“We are made right with God by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. That happens to all who believe… Everyone has sinned. No one measures up to God’s glory. But the free gift of God’s grace makes all of us right with him. Christ Jesus paid the price to set us free. God gave him as a sacrifice to pay for sins. So he forgives the sins of those who have faith in his blood…”

Romans 3:22-25

Propitiation is a word rarely found in newer translations of the Bible. It’s out of fashion, even in Christian circles. Propitiation carries the idea of appeasement or satisfaction – in this case, Christ’s violent death satisfied the offended holiness and wrath of God against those for whom Christ died. In pagan religions it is the worshiper, not the god, who is responsible to appease the wrath of the offended deity. But in reality, a person is incapable of satisfying God’s justice apart from Christ, except by spending eternity in hell. In Christianity it is God (not the worshiper) who takes the responsibility of satisfying his own wrath.

Herein lies the amazing love of God – the Father’s wrath was appeased through the willing sacrifice of the Son. This is what makes the Good News so GREAT! God has no more anger left for us – only mercy, pardon, forgiveness, compassion and grace upon grace.

~ Joni Eareckson Tada