Understanding Salvation: Propitiation, Redemption, and Justification
Summary
In this final session of our module, we delve into two profound biblical terms: propitiation and redemption, which are central to understanding what Jesus accomplished on the cross. These terms, found in Romans 3, are not just theological jargon but are essential to grasping the depth of God's work through Christ. Just as sports have their own vocabulary, so does our faith, and learning these words enriches our understanding and love for Jesus.
The need for justification arises from the universal sinfulness of humanity and the absolute holiness of God. All have sinned and fall short of His glory, and the natural consequence of sin is not forgiveness but condemnation. God's holiness demands that sin be eradicated, and this is why He sent His Son. The righteousness of God is manifested apart from the law, meaning it is not about us mending our ways but about what God has done through Jesus.
Propitiation refers to a gift or payment offered to appease the anger of an offended party. In our case, Jesus is the propitiation for our sins, satisfying God's wrath. This was not a transaction between two separate entities; it was God Himself, in the person of Jesus, bearing His own wrath. Redemption, on the other hand, is about being purchased by the payment of a price. Jesus paid this price with His blood, buying us back and making us His own.
Together, these concepts illustrate the salvation triangle: Jesus propitiates the Father by bearing the wrath, redeems us by paying the price, and on this basis, the Father justifies us. Through faith, we are united with Christ, and His accomplishments become ours. In Christ, we are saved from God's wrath, redeemed, and justified. This means there is no condemnation for those in Christ, and we belong to Him twice over—because He made us and because He bought us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Understanding Propitiation: Propitiation is about satisfying the wrath of God through Jesus' sacrifice. It highlights the seriousness of sin and the depth of God's love, as He Himself bore the penalty for our sins. This act of divine love and justice ensures that God's wrath is spent on Jesus, leaving none for us. [11:43]
2. The Concept of Redemption: Redemption is the act of being bought back by Christ's sacrifice. It signifies our value to God, who paid the ultimate price to make us His own. This purchase is not with perishable things but with the precious blood of Jesus, underscoring our worth and His love. [15:16]
3. The Salvation Triangle: The relationship between propitiation, redemption, and justification forms a salvation triangle. Jesus' death propitiates the Father, redeems us, and on this basis, the Father justifies us. This interconnectedness shows the comprehensive nature of salvation. [16:11]
4. Faith as the Connector: Faith is the means by which we are joined to Jesus and His accomplishments. Through faith, we receive the benefits of His propitiation and redemption, leading to our justification. This union with Christ transforms our standing before God. [17:07]
5. Living in the Assurance of Salvation: In Christ, we are free from condemnation, redeemed, and justified. This assurance allows us to live with confidence and joy, knowing that all charges against us are dropped and we have peace with God. Our identity in Christ is secure, and we belong to Him forever. [18:04]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Key Terms
- [00:26] - Propitiation and Redemption
- [00:42] - Romans 3:23-25
- [01:21] - Understanding Bible Words
- [02:26] - The Need for Justification
- [03:01] - Universal Sinfulness
- [04:26] - God's Holiness and Our Sin
- [05:46] - God's Initiative in Salvation
- [06:41] - Justification by Grace
- [07:20] - Propitiation Explained
- [09:17] - Illustration of Propitiation
- [10:45] - God's Satisfaction in Christ
- [12:36] - The Mystery of the Trinity
- [13:15] - Redemption Explained
- [15:35] - Salvation Triangle
- [17:28] - Assurance in Christ
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Romans 3:23-25
- Romans 1:18
- Isaiah 6:5
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two key terms discussed in the sermon that are central to understanding what Jesus accomplished on the cross? [00:26]
2. According to Romans 3:23-25, what is the relationship between justification, redemption, and propitiation?
3. How does the sermon describe the natural consequence of sin, and why is it significant? [03:52]
4. What illustration is used in the sermon to explain the concept of propitiation? [07:37]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon explain the necessity of propitiation in the context of God's holiness and human sinfulness? [04:08]
2. In what way does the sermon describe redemption as a demonstration of our value to God? [15:16]
3. How does the concept of the "salvation triangle" help us understand the interconnectedness of propitiation, redemption, and justification? [16:11]
4. What role does faith play in connecting us to the accomplishments of Jesus, according to the sermon? [17:07]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the concept of propitiation. How does understanding that Jesus bore the wrath of God for your sins affect your view of sin and grace? [11:43]
2. Redemption signifies being bought back by Christ's sacrifice. How does this understanding impact your sense of worth and identity in Christ? [15:16]
3. The sermon mentions that in Christ, there is no condemnation. How can this assurance influence the way you live your daily life? [18:04]
4. Consider the "salvation triangle" of propitiation, redemption, and justification. How can this comprehensive view of salvation deepen your relationship with God? [16:11]
5. Faith is described as the connector to Jesus' accomplishments. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith and trust in Christ's work on the cross? [17:07]
6. The sermon emphasizes living in the assurance of salvation. How can you cultivate a mindset of confidence and joy in your salvation amidst life's challenges? [18:04]
7. Reflect on the story of the boy and the boat. How does this illustration of being "twice His" resonate with your personal journey of faith and belonging to God? [14:59]
Devotional
Day 1: The Depth of Divine Love and Justice
Propitiation is a profound concept that reveals the seriousness of sin and the depth of God's love. It is not merely a theological term but a demonstration of divine love and justice. Jesus, as the propitiation for our sins, bore the wrath of God, ensuring that His anger was satisfied. This act underscores the gravity of sin and the lengths to which God went to reconcile humanity to Himself. By bearing the penalty for our sins, Jesus ensured that God's wrath was spent on Him, leaving none for us. This divine exchange highlights the incredible love God has for us, as He Himself took on the punishment we deserved. [11:43]
1 John 4:10 (ESV): "In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
Reflection: Consider a time when you felt the weight of your own sin. How does understanding Jesus as the propitiation for your sins change your perspective on God's love and justice today?
Day 2: The Value of Redemption
Redemption is a powerful testament to our worth in the eyes of God. It signifies being bought back by Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing that we are valued beyond measure. This purchase was not made with perishable things but with the precious blood of Jesus, underscoring the immense love God has for us. Redemption is not just about being saved from sin; it is about being made God's own. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are not only forgiven but also claimed as His beloved children. This act of redemption highlights the lengths to which God went to ensure that we belong to Him. [15:16]
1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV): "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."
Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you felt undervalued or insignificant. How does knowing that you were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ impact your sense of worth and identity today?
Day 3: The Interconnectedness of Salvation
The salvation triangle illustrates the interconnectedness of propitiation, redemption, and justification. Jesus' death on the cross was not a singular act but a multifaceted work that propitiates the Father, redeems us, and justifies us. This comprehensive nature of salvation shows that each aspect is vital to our relationship with God. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are not only saved from God's wrath but also brought into a right standing with Him. This interconnectedness highlights the completeness of God's work in Christ, ensuring that we are fully reconciled to Him. [16:11]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: Think about how the interconnectedness of propitiation, redemption, and justification affects your understanding of salvation. How can you live out this comprehensive salvation in your daily life?
Day 4: Faith as the Bridge to Salvation
Faith is the means by which we are joined to Jesus and His accomplishments. It is through faith that we receive the benefits of His propitiation and redemption, leading to our justification. This union with Christ transforms our standing before God, allowing us to experience the fullness of His grace. Faith is not just a belief but an active trust in what Jesus has done for us. By placing our faith in Him, we are united with Christ, and His accomplishments become ours. This transformative power of faith is what bridges the gap between us and God, ensuring that we are fully reconciled to Him. [17:07]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust God fully. How can you actively place your faith in Jesus' accomplishments to transform that area today?
Day 5: Living in the Assurance of Salvation
In Christ, we are free from condemnation, redeemed, and justified. This assurance allows us to live with confidence and joy, knowing that all charges against us are dropped and we have peace with God. Our identity in Christ is secure, and we belong to Him forever. This assurance is not based on our own efforts but on what Jesus has accomplished on the cross. By living in this assurance, we can face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that we are loved and accepted by God. This secure identity in Christ empowers us to live out our faith boldly and joyfully. [18:04]
Romans 5:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you feel condemned or unworthy. How can you embrace the assurance of your salvation in Christ to live with confidence and joy today?
Quotes
The need for justification arises from the universal sinfulness of humanity and the absolute holiness of God. All have sinned and fall short of His glory, and the natural consequence of sin is not forgiveness but condemnation. God's holiness demands that sin be eradicated, and this is why He sent His Son. [00:05:46]
The gospel is not about how you can have a fulfilled and happy life; the gospel is about how we can be saved from the wrath of God. Now, who needs to be saved from this wrath of God? Well, the answer to that question is everyone. Paul states this repeatedly. [00:03:01]
The natural consequence of crime is not forgiveness but punishment, and the natural consequence of sin is not that God should forgive but that he should condemn. God is Holy; he abhors sin and has a settled disposition of unrelenting hostility toward it wherever it's found. [00:03:46]
God has done something to make our wrong position right, and this righteousness or way of being right is apart from the law. In other words, it's not a matter of God saying to us, now mend your ways, get your act together, and start keeping my laws. [00:06:41]
Propitiation is a gift or payment offered to appease the anger of an offended person. The best way to explain this is through an illustration. Let me introduce you to Neil and Sally. Neil was in his early 20s when he began dating Sally, a girl he met in the office. [00:09:17]
Since our sin is an offense against God, it follows that God is the one who determines what the propitiation should be. The question is, what will satisfy God? And the Bible gives us this answer: Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation. [00:10:45]
The Divine wrath toward sin was poured out on Jesus. He became the propitiation for our sins. All that was due to sinners was poured out on Jesus at Calvary. Now notice that it was God the Father who put forward the son as the propitiation. [00:12:36]
Jesus died for you because God loves you. He loved you even when you were the object of his wrath. God the Father put his son Jesus forward as a propitiation, and here, of course, we come to the mystery of the Trinity. [00:13:15]
The Divine Wrath towards your sin and mine was poured out on Jesus, and because it was spent on Jesus, there is nothing left to be poured out on you. That's the word propitiation. And then Paul uses the word Redemption. [00:15:16]
To redeem is to purchase by the payment of a price. Now, I learned this Bible word as a child through a simple story that has stayed with me. It's the story of a boy who liked to make things, and one day the boy's father said to him, why don't you make a boat? [00:15:35]
Peter says to Christian Believers, you were redeemed, that means you were bought, not with perishable things like silver or gold. No, you were bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. The Lord who made you bought you, and he did this by the shedding of his own blood. [00:16:11]
In Christ, you are saved from the wrath of God. All that was ever due to you on account of your sins has been poured out on Jesus. It's spent, it's exhausted. That means there's nothing left for you. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. [00:18:04]
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