1 John 2:2
And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins;
and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.
We stand here at the heart of the Gospel, that Jesus is the propitiation for our sins.
The word propitiation reminds us strongly of the Old Testament, where the high priest made atonement for the sins of the people on the day of atonement.
Then he was allowed to enter the holy of holies with a bowl of blood. That blood could make things right between God and the people, restore the relationship that had been disrupted.
Here we read that Jesus Himself is the propitiation for our sins.
He Himself comes before the Father and He offers Himself as atonement.
He who is the Lamb of God gives His own blood.
▪︎Through Him things may be well again between God and me,
▪︎can the disturbed relationship be restored,
▪︎may I share in the forgiveness of sins, in His righteousness.
Let us live out of this Gospel to His glory.