is spoken of in two ways: (1) As the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross, including both propitiation and substitution (see both). It is not merely the covering of sin, the primary meaning of the word, but involves expiation before God, and the purging and forgiving of the sinner. It is made by the blood of Christ. In the Old Testament it is foreshadowed by numerous types (see DAY OF ATONEMENT), by which we learn that atonement (in this sense) must be by blood (Lev. 17:11), and requires a priest to make it. Atonement now always refers to the finished work of Christ on the cross, never to be repeated. (2) Atonement in connection with God’s government on earth was made in various ways—see Ex. 30:15, 16; Num. 8:19; 31:50; 35:33; Deut. 21:8; Num. 25:13; 2 Sam. 21:3—and did not involve blood-shedding. This atonement did not in itself put away sin, but consisted in an acknowledgment, or vindication of God.