Scripture -> Hebrews 10:1-25

Review

Last we finished discussing about the two natures of Christ combined in the one person of Christ.

We discussed the proper works of each nature

• Those works which could only be accomplished by His human nature
  • Subjection
  • Obedience to the law
  • Death on the cross
• Those works with could only be accomplished by His divine nature
  • Resurrection
  • Sanctification, Redemption, the sending of the Holy Spirit

Introduction

We also discussed how the works of both natures were necessary so that the justice of God could be satisfied.

That there was no other way that could be taken according to the will of God.

We then turned our attention to beginning an investigation in the Doctrine of the Atonement.

Atonement, if you remember, refers to the substitution of Christ in the taking of our sins upon Himself so that we might be justified and accepted in God’s sight.

• 1 Peter 2:24
• 1 John 2:2
• Romans 3:23-26

With respect to the atonement, we discussed its necessity and the cause.

Today, we will look at the purpose of the atonement

The purpose of the Atonement -> reconciliation

The purpose of the Atonement

• As we spoke last week, to fulfill the good pleasure of God, by
  • Reconciling sinners to God
  • Rendering total satisfaction to God.

The Atonement

• was agreed upon by the members of the Trinity before creation
• was agreed upon in the covenant of redemption

But we must understand that the atonement effected no change within the inner being of God. The only change was in the “relation” of God to man.

Let’s look at how sinners are reconciled to God

Rom-05:10

• We were enemies of God prior to being reconciled through the death of his son.
• Reconciliation is mediated through the work of Christ the Redeemer
• The purpose of the Atonement is fulfilled
• bringing the enemies of God back into a relationship with God in accordance with His word
• bringing the enemies of God into a right standing to his law

2 Cor 5:17

We see here the purpose of God in transforming His people in Christ

• their old sin nature is removed from them
• they are freed from that bondage of sin
• they are now new men (of course, referring to men and women)

We see here God reconciling us to himself by Jesus Christ.

• note that the mediator of the covenant is central
  • bringing him back unto the father
  • that is why the father is pleased.
  • He is pleased in the work of the atonement that Christ does

The purpose of the Atonement -> Election in View

Election in a proper perspective with the Atonement

Let’s take a moment and look at some principles from 2 Cor

We are reconciled through the mediator Jesus Christ (v. 18)

We are reconciled through God choosing us in Christ (v. 19)

• We are reconciled unto him by Christ Jesus
• Election is not salvation
  • election is God choosing a people in Christ unto salvation
  • redemption is in Christ
  • redemption is not in election
  • but election is unto Christ who is the redeemer.

The Absolute Necessity of a Savior

The absolute necessity of a Savior, a mediator, cannot be bypassed.

• If election of itself would bring men unto salvation, God would not need a mediator
  • Election is not the same as salvation
    • Election does not save men, in and of itself.
    • Election is God's selection of men to be redeemed in the person of Jesus Christ
    • Election is the positional favor we have favor with God in Christ even before the foundation of the world.
    • Election determines the children of the living God.

The Arminian is incorrect when he rails against the Calvinist in this matter

• That Calvinists do not need Christ as a redeemer because they are elected.
• That Calvinists are saved by their election from a sovereign act of God without the necessity of Christ
• However, Christ is absolutely necessary
  • Redemption is accomplished by Christ
  • Christ had to die in order to accomplish this redemption.
  • Christ is the one who alone is capable of reconciling us to the Father.
    • It cannot be done without the death of Christ
    • It cannot be done without the shedding of Christ’s blood

The Arminian is also incorrect when he says man “completes” salvation

• You’ve heard not in these terms but perhaps more like this:
  • “God has done it all except now you have…
    • Accept His offer
    • Ask/ Allow Jesus into your heart
    • Accept the gift Jesus is offering you
    • Come across the bridge separating you from Jesus
    • Christ has “done it all” and now “waits for you” to do the rest
  • In short, you are responsible for “completing” your salvation

The Absolute Certainty of the Atonement

The atonement actually secured, fixed, made-certain salvation for the sinner.

• It did not merely make salvation possible.
• It actually secured it.

The Arminian, the Roman Catholics, the Lutheran….

• Teach a universal atonement.
• Teach that the atonement of Christ merely made salvation possible, and not certain, for those for whom it was offered.

But the sacrifice of Christ was complete.

The atonement secured the application of redemption to those for whom it was intended and thus rendering their salvation fully certain and fully complete.

The purpose of the Atonement

The remission of sin, the reconciliation is based upon the redeeming work of Christ who reconciles us unto the Father.

• It is God who transforms us through Christ.
  • It is God who transforms us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light.
• It is God who reconciles us through Christ.
• It is God who redeemed us.
• It is God who saves us.
• It is God who transforms and renews the heart and the mind.
• It is never an act of men

• It is never any part of man's action by which God would claim
  • that anything man would do could be considered a part of the redemption
  • that anything man would do could accomplish or help or assist with the work of Christ
  • that anything man would do would thereby lead to reconciliation under God
• Men are not saved because they make a profession of faith
• Men are saved because Christ died for sin

• Men are saved because the elect for whom Christ died
  • are redeemed through Christ
  • are cleansed in the blood of Christ
• There is redemption for the elect of God in the work of Christ
• There is reconciliation for the elect of God through Christ.

We are elected unto salvation

• It is found only in Jesus Christ
• It is not found in anything else.
• Christ must be the mediator

Our salvation does not center around predestination or election

• Salvation centers around the person of Jesus Christ through whom only we have salvation and are predestined unto salvation in him.

Conclusion & Uses

With this

• We should find great comfort in the work accomplished by our Savior.
• We should also find great humility as well.

There was nothing within us and there was nothing we did – not even in the slightest – to merit or earn or to secure our salvation.

Our salvation was bought, was paid for by Christ.

• In full
• In total

Therefore, it cannot fail. It cannot be lost. It cannot be rejected.

Those for whom Christ died are certain to be saved.

Therefore, we owe everything to Christ. We owe it all.