Romans 3:21-26
Introduction:
1. A key element in God’s reconciling humanity is the sacrificial system.
2. Atonement is the OT term; propitiation is the NT equivalent.
3. This principle provides the merit for God saving us by grace.
Discussion:
I. What It Means
A. Hebrew kawfar: to cover, cleanse, reconcile, purge (Strong; Leviticus 16)
B. Three kindred Greek terms, two nouns and one verb:
1. Hilasmos: noun- atoning sacrifice, sin offering (Mounce; 1 John 2:2, 10)
2. Hilasterion: noun- propitiation (Romans 3:25); mercy seat (Hebrews 9:5)
3. Hilaskomai: verb- to make propitiation (Hebrews 2:17-18)
C. The OT sacrificial system of atonement was the shadow of the atoning sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 9:11-10:10).
II. What This Teaches Us About God and Humanity
A. God’s holiness demands sin’s price be paid (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23; 1 John 1:5).
B. He could have left us each to pay that price with our souls.
C. Instead, He gave His only Son that we might live (John 3:16).
D. Consider what these terms teach us about the Son of God:
1. Hilasmos: He is the atoning sacrifice (1 John 2:2, 10)
2. Hilasterion: He is the place where atonement occurs (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:5; Ephesians 1:7)
3. Hilaskomia: He is the Priest Who offered the sacrifice (Hebrews 2:17-18)
E. Through atonement/propitiation, God was able to reconcile, redeem, and justify us without violating His holiness and justice (Romans 3:26).
III. How These Truths Should Shape Our Lives
A. His love for us generates our love for Him and for our neighbors, the greatest commandments (1 John 3:16; 4:9-11, 19-21; cf. Matthew 22:36-40).
B. Biblical love does not simply feel, it does (John 14:15; 15:14; Galatians 5:13; 1 John 3:17-18; 5:1-3).
C. Knowing Christ died for us, we ought to live for Him (2 Corinthians 5:14-17).
Conclusion:
1. Jesus is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
2. Because of His atoning sacrifice, we are now able to serve the living God with our conscience cleansed (Hebrews 9:14).
3. As Paul said, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).