We read in the Scriptures that Jesus Christ “is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world” (I John 2:2). Propitiation is a theological term that describes God’s response to the sacrifice of his Son on our behalf. It is the only word among those that describe our salvation that is actually directed toward God. The believer is forgiven, reconciled, justified, sanctified, glorified, but it is God and God alone that is propitiated.
Propitiation answers the just wrath of an all holy God against the sin of his creation. Our sin, both yours and mine, demands death and eternal separation from this holy Creator. Yet, in the eternal plan of God the Father, Christ the Son suffered that death in the sinner’s place and his blood has been offered up in full payment for that sin. God has looked upon that blood and declared it sufficient. That is, every claim that a righteous law could make against a violating sinner has been satisfied – payment in full. And God is propitiated!
Because God is propitiated, he is free to forgive the repentant sinner on the merits of Christ’s sacrifice. It is here at the cross where the righteousness of the law and the mercy of God meet. With the sin question settled, God is now for me and as Paul wrote to the believers at Rome, “If God be for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31)? What an awesome thought, i.e. God is for me! I am no longer his enemy because of my sin and the object of his just wrath. Rather, God is for me! Truly, who then can be against me?
To be forgiven is the greatest evidence of commitment that can be known. Consequently, those who have been forgiven know this promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). There are many enemies and circumstances that will oppose the child of God in this world not to mention our own failures that beset us. But God is for us and he will not abandon his child. Believe it; live in its light; do not doubt it no matter the darkness. As one old preacher wisely said, “God and you make a majority!”
Perhaps, you’re reading this and do not know the blessing of sins forgiven. As the Scriptures have declared and I have shared here, Christ is the “propitiation …for the sins of the whole world.” That propitiation includes your sins. Believe in Christ and know that your sin debt has been satisfied.
From the Chaplain 