ATONEMENT

Matthew 20:28

“Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

A ransom is defined as a payment for the release of property or a person who was against the will of the owner or the kidnapped person. In today’s gospel, Jesus mentioned that He gave His life as a ransom so we will be saved. This is the very essence and the foundational truth of Christianity. In this way He fulfilled the old covenant sacrificial system, reconciled us to God, and changed our lives forever.

This is the doctrine of the Atonement. That Jesus described his death as a ransom payment is clear. But to whom was the ransom paid? Jesus never said. Again, posing such question would be a theological precept that I would not be in a position to answer. But one thing is clear, Jesus offered His life so we may live forever in the grace and love of God. When Adam and Eve committed the first sin, the devil won and we became beholden to him until Jesus paid the fee.

Now that Jesus has fulfilled the old covenant and sealed the New Covenant in his blood, we can enter into eternal relationship with God. This does not mean that Jesus' death was some hidden, financial transaction going on "behind the scenes." It is an act of sacrifice in which we, his followers, are caught up as we die to sin and live to God.

Atonement is not just about getting saved for the afterlife. It's about becoming reconciled with God, others, and ourselves.

Almighty Father, we offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

“Jesus offered His whole being
As payment for all our iniquities.
He did this so He can bring
Each one of us in life eternity.”

Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.