Isa. 53; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, 20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Rom. 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; 1 John 2:2; 4:10; Col. 2:15; Phil. 2:6-11.)

Commentary: The perfect atonement of Christ is consistent with the scriptures