...God put [Jesus] forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. Romans 3:25
This morning, I continued my study of Romans. Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I moved to the next section of chapter four The Glory of Christ's Salvation, where the focus is on 3:25 and a discussion of propitiation. John Piper defines propitiation as "the removal of the wrath of God against sinners by the death of Jesus". We receive this removal by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior (see Romans 10:9-10). My commentary goes on to describe propitiation as involving appeasement of "the righteous wrath of God." It further expands on propitiation as the mercy seat from Exodus 25:21-22. My commentary then states that without propitiation we remain under God's wrath per John 3:36. We are encouraged to see both love and justice in propitiation as "[t]he Father puts the Son forward, and the Son willingly obeys the Father. Love and justice motivated the cross event." We are also encouraged to see how we have peace (see Romans 5:1) with God as a result as "[w]e are no longer enemies of God."
Comment and discuss this post here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and You saved me from being under Your wrath - thank You Jesus. Yet I am undeserving of such a gift of grace. My sin continues - worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
