Christ atoned for our sins because He loved us, each of us.  That would have been motive by itself and is the motive we talk about.  Less frequently we mention His motive of obedience.

But there are other motives.

I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; yea, even I am he, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world.

I, having accomplished and finished the will of him whose I am, even the Father, concerning me—having done this that I might subdue all things unto myself

Retaining all power, even to the destroying of Satan and his works at the end of the world, and the last great day of judgment, which I shall pass upon the inhabitants thereof, judging every man according to his works and the deeds which he hath done.

This topic is delicate to write about. There is something true that I have to say. But it runs counter to our normal way of thinking and I risk devolving into shock value.

Here goes.

In part, Christ’s atonement was an assertion of mastery. It was and is the ultimate claim to kingship.

It sounds paradoxical to say that the atonement was done as an act of pure and selfless love and also as a man claiming leadership, dominion, or ownership over all. But that paradox appears to be true. Paradox is how a finite mind expresses infinite truths.

He is loving and tender. He is also the Man who possesses almighty power (vv. 14, 20) and will tell you so.


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