Romans
3:25-26 Christ
Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by
faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance
he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present
time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in
Jesus.
The greatest cure for a discouraged heart is found in the
substitutionary death of Christ upon the accursed Cross. From there believers
learn the value of propitiation, a rich word and doctrine found four times in
the New Testament (Romans 3:25, Hebrews 2:17, 1 John 2:2, 4:10). At its most
basic meaning, Christ’s “sacrifice of atonement” (NIV) means that when the
Father looks upon the Son’s suffering, agony, bloodshed and death, his holy and
uncompromising requirements for justice against sin are satisfied. Christ not
only fulfills God’s requirements for justice. He satisfies them. Now that the
work of atonement is complete, the Father’s terrible wrath and displeasure
toward our sin is removed. We receive peace and eternal life with God as
elected, adopted children. We’re no longer viewed with unquenching distaste and
holy fury. The blood and righteousness of Christ covers us and makes us
acceptable and beloved in God’s sight.
Professor Reymond offers a helpful insight, “When we look
at Calvary and behold the Savior dying for us, we should see in his death not
first our salvation but our damnation being borne and carried away by him.” (Robert L Reymond, A New Systematic Theology of the
Christian Faith, Thomas Nelson, 1998, p. 639)
Propitiation shows us the unconditional love of
God in its greatest and deepest dimensions. We’re not simply loved by the
Father as a consequence of Christ’s death. Propitiation is forward-looking in
its perspective. The Father loved us so much that in his holy actions toward
rebellious sinners, he acted with initiating love by giving up his willing Son
to suffer and to receive what we truly deserved. And in this act, we’re
cleansed, covered and made complete. What amazing love God has for us! In
Christ, his justice and love toward us is satisfied!
Written by H. Curtis McDaniel