And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. 1 John 2:2 WEB
When John writes that Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins he means that Jesus’ death on the cross satisfied God’s wrath with the sins of mankind. The Greek word translated as “atoning sacrifice” is “hilasmos – ἱλασμός.” It literally means a propitiation which is an offering made to satisfy an offended party. The atoning sacrifice of Christ appeased the wrath of God making peace between the Lord and repentant sinners.
Our sin separates us from God. As we read in Isaiah 59:2, “But your iniquities have separated you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. WEB” Without the propitiation that is the atonement sacrifice of Christ, we would remain separated from God.
Repentance and Remission of Sins
Jesus is the only way to reconcile with our heavenly Father. John makes clear that Christ is sufficient to cover the sins of all mankind but this does not mean that all mankind is saved. Only those who come to repentance through faith in Christ find salvation.
John’s words highlight that God’s forgiveness is available to everyone everywhere. Whoever hears the truth of the gospel message of Jesus and repents from sin finds the grace of God’s salvation. As Jesus said in Luke 24:46-47, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of your holy word. Thank you for the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Guide me by the power of your Holy Spirit to live according to your word and will. Help me to serve your purpose. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Grace of Christ
