Romans / Question
In Romans 3, propitiation means Christ is the God-given sacrifice through whom sin is dealt with and God's righteous judgment is answered. Paul presents this as God's own action, so that God is both righteous and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Romans 3:21-26 explains how God can justify sinners without ignoring sin. The passage connects grace, redemption, Christ's blood, faith, and God's public display of righteousness.
The word matters because Romans does not treat forgiveness as God pretending sin is small. The cross shows God's justice and mercy together.
This term deserves careful handling. hold together the focus where Romans puts it: God provides Christ, and the result is justification by grace through faith.
Original wording based on Romans 3:21-26.
25whom God set forth to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith, in his blood, to show his righteousness because of the passing over of the sins done before, in the forbearance of God;
26for the showing of his righteousness at this present time; that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.