ATONEMENT AND ITS RELATED TERMS IN THE BIBLE

Abstract

The word atonement has different shades of meaning and is presented in diverse terms in the bible.  Terms employed to describe the atoning death of Christ include: “ransom” (eg Matt 20:28; Mark 10:45; Eph 1:7); “substitute” (John 15:13; John 17:19); “propitiation or expiation” (Rom 3:25, 26; Heb 9:5),  “substitution” (Rom 8:32; 5:2; Eph 5:2), “reconciliation” (1 Cor 5:10-11; Heb 2:17), and “example” (Phil 2:3-8; 1 Pet 2:21-23; Eph 5:2). In view of the diverse terms employed by the Bible to describe the atoning death of Christ, this study seeks to understand the various terms used to describe the atoning death of Christ.  The study concludes that a better understanding of the various terms related to atonement is relevant for human salvation and also brings out the proper meaning of the death of Christ.