HOW IS JESUS THE “PROPITIATION” FOR THE WHOLE WORLD?
To “propitiate” basically means to satisfy the wrath of someone. It implies that someone has a justifiable reason for their wrath; and that this state of wrath will continue until something appropriate happened to appease it. Have you ever done something wrong to someone else – perhaps a neighbor, or a family member, or a work associate – and felt as if there was a rift in the relationship as a result? Have you ever asked them, “Is there something wrong between us?” And have you heard them answer back, “Yes! I’m angry with you because you did thus and so”? We’ve all experienced such times; and we also know that, under normal circumstances, things won’t be right between ourselves and that offended person, nor that anger appeased, until we’ve done something to satisfy the anger and make amends. When it comes to human relationships, a simple apology is often all that’s needed. Sometimes, restoring the damage we may have caused is also necessary. But when it comes to a sinner’s relationshi
