A Doctrine & Theology Reflection | The Way Bible Series
The Meaning of Atonement
The word “atonement” means to make amends or to reconcile two estranged parties. In Hebrew, the term kaphar literally means “to cover,” pointing to the act of covering sin before God’s sight (Leviticus 16:30). In Greek, the New Testament word katallagē carries the sense of reconciliation — a restored relationship between God and humankind. At its heart, atonement bridges the chasm between God’s holiness and human sinfulness. Every offering, sacrifice, and ritual in Israel’s history was a shadow of this ultimate work of reconciliation.
The Tabernacle Model: Shadows of a Greater Reality
From the earliest covenant days, Israel’s worship centered on sacrifice. The Tabernacle — God’s dwelling among His people (Exodus 25:8) — served as both sanctuary and symbol. Within its tented walls, God established a system by which sin could be temporarily covered.
Every part of the tabernacle reflected the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God:
– The Altar of Burnt Offering reminded Israel that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).
– The Holy of Holies represented the distance between a holy God and sinful people.
– The Mercy Seat, covering the Ark of the Covenant, was the place of divine encounter — where blood was sprinkled once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:15).
Two goats were central to that annual ritual: one sacrificed, its blood symbolically cleansing the people’s sins; the other — the scapegoat — sent into the wilderness, carrying away Israel’s guilt (Leviticus 16:21–22). These rituals reminded Israel that sin required payment, but they were also temporary. The conscience remained unhealed, and the heart unchanged.
