Sunday, January 4, 2015

GOD’S PROPITIATION


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

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