Some of the technical terms in Scripture present difficulties, not least to the modern reader. The temptation in translations is to simplify the language, but vital elements of meaning may be lost. The word ‘propitiation’ is rarely used today and when it is, it carries ideas of primitive people placating a god who has lost his temper. The biblical term is rich in meaning and should be retained in translations (ESV is therefore preferable here to NIV).
1. Righteous wrath
‘Propitiation’ forces us to face the reality of God’s wrath since a propitiation is a sacrifice that turns away wrath. God is perfectly holy and therefore hates all sin (see Proverbs 6:16ff and Habakkuk 1:13). Sin cannot be overlooked or condoned and so Scripture speaks of the wrath of God. It is not an emotional flaring up, as our anger often is, outside our control. God’s wrath is righteous, exactly what sin deserves, a settled attitude on God’s part. It is a present reality (Romans 1:18) and will be poured out fully at the Last Judgment. We are by nature ‘children of wrath’ (Ephesians 2:3).
2. Gracious provision
God could in perfect justice have condemned us all, yet he has taken the initiative to provide the solution to sin – ‘God presented him’. This is grace: we could do nothing to deserve help (Romans 5:8 ‘still sinners’). This is the fruit of divine love – we are not to think of Jesus winning over a reluctant Father. Jesus provides the propitiation – his sacrifice atones for sin and turns away God’s righteous wrath (see 1 Peter 2:24). He took the sins of his people on himself and satisfied the demands of God’s broken law. He is the ransom (Mark10:45). The same word is used for the cover of the ark (the ‘mercy seat’) in the OT – the place where the blood of the atoning sacrifice was sprinkled, pointing forward to the shed blood of Jesus which made full atonement for sin.
3. Personal application
The work of Christ was accomplished apart from any effort on the sinner’s part, but to enjoy its benefits we must exercise faith in him, as Paul indicates in this verse. By the gift of faith God enables sinners to receive salvation. Faith requires a recognition of our sinfulness and helplessness – ‘God be merciful to me, the sinner’ (Luke 18:13). It also requires an understanding of what Christ accomplished in his death and resurrection. A detailed theological understanding is not necessary for salvation – cf the dying thief in Luke 23:42, but we must trust ourselves entirely to him. Note Acts 16:31 ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ’. Faith is essential – Hebrews 11:6.
4. Divine vindication
The ultimate goal of salvation is found not in man but in God himself. He saves us to the glory of his name. The reason for the propitiation made by Christ is ‘to demonstrate his justice’. Sin appeared to be ignored in the past. Why did God not visit it with immediate judgment? Part of the answer lies in the fact of final judgment, but here Paul also shows that part of the reason is God’s desire to save many through the work of Christ. The price of sin is always paid, but Christ has paid the price for all who trust in him. Here are the ‘riches of his grace’ (Ephesians 2:7). The glory of God is seen in the cross, the symbol of human cruelty and the means of our salvation.