Book of Romans - Chapter 3 - Verse 25

This verse speaks to the profound concept of propitiation, which refers to the act of appeasing or satisfying divine wrath. In this context, the verse highlights that God presented Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice to atone for the sins of humanity. Through faith in the blood of Jesus, believers can receive forgiveness for their sins and be declared righteous in the sight of God. The verse emphasizes that God's righteousness is revealed in the act of propitiation, as it demonstrates His justice and mercy in offering redemption to mankind. The phrase "remission of sins that are past" indicates that through Christ's sacrifice, God provides forgiveness for sins committed in the past. Additionally, the verse underscores the forbearance of God, who patiently waits for individuals to turn to Him and receive salvation. Overall, this verse conveys the essential Christian belief in the atoning power of Jesus' blood and the transformative nature of faith in Him.

When examining the theological interpretation of this verse, it is important to note the significance of the word "propitiation." In Greek, the word used here is "hilasterion," which refers to the mercy seat or the place of atonement. This term is deeply rooted in Old Testament sacrificial practices, where the blood of an innocent animal was used to atone for the sins of the people. In this verse, Jesus is described as the propitiation through faith in his blood. This emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Christ's death on the cross as the ultimate atonement for sin. Additionally, the phrase "to declare his righteousness" highlights the divine justice and righteousness displayed in God's plan of salvation. Through the forbearance of God, sins that were committed in the past can be forgiven through faith in Jesus. This verse underscores the centrality of Christ's sacrifice in reconciling humanity to God and providing a way for the remission of sins.