And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2, KJV)

Envision a world before sin entered through the fall. Now, consider the woes that have befallen humanity after sin became a part of human existence. Imagine an action that erases all the consequences of sin, restoring the world to its pre-sin state and even better. This is the full power of “propitiation.”

John emphatically states that Jesus is the propitiation for our sins. Propitiation here refers to the means of appeasing God’s wrath and gaining His goodwill. It signifies that Jesus is the medium through which God’s wrath against sin and sinners is appeased, and His favor is bestowed upon humanity. This conveys two immediate and concrete ideas about propitiation. Firstly, sin incurred God’s wrath. Secondly, humanity fell out of favor with God. Jesus came to reverse these trends and much more.

Simplifying further, here’s a down-to-earth interpretation that matters in our daily life: God is not angry with us anymore because of what Jesus did on the cross, and He has lavished His favor or goodwill towards us.

John extends this concept, asserting that Jesus is not the propitiation for believers’ sins only but for the sins of the whole world. His sacrificial death and the shedding of His blood cover every sin humanity has ever committed and will ever commit. One Man’s blood has covered the sins of billions—no wonder there was darkness on earth for 3 hours just before He died as He became sin on the cross!

Here’s the essence of this message: Whatever sin is introduced into our lives and our relationship with God has been removed by Christ’s work. If something results from sin, Christ’s blood has atoned for it. Stretch your hands in faith and receive it.

Meditate

What does propitiation mean, as described above?

Apply the Word

It might seem obvious, but it’s worth noting: God is not angry with us. We live in what scripture calls the year of the Lord’s favor—a special period in God’s calendar, and we are blessed to witness these things. So rejoice, for the Savior is here!

Pray

Thank the Lord Jesus for His atoning death on the cross for us.

Recommended

• Our Sin Bearer 
• How to Apply the Blood of Jesus
• The Meaning of the Name Jesus
• When I See The Blood
• I Have the Keys to Death and Hades
• View All Deshen Daily Devotionals

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