How does 1 John 2:2 define Jesus' role as "atoning sacrifice" for sins? Setting the Scene • John writes to believers who have already trusted Christ yet still battle sin. • 1 John 2:2 stands immediately after the assurance that “if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the Righteous One” (v. 1). • The verse explains why Jesus can serve as that Advocate: because He “is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world.” Key Words to Notice • “He Himself” – personal, emphatic; Jesus acts, not an angel or ritual. • “Atoning sacrifice” (hilasmos, often rendered “propitiation”) – speaks of wrath satisfied, guilt removed, fellowship restored. • “For our sins” – substitutionary; He takes what belonged to us. • “Also for the sins of the whole world” – the provision is unlimited in scope, though applied to those who believe. Old Testament Echoes • Leviticus 17:11: “the life of a creature is in the blood … to make atonement for your souls.” • Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16): blood sprinkled on the mercy seat prefigured Christ’s once-for-all offering. • Isaiah 53:5–6: “He was pierced for our transgressions … and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” What Jesus’ Atoning Sacrifice Achieves • Satisfies divine justice—Romans 3:25: “God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness.” • Removes sin’s barrier—Hebrews 10:12: “one sacrifice for sins … for all time.” • Grants cleansing—1 John 1:7: “the blood of Jesus … cleanses us from all sin.” • Reconciles us to God—2 Corinthians 5:19, 21: “in Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself … He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf.” • Opens confident access—Hebrews 4:16: “let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” Scope of the Atonement • “Whole world” underscores availability to every ethnicity and class. • It does not teach universal salvation but a universal offer—faith appropriates the benefit (John 3:16–18). • God’s heart is inclusive: 1 Timothy 2:5–6: “one Mediator … who gave Himself as a ransom for all.” Ongoing Implications for Believers • Assurance—Our standing rests on Christ’s finished work, not fluctuating feelings (Hebrews 10:14). • Advocacy—Because the atoning sacrifice stands, His intercession never fails (1 John 2:1). • Pursuit of holiness—Knowing the price of redemption fuels obedience (1 Peter 1:18–19). • Proclamation—Since the sacrifice is for the “whole world,” the gospel goes to every person (Matthew 28:19). |
    |