At this point, before we go any further, I need to make one point perfectly clear. In order to understand this, I’m going to ask you to put away any denominational doctrines and look for a moment at the Word of God carefully and without prejudice.
Jesus is not just our atonement—He is so much more than that! Your favorite song may say He is, but the Word of God says He is more than that. In the King James Version, the word “atonement” only occurs once in the New Testament in Romans 5:11. The same word translated “atonement” in this verse is translated “reconciliation” in many other places.
We must understand clearly that under the old covenant, sin was only covered. But under the new covenant, sin was eliminated. To say Jesus’ blood atoned for our sins is belittling its value. His blood cannot be compared with the blood of animals because it did so much more.
The old covenant was only a shadow of the things to come, but the new covenant was the substance. Under the old covenant sacrifices were recurring; but under the new covenant the sacrifice was eternal. Under the old covenant lambs could only cover sin. But under the new covenant Jesus took away sin (John 1:29).
“Who do not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself” (Heb. 7:27).
There is no covering for sin under the new covenant because there is no need for one. Jesus is not merely our atonement. In fact, He did away with our need for atonement. Where there is no sin, there is no need to cover sin.
Excerpt permission granted by Larry Ollison Ministries
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.