What does "propitiation through faith in His blood" mean for believers today? Setting the Scene “God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished.” — Romans 3:25 What “Propitiation” Means • The word behind “atoning sacrifice” (hilastērion) carries the idea of turning away wrath by means of a satisfactory offering. • In Old-Testament terms it points to the mercy seat on the ark of the covenant, where blood was sprinkled on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). • Jesus is the true mercy seat; His own blood satisfies God’s righteous anger against sin once for all (Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 2:2). Why the Blood Matters • “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). • “The life of the flesh is in the blood … it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11). • Christ’s blood is unique—spotless, divine, and eternally sufficient (1 Peter 1:18-19). Faith’s Role • God has already supplied the propitiation; believers receive its benefits “through faith in His blood.” • Faith is not mere assent but confident dependence—trusting that Christ’s sacrifice alone satisfies God on our behalf (Ephesians 2:8-9). • This faith brings us into a justified standing: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). The Ongoing Impact for Believers • Complete Forgiveness: Past, present, and future sins are covered (Colossians 2:13-14). • Freedom from Condemnation: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). • Bold Access to God: “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). • Motivation for Holiness: Knowing the price paid, we “walk in a manner worthy” (Ephesians 4:1). • Ground for Loving Others: “If God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:10-11). • Assurance in Trials: The cross is permanent proof that God is for us (Romans 8:32). Living It Out • Preach the gospel to yourself daily: Christ’s blood has settled every charge. • Confess sin quickly, trusting the once-for-all sacrifice that continually cleanses (1 John 1:7-9). • Draw near in worship; the veil is torn. • Extend forgiveness to others, remembering the cost of your own pardon. • Share the message: the same propitiation is “for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). Key Takeaways • Propitiation means God’s wrath is fully satisfied by Jesus’ blood. • Faith is the only channel that links us to that finished work. • Because of the cross, believers live forgiven, secure, and empowered to reflect Christ today. |
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