10/15/2025
When we first speak to someone about Jesus Christ what do we say? Do we talk to them about how He heals the sick, or casts out demons? No, I dare say that we talk to them first and foremost about how Jesus died to redeem the sins of the world and how He is the hope of salvation that has been provided to each of us. We speak of the good news, the gospel of Christ.
“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”
1 John 2:2 ESV
As I was reading Pastor Oswald Chambers this morning, he referred to this as the ultimate missionary message, and the very heart of being a missionary. It might surprise some of us to know the meaning of the word “propitiation” in this verse... it means “to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of”. So, Jesus is the one who regains God’s goodwill as it relates to our sins. His life, death, and resurrection gained the favor of God regarding our sins. Do you sense a feeling of pleading, or coaxing in this word? This is not so much a word of firm contract, but one of personal decision. God was not obligated, but He looked upon the sacrifice of His Son and said... this is good, and it is enough and this became His promise. Jesus reiterated this from the cross, and John heard it pronounced in the book of Revelation…
“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
John 19:30 ESV
“And he said to me [John], “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.”
Revelation 21:6 ESV
Paul was the consummate missionary; he went into the world and preached this gospel message, and then he did two more things... he baptized, and he prayed his converts into receiving the Holy Spirit. He signed, sealed, and delivered each convert to the Lord, but he couldn’t have done this if God had not first accepted the life of His Son Jesus Christ as full payment for their sins... if God had not made His Son the Great Propitiation for our Sin the story of Jesus Christ would have ended on the cross; regardless of His rising from the dead and ascension to be with the Father. After all great prophets had done that much before.
The missionary message is the gospel, and the gospel is that Jesus was fully accepted by God in lieu of our sins... and this was done long before the cross... it was done before the foundation of the world. The acceptance of Jesus for our sins was carried out long before He consummated the deal of propitiation with the handshake of nails on Calvary.
“even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”
Ephesians 1:4-6 ESV
So, Jesus has brought us back into God’s favor, and we have been washed clean of our sins, This is a truth that was spoken by John the Baptist as well…
“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
John 1:29 ESV
As was the way of Paul we still need to do the two more things... we need to receive baptism, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus oversaw baptisms, and He left us that the Holy Spirit could come. In this way the provision for our redemption was made and remains in place for us today... we just need to accept them. So, Jesus had to do these things in His life to complete the transaction of propitiation for our forgiveness and we continue to do them today. How insignificant our price of accepting Him seems when laid beside His sacrifice.
John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus for who He was, and then he baptized Him...
“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."”
Matthew 3:16-17 ESV
And then, once Jesus had been resurrected and transfigured, He left so that the comforter, the helper, the Holy Spirit could come...
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:”
John 16:7-8 ESV
So, now we have these things and all we must do is accept them and submit ourselves to them. This is the missionary message... the Gospel... and just as the Holy Spirit came after Jesus to help us, there are pastors who come behind the missionaries to help those who have heard, believed, submitted, and become the church.
Is this the message you received? Is this the calling you have? Is this the gospel you deliver to those in need of redemption today?
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the straightforward message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I thank you Father for accepting the Lamb of God, your Son in lieu of my sin. Holy Father, you deemed your creation to be good, and very good, but your Son overshadows all of creation in His goodness. To thank you for His sacrifice will take more than my lifetime Father... it will take every waking moment throughout my life and all of eternity… and still it will not be enough. You are Holy, your grace knows no bounds, and by your will the propitiation of Jesus Christ, my savior, also has no end. How then am I to thank and praise you fully without this gift of eternity? How can my praise ever find its end, or my thanksgiving be enough? You are Holy, Holy, Holy, and my love joins yours forever. In the arms of Jesus you will comfort me forevermore as I sing your praises. Praised be your name Father!
Amen! Amen! Amen!
Rich Forbes