Blood Covering
[Jesus Christ,] whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed …. ––Romans 3:25, NKJV
Propitiation is one of those five-dollar words that packs a punch. Biblically it means to cover or provide protection from sin. Under the Old Law sins were atoned for through sacrifices typically involving blood (animals). For us, we think of Christ’s sacrifice as the umbrella of protection that covers us from the “sin storms” of the world. As long as we stand under the umbrella, we are protected.
Here’s something wild to consider: Under the Old Law if a father and mother had a rebellious son who refused to obey their direction or receive correction, the parents were to give him over to the elders and he would be stoned (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). Fast forward about 1,400 years and we see Jesus sharing the Parable of the Prodigal Son. No stoning. No retribution. Love, grace, and acceptance—a prime example of the New Law of grace. The woman caught in adultery? Same thing.
Same God, new covering (propitiation). This highlights both brutal and beautiful truths. First, God is jealous and passionate about our worship and obedience. Second, sin is sin—same today as when the Jews were instructed to stone unrepentant sons. (Thank God—literally—that Jesus put an end to that.) Third, in our culture where sin has been watered down and bleached out, this is an intense truth to confront. And most importantly, when we grasp the enormity of both God’s love and wrath, we also grasp the enormity of Christ’s covering for us as God’s men.
Appreciate the umbrella of God’s grace. Don’t water down your sin. At the same time, realize that Jesus paid the full price for it. We are all prodigals—thank God we receive the bread of life, rather than hard stones.
Father, thank You for Your grace and for Your mercy, which is new every day.