The article “To Make Reconciliation for the Sins of the People” by Don Fortner addresses the pivotal role of Christ as the High Priest who achieved atonement for the sins of His people. Fortner argues that reconciliation was accomplished through the sacrificial act of Christ, who offered Himself to God, thereby fulfilling His role as Priest, Altar, and Sacrifice. He substantiates his points with key Scripture passages such as Hebrews 9:12-14 and Romans 3:24-26, which affirm the necessity of Christ’s self-offering to satisfy divine justice and secure salvation for the elect. The author emphasizes the significance of this doctrine, contending that the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice is foundational to the believer's assurance of salvation and that any denial of this truth undermines the work of Christ and the glory of God.
Key Quotes
“The principal primary work of Christ as our great High Priest was to make reconciliation or atonement for the sins of his people.”
“Either the Son of God accomplished redemption for his people and effectually reconciled them to God or he is no Savior.”
“The doctrine of universal redemption by whatever name it is called is utter blasphemy.”
“Complete atonement Thou hast made / And to the utmost farthing paid / All that Thy people owed.”
Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. - Hebrews 2:17“To make reconciliation for the sins of the people”
The principal, primary work of Christ as our great High Priest was to make reconciliation, or atonement, for the sins of his people. He is “merciful and faithful in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”
The High Priest is one who reconciles God and his sinful people by making an atonement for the sins of the people. This reconciliation, or atonement for sin, is the great work of Christ our great High Priest (1 John 2:1-2). His atonement for sin is the foundation and source of all his other works as our High Priest.
By the sacrifice of himself at Calvary as our Substitute, the Lord Jesus Christ has faithfully executed his office as our High Priest in things pertaining to God and effectually reconciled us to God by the blood of his cross; for by that precious blood he has put away our sins (Heb. 9:12, 28; Rom. 3:24-26). Atonement has been made, reconciliation has been accomplished by the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary. If we are to understand the nature of our Lord’s sacrifice and the efficacy of his atonement, certain questions must be answered.
Who was the Sacrificer?
Christ is the Priest. Christ is the Altar. And Christ is the Sacrifice. Christ offered himself to God. He gave himself an offering and a sacrifice of sweet smelling savor (Heb. 9:14; Eph. 5:2). It is true, the sword of justice slew our Savior; but he is the One in whose hand the sword of justice is, for he is God. Our Lord was not made to die by any hand but his own. He gave up the ghost. He laid down his life by his own will.
What was the sacrifice by which atonement was made?
Christ gave himself, body and soul, into the hands of justice, to die as a man for our sins. He laid down his life for us (John 10:17-18; 1 John 3:16).
His human nature was the sacrifice. His divine nature was the altar which sanctified the gift and gave it virtue and efficacy to atone for sin.
To whom was the sacrifice for sin offered?
Our Lord did not offer himself to Satan. Neither does he offer himself to man. He, by the eternal Spirit, offered himself to God as a sacrifice for sin (Heb. 9:14). Sin is committed against God. therefore the sacrifice must be made to God. It is God whose justice must be satisfied.
For whom was the sacrifice offered?
It was offered for “the people”, Christ’s brethren, his elect, “the seed of Abraham.” Aaron was not a high priest for all men in general, but for all of Israel in particular. And Christ is not a Priest for all men in general, but for the people of God, the Israel of God in particular. Our Lord Jesus Christ offered sacrifice for those for whom he makes intercession (John 17:9, 20). He offered sacrifice for those whose sins are purged, for whom atonement has been made, who are actually reconciled to God by his blood. The sacrifice was offered for those who by faith receive the atonement (Rom. 5:11).
What is the result of Christ’s sin atoning sacrifice?
The Son of God is a High Priest of good things to come (Heb. 9:11). So what good things come to his people as the result of his priesthood and his sacrifice?
•The Full Pardon Of Sin (Eph. 1:7)
•Eternal Redemption (Tit. 2:14)
•Complete Justification (Rom. 3:24)
•Perfect Sanctification (Heb. 10:10-14)
•Peace And Reconciliation With God (Rom. 5:10)
•Eternal Salvation (Heb. 5:9-10)
•All The Blessedness Of Heavenly Glory (Rom. 8:29-30; John 17:22)
Those who weaken, oppose, or deny the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice and the reconciliation he has made are enemies to the souls of men, enemies to the honor of Christ, and enemies to the glory of God. Either the Son of God accomplished redemption for his people and effectually reconciled them to God, or he is no Savior. There is absolutely no alternative. Either the Lord Jesus has actually redeemed his people by the sacrifice of himself, or he is a failure; and if he is a failure he is not the Son of God and we are yet in our sins. The doctrine of universal redemption, by whatever name it is called, is utter blasphemy. The Christ of God, whom we rejoice to worship, is an almighty, effectual, sin-atoning High Priest and Savior.
Complete atonement Thou hast made
And to the utmost farthing paid
All that Thy people owed;
Nor shall God’s wrath on me take place
While sheltered in Thy righteousness
And ransomed with Thy blood!
Payment God cannot twice demand, --
First at my bleeding Surety’s hand,
And then again at mine!
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