Jesus

The Atonement

How the death of Jesus deals with sin.

Scripture uses several images: substitution (he took our place), ransom (he bought our freedom), sacrifice (he cleansed our guilt), victory (he defeated evil and death), and example (he showed the depth of love).

These images are complementary. Different traditions emphasise different ones, but the church has consistently held that the cross is where sin is dealt with decisively.

Key verses

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21

The Resurrection Sin

Where this came from

We're not experts — these are the sources we used while researching this page. Read them yourself, keep digging, and hold us to them.

[1]Blue Letter Bible — concordance and cross-reference tools
Every verse chain on a topic page was checked in context here.
[2]Bible Project — theological theme studies
Biblical-theology framing for themes such as covenant, image of God, exile and sabbath.
[3]Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (OUP)
Definitions of technical terms used on these pages.