1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

What is propitiation?

The word propitiation is the most beautiful word in the history of Christian vernacular. It is also the most unknown word in the Christian vernacular by Christians. So, what does this word mean? It means the act of gaining or regaining goodwill, or appeasement. Jesus became our propitiation for His sacrifice on the cross.

In other words, Jesus stood in our place and took the punishment we deserved for the sins we have committed! The Father had proclaimed judgement on us for these sins. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death… He loved us so much though that he formulated another plan. Let’s finish Romans 6:23, ” but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

How does propitiation work?

Romans 3:25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed. Propitiation works through blood and sacrifice. The requirement of the penalty of sin is death. Jesus shed His blood on the cross as He died. His blood was our propitiation for the Father.

He was the Righteous, Sinless, Perfect Son of God. His sacrifice was the final sacrifice ever needed because His life blood was so precious and valuable. There is nothing else more precious. There is nothing else that is more valuable. There is nothing else needed in this transaction. It is perfect and everlasting. All for you and for me. Think of the immensity of the action that was taken on your behalf.

Why did He choose to be our propitiation?

1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Ponder on this verse. Not that we loved God, but that He loved us. Jesus hung on that cross beaten, embarrassed, spit on and mocked. The Creator of the materials and people who performed these acts upon Him. Willingly and gratefully sacrificing all out of His love, despite us not loving Him.

This is the agape love that is spoken of in the Bible. The word created for Jesus and the love He shown to us. This is an all-encompassing love which reaches around all people. This is why He volunteered to be our propitiation, even while we were yet still engrossed in sin. How can we reject such love.