A BIBLE READING.

THE ATONEMENT.

This subject is again coming up for consideration, and we would not hinder it if we could. Rather would we be found aiding in the investigation. When we know that a doctrine rests on the Word of God we can rest on it without fear. Many of God's children, though walking in the light, are inclined to lean too much on the arm of flesh; and if we mistake not God is going to shake them loose. Blessed will they be who are standing on the rock of his truth.

All do not have equal facilities for searching the Word, so we wish to help. We would say, however, that there is but little excuse for the most of us, seeing that good reference Bibles are so cheap. A teacher's Bible and a full concordance, a prayerful heart and an honest mind, with time and patience, are all we need-- God will give the rest.

Study carefully and prayerfully the following texts; use them as starting points with your reference Bibles; you will find plenty more. Keep a list of all you find; compare any theory of the atonement, no matter where it comes from, with every text on your list; if it agrees, believe it; if not, reject it. Let God's Word be the end of all controversy between you and every doctrine brought before you. Don't be afraid to investigate. "Light is sown for the righteous." "Prove all things, hold fast that which is good."

Here are some of the things that Jesus did for us in the atoning work:

He died for us. 1 Thes. 5:10; Rom. 5:8.

He died for all. 2 Cor. 5:14,15; John 11:50-52.

He died for our sins. 1 Cor. 15:3; 1 Pet. 2:24.

He justified us. Gal. 2:17; Rom. 4:25.

The law could not. Gal. 5:4; Rom. 3:20.

Our works could not. Gal. 2:16; Rom. 3:27,28.

Faith in his work justifies. Gal. 3:13,14; Rom. 4:24.

He bought us. 1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23.

He redeemed us. Gal. 3:13; 1 Pet. 1:18-20.

He ransomed us. Matt. 20:28; 1 Tim. 2:6.

He washed us. Rev. 1:5; 1 John 1:7.

He sanctified us. Heb. 13:12; Eph. 5:26.

He saves us. 1 Cor. 1:21; 1 Tim. 1:15.

He was an offering for us. Heb. 9:28; 10:10.

He was sacrificed for us. Eph. 5:2; 1 Cor. 5:7.

He knew no sin. 1 John 3:5; Heb. 4:15. He was made sin (a sin-offering) for us. 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:22-24.

The just died for the unjust. 1 Pet. 3:18; consider also the meaning of the sacrifices of 4,000 years.

His blood bought us; 1 Pet. 1:2. Purchased us; Acts 20:28. Redeemed us; Rev. 5:9. Justified us; Rom. 5:9. Washed us; Rev. 1:5. Sanctified us; Heb. 13:12. Saves us; Acts 4:12.

"A little Scripture is better than a good deal of reasoning."

W. I. MANN.

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