What is Atonement?

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Peter had learned about suffering from Jesus. He knew that Jesus' suffering was part of God's plan and was intended to save us. He also knew that all who follow Jesus must be prepared to suffer. Peter learned these truths from Jesus and passed them on to us. However, the Truth is: Christ died for our sins, in our place, so we would not have to suffer the punishment we deserve. The death of Jesus Christ upon the cross carried with it the atonement for both soul and body. The sad report of so many of us is that we are reluctant to trust Him for either. When bad things happen to us, we ask the question, "Why me, God? What did I do to deserve this?" assuming that something we have done (or not done) has wrought havoc in our lives. We feel as if God is punishing us in some way. But that is not at all what the Bible teaches. The Bible clearly demonstrates time and time again that Jesus paid the ultimate price so that we might have life and that more abundantly. So you have a choice: you can walk around sulking with your head ducked low thinking everything you do is going to draw the ire of a vengeful God, or you can walk boldly to Throne of Grace and claim that which is rightfully yours, and be forgiven. I hope you decide to take it today and never let go. God Bless you, J.H.