There's a really big word used in many translations in last week's 1 John reading:
Propitiation
What?
Propitiation means:
the act of propitiating or something that propitiates; specifically: an atoning sacrifice
from Miriam-Webster Dictionary
Clear as mud?
Let's try the definition of propitiates:
to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of
from Miriam-Webster Dictionary
John writes to his readers to keep them from sin, but knowing that all do sin. Jesus came as our payment for sin. With His death as a sacrifice, we are able to regain the favor of God. Not by our good works. Nothing that we could say or do could fulfill the law and makes us right with God. Salvation only comes through Jesus and because of Jesus.
I'm linking up with Women in the Word Wednesdays and Moms Mustard Seed Planting.