The Heart of Our Faith: Unpacking the Doctrine of Atonement
A Universal Longing
At the core of Christianity lies the message of what Jesus accomplished on the cross for our salvation – the atonement. While this doctrine may seem bizarre or even immoral to many unbelievers, it’s essential to recognize that our secular culture exhibits a deep-seated longing for atonement in surprising ways.
The Cry for Redemption
Everyone acknowledges that something is wrong with the world. We all feel guilt and shame, and we yearn to be made pure, to be set free, and for things to be put right. This longing manifests in various ways, from headlines seeking atonement for wrongdoing to personal conversations about making amends. The good news is that through Jesus Christ, our sins can be atoned for, and all that our sin has made wrong can be set right.
Sin and the Need for Grace
To give people language for what they’re longing for, we must talk about sin and the condition of our hearts. The curtain has been pulled back on the injustice, wickedness, and evil in the world, and we must acknowledge it for what it is. However, we must also recognize how it plays out in our own hearts and then proclaim the good news of God’s grace.
Guilt and Shame in a Secular Context
Leading a church in Los Angeles, a city often seen as unfriendly towards orthodox Christianity, has given Jeremy Treat a unique perspective. Despite the assumption that people in secular contexts may not acknowledge the reality of sin, he has found that guilt and shame are universals. People in LA wear their brokenness on their sleeves, and it’s expressed in different ways.
Hyper Spirituality and the Longing for Atonement
Los Angeles is a hyper-religious city, with people exploring various spiritual practices, from ayahuasca to witchcraft. While these practices may seem weird, they demonstrate a strong longing for something transcendent. In this context, talking about the atonement and what God has done for us in Christ can be more accessible, as people are open to spiritual solutions.
A Direct Line to Atonement
There is a direct line between the longing for atonement and the hyper-spiritual practices seen in LA. These practices evidence a desire to be made right, to be forgiven, and to be set free. Through the lens of creation, fall, redemption, and new creation, we can see that atonement is only part of the story. The doctrine of atonement provides the remedy for our brokenness, and it’s essential to understand its significance in our daily lives as followers of Christ.
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