Propitiation

‘And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.’ 1 John 2:2

‘Christ Jesus, whom God set forth to be a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demostrate His righteousness ….’ Romans 3:24&25

As in many areas of life, Christianity has its technical words. ‘Propitiation’ is not readily known, but is important and a stronger word than ‘expiation’ which some newer translations use. It speaks of God’s wrath being satisfied because Jesus has taken it on himself, dying in our place, suffering so that we might go free. 'The wrath of God was satisfied’ because Jesus bore our penalty.

Enjoying the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovil some years ago, I was pleased to be able to go onto the prototype Concorde. I saw that the conical nozzle of the aircraft, is called the ‘propitiator’ because, as the plane travelled faster than the speed of sound, it pierced the atmosphere, the nozzle took all the heat and friction thus protecting the rest of the plane. On the cross where Jesus died He took the awful judgement of the Triune God on Himself, so that we could be forgiven and protected.  Thank God for Jesus our Propitiator.

Beneath the cross of Jesus

I fain would take my stand -

O safe and happy shelter,

O refuge tried and sweet,

O trysting-place where heaven’s love

And heaven’s justice meet!

And from my smitten heart, with tears,

Two wonders I confess -

The wonders of His glorious love

And my own worthlessness.  Amen