Romans 3:25

God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.

Study Bible

God presented Him
This phrase emphasizes the divine initiative in the plan of salvation. The Greek word for "presented" is "proetheto," which can also mean "set forth" or "displayed publicly." This indicates that God actively and intentionally offered Jesus Christ as a solution to humanity's sin problem. Historically, this public presentation is seen in the crucifixion of Jesus, a pivotal event in Christian theology, where God's love and justice were visibly demonstrated.

as the atoning sacrifice
The term "atoning sacrifice" is translated from the Greek word "hilastērion," which refers to a means of appeasing or satisfying divine justice. In the Old Testament, this concept is closely related to the "mercy seat" on the Ark of the Covenant, where the high priest would sprinkle blood to atone for the sins of Israel. Jesus, as the ultimate atoning sacrifice, fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament sacrificial system, providing a once-for-all solution to sin.

through faith in His blood
Faith is the means by which individuals receive the benefits of Christ's atoning work. The phrase "in His blood" underscores the significance of Jesus' sacrificial death. Blood, in biblical terms, represents life and the cost of redemption. The shedding of Jesus' blood is central to the New Covenant, echoing the Passover lamb's blood that protected the Israelites. This faith is not mere intellectual assent but a deep trust in the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice.

to demonstrate His righteousness
God's righteousness is a key theme in Romans. Here, it refers to His moral integrity and justice. By providing Jesus as the atoning sacrifice, God demonstrates His righteousness in two ways: He upholds His justice by addressing sin, and He reveals His mercy by providing a way for sinners to be justified. This dual demonstration highlights the perfect balance of God's character.

because in His forbearance
"Forbearance" refers to God's patience and restraint in delaying judgment. The Greek word "anoche" suggests a temporary suspension of wrath. Historically, God had been patient with humanity's sins, not immediately executing judgment. This patience is not a sign of indifference but a purposeful delay to allow for the unfolding of His redemptive plan through Christ.

He had passed over the sins committed beforehand
The phrase "passed over" is reminiscent of the Passover event in Exodus, where God spared the Israelites from judgment. In this context, it means that God, in His patience, temporarily overlooked past sins, knowing that the ultimate solution would come through Christ. This does not imply that God ignored sin but that He deferred judgment until the appointed time of Christ's sacrificial death, which would provide true atonement for all sins, past and present.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The sovereign Creator who orchestrates the plan of salvation and demonstrates His righteousness.

2. Jesus Christ
The Son of God, presented as the atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins.

3. Atoning Sacrifice
Refers to Jesus' sacrificial death, which satisfies the requirements of God's justice and allows for the forgiveness of sins.

4. Faith
The means by which believers receive the benefits of Christ's atoning sacrifice.

5. Sins Committed Beforehand
Refers to the sins committed by humanity before the coming of Christ, which God, in His forbearance, had passed over.

Teaching Points

Understanding Atonement
Jesus' sacrifice is central to Christian faith, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system and providing a way for reconciliation with God.

Faith as the Key
Emphasize the importance of faith in receiving the benefits of Christ's atoning work. It is through faith that believers are justified and made righteous before God.

God's Righteousness and Justice
God's righteousness is demonstrated in His plan of salvation. He is both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus.

The Role of Forbearance
God's patience and forbearance highlight His mercy, as He delayed judgment to provide a way of salvation through Christ.

Living in Light of Atonement
Believers are called to live lives that reflect the transformative power of Christ's atonement, pursuing holiness and sharing the message of reconciliation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding Jesus as the atoning sacrifice deepen your appreciation for God's plan of salvation?

2. In what ways does faith play a crucial role in your personal relationship with God, according to Romans 3:25?

3. How can the concept of God's forbearance encourage you in your walk with Christ, especially when dealing with past sins?

4. What parallels can you draw between the Old Testament sacrificial system and Christ's atoning work, and how do these enhance your understanding of the Gospel?

5. How can you practically live out the truth of Christ's atonement in your daily life, and what impact should it have on your interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9:22
This verse emphasizes the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins, connecting to the concept of Jesus as the atoning sacrifice.

1 John 2:2
Describes Jesus as the propitiation for our sins, reinforcing the idea of atonement and God's righteousness.

Exodus 12:13
The Passover event, where the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites, prefigures Christ's sacrificial role.

Leviticus 16:15-16
The Day of Atonement rituals, which foreshadow the ultimate atonement made by Christ.

Acts 17:30
Speaks of God's forbearance and the call to repentance, aligning with the idea of God passing over previous sins.