It is quite common for churches to use the word tabernacle in their names today�because of the above. The tabernacle was a place to meet God, to worship him, and that is what church is all about.

Dear Father Paul: I heard a TV preacher the other night keep using the word "atonement." What does atonement mean in a religious sense? - Alex, Tyrone.

Dear Alex: �Atonement (in the dictionary) literally means to "make right by paying a price." In a religious sense (the Christian faith), it has to do with the fact that mankind (that's you and I) broke our relationship with God through the sin of Adam and Eve and through our own sin. At that point a penalty (price) or a punishment if you will, became due by man to God. More importantly, our sin (if not atoned for) means that we cannot live in heaven with God once we die, because heaven is a perfect�place where there is no sin and where there can be no sin.�In�ancient times, the "atonement" (the price) was paid by God's people symbolically by offering animal sacrifices to God. When Jesus came, he offered�HIMSELF as the sacrifice, the atonement, the price! He himself was sacrificed (killed) on a cross.The fact that he was resurrected from the dead means that the price he paid; his "atonement," was sufficient. According to the Bible, anyone who accepts the sacrifice, the atonement�of Jesus, is "saved;" that is, he is "made right" with God through the price�Jesus paid.

Romans 10:9 makes it very clear, Alex. It says, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Becoming a Christian is the easiest thing in the world. It takes about ten seconds, but wow, what a difference it'll make in your life!

Special to Sandra: Thanks for letting me know about your graduation. I am very proud of you! So, what are you going to do with the rest of your life? You are probably tired of hearing that question, right? I totally understand. Still, it's a valid question, and although you can't possibly know today where life will take you, I urge you to make God your number one priority. If you will do that, everything else will fall into place, I promise. Every blessing.

�Father Paul Massey will answer your question. Write him at [email protected] or Box 510, Fayetteville, Georgia 30214.

�Father Paul Massey is vicar of Church Of The Holy Cross in Fayetteville, which meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. for worship and Holy Communion. Services include healing prayer for the sick. Visitors are welcome. Call 770-631-3566 for directions. More information is available at www.chccec.org.