“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” vs17

The cross of Christ has all of the power. The preacher does not set you free, the cross does, which is the message of Christ and Him crucified.

You and I are enemies to God by nature, but He paid for our sin with His own Son’s blood, so that He can be glorified in our salvation, giving to us freely [1 Cor 2:12]. Grace is God’s mission but atonement opens the door. He could not be gracious to us without putting away our sins.

Today, I want to talk about the atonement.

First, it is the finished work of Christ. He did everything required to save the sheep. His blood does not save everyone, because it does not atone everyone’s sins. Atonement was made by God. Faith enters into the benefits, but it does not add to His blood.

Secondly, the atonement is for everyone [1 John 2:2]! Any poor sinner who wants it may enter in! You don’t have to worry about election. Believe on the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, and you are elect. He died for you at the appointment of God and rose again.

Thirdly, the atonement means satisfaction. Not only for God, but for me and you!

I don’t have to worry about my sins: they are paid in full.

I don’t have to worry about obedience: the Blood earned the Spirit.

Now, we can deal OPEN FACED with Christ in friendship! Now, we walk with God our Father in the immutable righteousness of His Son’s blood - His obedience to death already verified by His resurrection. We walk with straight A’s on our report card through Christ, which is why we give thanks, and we’re happy all the day.

Finally, the atonement is God’s greatest gift - His Son. He that spared not Him will not spare you any good thing, and He will give all things freely.

“He who did not spare His own son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” ~ Rom 8:32