Scriptures on the Atonement of Jesus Christ

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the greatest gift from God to all mankind. Each of these scriptures teaches something specific about Christ's atonement and can provide additional understanding and insight through study, ponder, and prayer.

Sweat Great Drops of Blood

Christ in Gethsemane by Carl Bloch
Christ in Gethsemane by Carl Bloch. Carl Bloch (1834-1890); Public Domain

"And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him....
"And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
"Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
"And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
"And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." (Luke 22:39-44)

An Atonement for Your Sins

The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Carl Bloch (1834-1890); Public Domain

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." (Leviticus 17:11)

Wounded for Our Transgressions

Crucifixion of Christ; Public Domain
Crucifixion of Christ. Public Domain

"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:4-6)

They Might Not Suffer if They Repent

Mormon Ad: Repentance is Strong Soap. LDS.org

"For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
"But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
"Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—
"Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men." (Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19)

An Infinite and Eternal Sacrifice

Christus of Jesus Christ
Christus of Jesus Christ. Photo of the Christus

"And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
"For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made.
"For it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither of any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice; but it must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice." (Alma 34:8-10)

Justice and Mercy

Balance of God's Law: Punishment and Blessing
Balance of God's Law: Punishment and Blessing. Rachel Bruner

"But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God.
"But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.
"For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved." (Alma 42:22-24)

A Sacrifice for Sin

Christ and Woman at the Well; Carl Bloch, Public Domain
Christ and the Samaritan Woman at the Well. Carl Bloch (1834-1890); Public Domain

"And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified...
"Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.
"Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered." (2 Nephi 2:5-7)

His Body and Blood

Sacrament Bread and Water
Sacrament Bread and Water.

"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me." (Luke 22:19)
"And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matthew 26:27-28)

Christ Suffered: the Just for the Unjust

Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ. Public Domain; Josef Untersberger

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit." (1 Peter 3:18)

Redeemed From the Fall

Jesus Christ the Consolator
Jesus Christ the Consolator. Carl Bloch (1834-1890); Public Domain

"Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
"And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.
"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." (2 Nephi 2:25-27)

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Bruner, Rachel. "Scriptures on the Atonement of Jesus Christ." Learn Religions, Aug. 27, 2020, learnreligions.com/scriptures-atonement-of-jesus-christ-2159238. Bruner, Rachel. (2020, August 27). Scriptures on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/scriptures-atonement-of-jesus-christ-2159238 Bruner, Rachel. "Scriptures on the Atonement of Jesus Christ." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/scriptures-atonement-of-jesus-christ-2159238 (accessed March 29, 2024).