Faith, Part 1 of 3Sample

Those who believe are reconciled to God

“… through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.” (Romans 3:24-25)

The phrase “propitiation by Jesus' blood” sounds strange and confusing to many people. Why is propitiation needed, and what does Jesus' blood have to do with it?

The first book of the Bible tells us how the first people disobeyed the Lord God, and thus became estranged from Him. More than that, they had become enemies of God. The Epistle to the Romans explains to us that this fatal step affected all mankind, and that we all make the same mistakes as our first ancestors. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Therefore, every human being is at war with his Creator.

But the Lord God wants to restore the relationship. And for that He appointed Jesus. Jesus had to die in our place, as a sacrifice for our sins. His blood was shed. Through that sacrifice, God's vengeance was stilled and reconciliation is possible between Him and us humans. But this does not happen “automatically”. If we reject Jesus' substitutionary sacrifice, we do not benefit. What a missed opportunity that is, with terrible consequences! “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

What does this appeal evoke in you?