What are the two aspects that comprise the necessity of atonement?

The necessity of atonement is fundamentally understood through the concepts of expiation and propitiation. Expiation refers to the process of addressing the guilt of sin, often emphasizing the removal or covering of sin, ensuring that the individual is no longer held accountable for the wrongdoing. Propitiation, on the other hand, is concerned with appeasing the anger of God against sin. It signifies a restoration of the relationship between humanity and the divine, made possible through the sacrificial death of Christ, which satisfies God’s justice and allows for reconciliation.

In the context of atonement, both of these components work together: expiation deals with the removal of sin while propitiation addresses the relational aspect of God's righteousness and holiness in response to human transgression. This dual understanding enriches the theological significance of how atonement reconciles humanity with God.

Other options do not encapsulate the theological intricacies of atonement in the same manner. Reconciliation and enlightenment focus more on the relational and cognitive aspects rather than the dual requirements of justice and mercy. Faith and works are indeed critical to the Christian faith but do not directly address the mechanics of atonement itself. Similarly, while repentance and obedience are vital responses to sin, they