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“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” ~1 John 2:2 (KJV)

This short yet very powerful verse in 1 John is no doubt an interesting passage of Scripture to dissect. Throughout the course of this week, we will discuss this verse in detail through reference verses and examination of the context surrounding 1 John 2:2. Today, the author would like to give a general overview of the meaning of this important verse.

First, it is important to understand that the subject of this verse is the Lord Jesus Christ (see 1 John 2:1).  Jesus Christ is the propitiation for our sins; no one else qualifies for this role. (see 1 Timothy 3:16, John 1:1, John 1:14, John 1:27, 1 Peter 1:19)

Secondly, what is a propitiation? Let’s take a look at the Webster’s definition for a moment:

  1. The act of appeasing wrath and conciliating the favor of an offended person; the act of making propitious.
  2. In theology, the atonement or atoning sacrifice offered to God to assuage his wrath and render him propitious to sinners. Christ is the propitiation for the sins of men. Romans 3:25. 1 John 2:2.

Based on the definition given above, what the Bible is really saying is that Jesus Christ is the atoning (reconciling or satisfying) sacrifice that has been offered to God, so that we will not have to endure God’s wrath as a result of our sin. In other words, Jesus Christ took our place when he died on the Cross. How so? Let’s take a look at Romans 6:23:

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Bible says that the wages (earnings) of sin is death. According to Romans 3:23, we all have sinned and come short of God’s standard. Based on Romans 6:23, we are the ones who deserve death and eternal damnation. However, Jesus, the perfect Son of God came to earth so that he could show his eternal love to us by dying in our place on the Cross, so that we would not have to pay the penalty for sin (which is death). Thus, it is by Christ’s sacrifice that we are enabled to believe on Him and be saved from God’s wrath in a place called Hell.

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Perhaps you are asking yourself at this very moment, “Can Jesus Christ save me?” The answer is yes! Jesus can and will save you right now if you simply believe on Him and ask him to save you! If you would like to know how to accept Jesus’ gift of salvation, please click here.

If you are still having trouble understanding what Jesus’ sacrifice means for you and for me, please consider the following verses:

John 3:16- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

If you believe on Christ and trust Him to save your soul, God promises that you will not perish (or go to Hell), but you will have everlasting (eternal) life instantly (the moment you are saved)!

Romans 5:8–But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

God commendeth (continually shows) his love toward us by what he did on Calvary’s Cross. Because he paid the penalty for our sin, we can be sure he loves us. He wants you and me to be saved and experience the abundant life in Christ that he wants us to have.

Hebrews 7:25–“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

God can save even the vilest, most wicked sinner. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past, God is willing to save to the uttermost (the lowest person) that desires to accept his gift of salvation that he offers freely to every one of us.

Once again, if you would like to know how to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please click here.