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The Point of the Whole Bible
Martin Luther said of today's passage (specifically vv. 21-26) that it is “the chief point, and the very central place of the Epistle, and of the whole Bible.” [1] Do yourself a favor and read the passage again, slowly. Understand it well.
I want to focus in on v. 25, on the world "propitiation" (ESV). The word in the Greek here ("hilasterion"). Again, Doug Moo has a helpful explanation of the significance of this word:
"...hilasterion refers to what NIV calls the “atonement cover” (what used to be called the “mercy seat”)—the cover of the ark where sacrificial blood was sprinkled as a means of propitiating God’s wrath. This atonement cover is prominent in Leviticus 16, where the Day of Atonement ritual is described. The “atonement cover,” therefore, came to represent for the Jews the place where, or the means by which, God took care of his people’s sin problem." [2]
The Point of the Whole Bible
Martin Luther said of today's passage (specifically vv. 21-26) that it is “the chief point, and the very central place of the Epistle, and of the whole Bible.” [1] Do yourself a favor and read the passage again, slowly. Understand it well.
I want to focus in on v. 25, on the world "propitiation" (ESV). The word in the Greek here ("hilasterion"). Again, Doug Moo has a helpful explanation of the significance of this word:
"...hilasterion refers to what NIV calls the “atonement cover” (what used to be called the “mercy seat”)—the cover of the ark where sacrificial blood was sprinkled as a means of propitiating God’s wrath. This atonement cover is prominent in Leviticus 16, where the Day of Atonement ritual is described. The “atonement cover,” therefore, came to represent for the Jews the place where, or the means by which, God took care of his people’s sin problem." [2]
Click to enlarge
Here's what's going on: check out the picture of the ark. Notice the two cherubim - between the two of them, above the ark, was where God's glory dwelt. The lid of the ark is the atonement cover, where the blood was sprinkled. The ark contained the stone tablets of the law. This is very, very significant because God's glory looks down in judgment upon the Law and finds humanity wanting. This is why on the Day of Atonement blood was sprinkled on the atonement cover - instead of the God viewing the Law in wrath, the sacrificial blood covers the Law, atoning of the sins of those that fail to keep it. That's just a quick explanation, but hopefully it makes sense.
That, to me, is one of the things that makes this passage remarkable. This passage says that JESUS IS THE ATONEMENT COVER. He is the sacrifice that stands between the glory of God and the failings of those who labor under it. This is an INCREDIBLY vivid picture of the point of this passage, all contained in the one small word, propitiation.
Questions? Comments? Due to VBS, I may have limited ability to respond, but I'll do my best.
[1] Margin of the Luther Bible, on 3:23ff.
[2] Douglas J. Moo, Romans, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2000), 129.
[2] Douglas J. Moo, Romans, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2000), 129.
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