Tracing Atonement: Seeds in the Old Testament

Tracing Atonement: Seeds in the Old Testament – Reflection Form

Reflect on Old Testament passages and their role in Christian understandings of atonement. Share your insights on each section below.
Purpose:
Christians have developed different ways of understanding the meaning of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection — often called atonement theories. These ideas did not appear out of nowhere. Many grow from images, stories, and theological patterns already present in the Hebrew Scriptures.

As you read each passage, notice what it says about God, humanity, sin, restoration, and healing.
Section 1: Sacrifice & Covenant Restoration Leviticus 16:29–34 (The Day of Atonement) Key Idea: Ritual repair of relationship between God and community. Later Christian Parallel: Sin disrupts relationship and requires reconciliation.
What problem is this ritual trying to solve?
Who acts to restore the relationship — God, the people, or both?
Does this passage emphasize punishment, cleansing, or renewal?
How might ancient people have experienced comfort through this ritual?
Section 2: Liberation from Bondage Exodus 12:21–27 Key Idea: Deliverance from oppression and death. Later Christian Parallel: Christus Victor — God defeats the powers that enslave humanity.
What does salvation look like in this story?
Who or what is God saving the people from?
How might freedom itself be part of salvation?
Section 3: Healing and Renewal Psalm 103:8–13 Key Idea: Divine compassion restores broken people. Later Christian Parallel: Sin as woundedness needing restoration.
How is God described emotionally in this psalm?
Does forgiveness here feel legal, relational, or parental?
How does compassion change the meaning of justice?
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Tracing Atonement: Seeds in the Old Testament – Reflection Form

Section 1: Sacrifice & Covenant Restoration Leviticus 16:29–34 (The Day of Atonement) Key Idea: Ritual repair of relationship between God and community. Later Christian Parallel: Sin disrupts relationship and requires reconciliation.

Section 2: Liberation from Bondage Exodus 12:21–27 Key Idea: Deliverance from oppression and death. Later Christian Parallel: Christus Victor — God defeats the powers that enslave humanity.

Section 3: Healing and Renewal Psalm 103:8–13 Key Idea: Divine compassion restores broken people. Later Christian Parallel: Sin as woundedness needing restoration.