Romans 3:25,26 - The one who has faith in Christ Jesus

3:25,26

So how are we justified in Christ Jesus? Because God presented Him as “ a propitiation by His blood”. The word translated here as “propitiation” is translated “expiation” in some translations. The Greek word can encompass both meanings. “Propitiation” means a turning aside of wrath. Many object to this idea, mainly because they don’t like the idea of God’s wrath! However, the Bible isn’t afraid to speak of the wrath of God, and whether or not we like the idea is neither here nor there.  Actually, we should like the idea, because it is the truth and because in Christ there is the perfect solution. Suppose we compare it to cancer. No one likes the idea of cancer. Suppose someone has an inoperable cancer, one for which there is no cure. Then in such a case denying the existence of the cancer may well be a sensible approach. At least you can enjoy life until the effects of the cancer become unavoidable. However, if there is a perfect cure, then to deny the existence of the cancer is the height of stupidity. So it is with the wrath of God. Christ’s blood has completely paid the price of our sin, in the words of the hymn “the wrath of God is satisfied”. However, sin is also expiated. We are cleansed of sin. Sin is destructive, and makes us dirty. The blood of Christ cleanses us perfectly.

“This was to show God’s righteousness”. For God had “passed over former sins”. Many sins had not received their due punishment. How could a just God do this? It was because He knew that in Christ the price of sin would be paid in full, so He was patient, as He is today when sins are not immediately punished. He is patient with the hope of leading us to repentance, and so to receive forgiveness. God’s aim was to be both just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. God is just, and it is important that we realise that our forgiveness is not just an emotional act on God’s part (though it is that), but is also a just act. In 1 John 1:9 it says that if we confess our sins God is “faithful and just” to forgive us. The cross reveals the mystery of how a just God can pour out blessings upon a sinful people.