And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world (1 John 2:2). Two words describe the propitiation of Christ for believers at the cross. Those words are substitution and satisfaction. Christ died as our substitute for our sins. Also, the sacrifice of Christ satisfied the justice of God against our sins.
Propitiation is God's justice for our sins satisfied at the cross of Jesus. Propitiation (Greek: hilasmos) is a New Testament word which means satisfaction. Christ crucified satisfied the holiness and justice of God to save guilty sinners.
Propitiation is God's justice satisfied at the cross, through the love of God in Christ. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Christ crucified is love's crowning deed, satisfying God's justice.
Propitiation is God's justice satisfied on our behalf as believers in Christ. Justice paid the price for believers in the sacrifice of Christ at the cross. Therefore, God is both just and the justifier of all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 3:26).
Believers in Christ our Lord receive God's love revealed at the cross. We are justified by faith in Christ alone. Those who reject the propitiation of Christ at the cross face God's justice and wrath abiding upon them (John 3: 36).
