ROMANS 3:25

“whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in God’s merciful restraint He let the sins previously committed go unpunished;” 

Don’t you just love words that make you go, “Hmmm”? We’ve got one today. This Greek word only occurs in today’s verse and in Hebrews 9:5. We’ll take a look at that verse also. Here’s another word for you – supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Sound familiar? It’s from a 1964 film “Mary Poppins” and “is often defined as a nonsensical word to express excitement or a fantastic feeling.” (AI Overview) That has absolutely nothing to do with our verse today. Just thought I would throw it in, lol.

Paul uses the Greek word hilastérion which “retains a sharp focus on the single theme of atonement accomplished once for all.” (Topical Lexicon) We see it used in Hebrews 9:5 to refer to the mercy seat on the golden ark. “and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the atoning cover; but about these things we cannot now speak in detail.” Of course, we know that is where the High Priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice. It was there that God received the sacrifice.

APPLICATION

For us, though, in today’s verse it refers to Jesus Who gave His life to atone for our sins once for all. His sacrifice did not need to be repeated, as was the case in the Old Testament sacrifices. No, His blood on Calvary was the final blood sacrifice needed. It would forever appease the wrath of God towards anyone who would receive it.

The next time someone mentions propitiation, you can say, “Oh yeah, that’s Jesus.” That’s the simple answer for anyone asking. One death for all. One sacrifice for all sin. All we have to do is confess and believe. All we have to do is follow Him. It’s not rocket science. It’s not a difficult decision. Just step out and trust His promise.

So, ask yourself if you’ve done that. Ask yourself if you are sure your sins are covered under Christ’s blood. I know mine are – past, present and future. I am eternally sealed with His Spirit because I trusted in His blood sacrifice, His atoning death for me. What a peace that brings. Do you have that peace? It’s waiting for you.

O Lord, I praise You for the sacrifice of Your only Son as the propitiation for my sins.

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