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Drawing close to God
For the lesson titled "Doctrine of Atonement" from October 8 - 14, 2012
This week’s Bible Lesson, titled “Doctrine of Atonement,” shows us the way to “draw nigh unto God” (Golden Text, Hebrews 7:19). How? Not through rituals and creeds, but through “our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement” (Romans 5:11, citation 16). The Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, defines atonement as “the exemplification of man’s unity with God …” (p. 18, cit. 5) and highlights the original meaning of the word, at-one-ment (see pp. 19, 45, and 21, cits. 14, 26, and 29). Being “at one” is being in harmony with God.
Atonement is an integral element of both Jewish and Christian theology, having its roots in the Mosaic Law. According to Leviticus 16, once a year the high priest was to go within the veil (a curtain concealing and protecting the sacred inner sanctuary) to “make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins” (verse 34, cit. 1). Animal sacrifices were used and the laws and rituals associated with this day were intended to renew a right relationship of the people with God and to absolve them from their sins.
About the author
Kathleen “Kat” Collins is a Christian Science nurse and has a master’s degree in Bible studies.

October 8, 2012 issue
View Issue-
Letters
Anna Willis, David Cornell, Tempie Stahlin
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'Life needs you'
Jeff Ward-Bailey, Staff Editor
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You have a better friend than suicide
Michael Pabst
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Beyond remorse to healing
Roger Gordon
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'Love is the answer'
Holly Safronoff
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Breaking the spell of suicide
Dorothy Estes
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Stopping the cycle of fear
Doug Brown
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Student debts: a spiritual solution
Edward Little
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When a friend committed suicide
Sierra Morehardt
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Nothing in the way
Bonnie Larson
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Clear knowledge
Judith Cordray
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'Never really over!'
James Shepherd
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A commitment strengthened
Ken Jurgensen
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A good investment
Lona Ingwerson
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Humble prayers for peace
Ralph W. Emerson
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Drawing close to God
Kathleen Collins
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The 7 ways of God's children
Kaiana Bradley
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Bible game show aims for religious audience
Chris Lisee
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Screening for loneliness?
Don Ingwerson
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Heart condition healed
Lindsay Catlin
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No more back pain
Robert B. Scott
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No need for glasses
Helen Liscomb
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Victory over a food allergy
Christine Parker
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Wherever you're coming from...
The Editors