Thursday 26th March
Read Romans 3:25-26
“God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood – to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished 26 – he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” (NIVUK)
So much ink has been spilt translating the phrase ‘sacrifice of atonement’ in the last 150 years I am reticent to spill more. The reason for the angst is simply awkwardness at the implications of the word. For many centuries it as been translated with the word ‘propitiation’ – meaning to turn aside God’s wrath. In recent times however, the idea of God exercising righteous anger, or wrath, against sinners has been downplayed. It is considered inconsistent with a God of love. The wrath aspect has been translated away somewhat.
It should not surprise us however that wrath requires recompense. Paul began his letter with these words: “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.” (Romans 1:18-19) (NIVUK). The wilful ignorance of all, for all have sinned, draws God’s wrath. It can’t do otherwise if God is good and holy.
God presented Jesus, a divine initiative, to spare us and save us.
