The Blood Atonement for Dummies (part 1)

I'm very excited for this series of blogs. If I come off as obstinate and absolute on some things, and that turns you off, I apologize. I feel this topic is full of absolutes, as it defines the very foundation of Christianity, and I have to write it in accordance with the dictates of my conscience.

So, let us begin . . .

I guarantee that everyone who reads this post has, at one time or another, heard the phrase "Jesus died for our sins," or something to that effect. Now what I cannot guarantee, however, is whether or not everyone who reads this post has ever:

a) considered why exactly, he died at all
b) wondered what that death actually meant to us as individuals, and what 'our sins' have to do with it
or, dreadfully
c) given that phrase the slightest thought whatsoever

I am especially concerned for those who would profess agreement with the phrase, and yet would not be able to say anything more than that. If it wasn't for Christ dying, we wouldn't have Christianity--surely, we can find more time as "Christians" to understand it.


It's unfortunate that when we are saturated with a maxim, no matter how wise and true it may be, it loses all meaning to us. The Bible says that Angels . . . Angels, mind you, struggle to understand what Jesus did on the cross. Certainly, if these spiritual beings who exist on the same universal plane as God Almighty struggle to comprehend what exactly Jesus did, it follows that we, who live on the physical plane, separated from God, are made absolute fools when we think we understand it.

What Christian isn't guilty of that? Don't we sit there in church, and when the preacher starts to speak of the cross and Jesus' death, tune out because we apparently know it all? Well, for those of you who haven't really thought about it before, or simply for a refresher (heck, everyone needs those when it comes to core Christian doctrines), here is my take on the blood atonement. I'll attempt to be both comprehensive and brief . . . which is inherently impossible, I suppose.