For the Apostle Paul, the atonement is the historical event (the Cross) that unveils the eternal mystery (God’s plan for union with humanity). It moves the believer from a state of alienation to a participant in the divine life. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
A central part of this "mystery" is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs with Israel. In Ephesians 3:4-6 , Paul explains that this was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit.
Paul argues in Romans 3:25 that God presented Jesus as a sacrifice of atonement through faith in his blood. This act satisfies divine justice while demonstrating God's mercy.
For Paul, atonement leads to katallagē (reconciliation). In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 , he emphasizes that "God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ," shifting the status of humanity from "enemies" to "children."
