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The Propitiation

"[5] But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5NKJV

The word "propitiation" means to appease. From the scripture above, we see that the forgiveness of sins is not simply a product of the mercy of God. A heavy price was paid to fulfill justice.

‬‬In the justice system of God, only death cancels sin, not apologies, not tears, not remorse. "[23] For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 NKJV

Accordingly, for God to forgive the sins of the world once and for all, justice had to be served through the death of the perfect sacrifice that could cancel sin forever, not the death of bulls and goats that needed constant renewal (Hebrews 10:1).

Since perfection is only found in God, God became the offering (Jesus), the offerer, and the one to whom it was offered. "[14] For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." Hebrews 10:14 NKJV

God is not only merciful, he is just. As a just God, he dealt with sin; as a merciful God, he saved the sinner. Mercy and Justice were satisfied on the cross, without which our remorse achieves nothing (Romans 3:25).

So, when the bible says, "all your sins are forgiven (past, present, and future)", it is not a sentimental statement. It is a sentence of acquittal that is eternally binding. You cannot be tried or found guilty again. This is why believers need not beg for forgiveness from God. Your tears and remorse are more for yourself and not for God.

What about when I make mistakes, you might ask? God made provision for that as well. Jesus not only died for our sins, he also continues to advocate for us.

"[1] My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. [2] And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world." I John 2:1-2 NKJV‬‬

Because while salvation is instantaneous, behavioral modification is a process; and we do not achieve it by our own strength. "[13] for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:13 NKJV

Therefore, it is the same way we are saved that we live the righteous life; through faith in Jesus Christ who abides in us and works in us to do the will of the Father. Glory!