Day 215: Psalms 68-69; Romans 3

"23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put 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 3:23-25, ESV)

Anyone who has been in church for any length of time has heard, or memorized, Romans 3:23. This pastor is guilty of not quoting Romans 3:24 as well. Check it out...amazing grace! Then you arrive at Romans 3:25, and most versions replace the word 'propitiation' with a synonym, though there is no really good synonym. If you look at the Expanded Bible, or the Amplified, they add words and make a footnote explanation. Even so, it's difficult to grasp. The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, applies the word to the 'mercy seat' in the Holy of holies, sprinkled with blood on the Day of Atonement. The idea is that God's righteousness requires justice, therefore judgement; however, God's love extends mercy and forgiveness. Propitiation is the act of God being reconciled to humans and humans being reconciled to God...it is only possible through the One Who is both High Priest and Sacrifice. Yes, He is the propitiation for our sins! This deserves meditation and celebration. Consider the length to which God went to satisfy His justice and extend His grace. Praise His Name! He is our Abba Father!

"My God is reconciled;
His pard'ning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child;
I can no longer fear;
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And, 'Father, Abba, Father,' cry." (Hymn: "Arise My Soul, Arise" by Charles Wesley)