April 19
Christ Our Propitiation
The Christian's Daily Treasury"Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood." Romans 3:25.
IN our salvation Christ is all and in all. He is "the way" in which God comes to the soul, and the soul to God — "the truth" to direct us in it; and "the life," to impart and sustain in us a spiritual principle. He is represented in three interesting views in this passage.
THE NATURE OF HIS WORK. "A propitiation." The Greek word signifies both an atoning sacrifice and a mercy seat.
An atoning sacrifice. He lived to furnish us with a perfect example of holiness; and died to make a full expiation for sin. As these two ends are united in Scripture, so they must be combined in the Christian's experience.
A mercy seat. The word here translated "propitiation" is in Hebrews 9:5, rendered "the mercy seat." See Exodus 25:21, 22. As at the mercy seat of the ark, Jehovah met with his ancient people, and communed with them; so in Christ, of whom the ark was a lively type, he draws near to those who draw near to him; receives their petitions, listens to their complaints, and displays his mercy.
THE METHOD BY WHICH HE IS REVEALED. "Whom God hath set forth;" or fore-ordained, see 1 Peter 1:20. He was set forth by God from eternity, in the ancient predictions of the prophets; in Jewish rites and ceremonies, for the voice of every sacrifice, though but faintly uttered, and heard by few, was, "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world;"—in his own personal ministry; afterwards in the preaching of the apostles; and now in the public ministry of the Gospel, and in the private testimony of believers.
THE MANNER IN WHICH HE IS TO BE RECEIVED. "Through faith in his blood;" or in his atonement. Christ is the grand remedy, faith applies to it; Christ invites, faith comes; Christ promises, faith relies. Thus the blood of the Saviour is sprinkled on the conscience, and secures our access to God, and acceptance with him.
"Thy blood, dear Jesus, thine alone, Hath sovereign virtue to atone: Here will we rest our only plea, When we approach, great God, to thee."