Romans 3:25 – “atonement” (Greek: ‘ilasthrion - hilasterion)

• The word “atonement” means to turn away the wrath of God, to appease God by satisfying His righteous demand that sin be punished.

• The word atonement was used in the Old Testament to refer to the cover (sometimes referred to as the “mercy seat”) on the ark that was kept in the Jewish tabernacle.

– Exodus 37:1,6-7 - Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood . . . he made the atonement cover of pure gold . . .then he made two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover.

• When the Jews sinned, an animal would have to be sacrificed and it’s blood would be sprinkled on the ark, covering it with blood.

– Hebrews 9:19,21-22 - Moses . . . sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

• This bloody sacrifice symbolized the blood of Christ which covers our sin and turns away God’s wrath towards us.

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