religion

atonement - definition, concept and what it is

The concept of atonement is eminently religious and it must be specifically understood in the coordinates of the Christian religion. Atonement occurs when after committing a sin or a fault the believer wants to restore harmony with God, who has been offended by the action committed. In other words, the atonement is a form of repentance in order to restore union and harmony with God.

In this way, the atonement is the act by which the believer forgives himself and, at the same time, forgives others for their mistakes. Keep in mind that the term comes from the Latin expiatio, which means to bring out the guilt. The verb expiate is equivalent to purify, compensate or repair.

From the point of view of Christianity

The notion of sin is essential in Christianity. The human being is born with original sin and throughout his life commits improper or sinful actions, which can be more or less serious. For believers, sin produces a feeling of guilt and, therefore, their sinful action involves a personal break with God. This rupture must be eliminated and to achieve this the believer has to recognize and accept his sin, since he has to pay for it in some way (for example, with a punishment imposed by himself or by the priest through confession). The atonement has, therefore, two different moments: assuming responsibility for sin and, in parallel, with this attitude we seek God's forgiveness, that is, their absolution. Atonement for sin requires sincere repentance and belief in God's forgiveness.

Considerations on the idea of ​​atonement in Christianity

The atonement is a form of approach to God that originates from the Old Testament episode in which Adam and Eve were expelled from Paradise.

The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross is considered a form of atonement, since Jesus as a man sacrificed himself for men, in such a way that through the atonement of Jesus Christ the idea of ​​eternal life after death is symbolized for human beings .

Individual atonement is the consequence of the infinite goodness of God, who being perfect cannot accept any stain or sin among men. Therefore, God grants us the gift of atonement.

Photo: iStock - yelo34

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