Tag Archives: Faith

Romans 6- Baptized in Christ Part 1

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What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:1-4

If you want to understand the meaning of Baptism in Christianity, this teaching by the Apostle Paul is a great text to learn from. I think it’s surprising but the majority of Christianity has a misunderstanding of Baptism, and I know that seems like a pretentious statement, but if you look at the majority view in Christianity its true. The majority of Christianity today still adhere to Paleo Baptism or better known Infant Baptism. The majority of Christian Churches affirm this position, but why? Is it simply tradition or is it really the understanding of scripture?

I would argue the majority of Churches practice Infant Baptism simply out of tradition, giving no real consideration to the scriptural meaning of Baptism. So what is the purpose of Baptism? Why do we even practice it as the Church? Well The Lord Jesus said “Go therefore make disciples of all the nations , baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19) Baptism is a command from our Lord, not only that, Christ was baptized as a model for us to follow (Matthew 3:13-17) So Baptism is a sacrament and a command of the Church to be a Christian

So what is the meaning of Baptism? Lets take a look at the teaching by the Apostle Paul here , first Paul starts talking about Sin and Grace. “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid” So just because we are sinners saved by grace, doesn’t mean we should continue to live in sin. As the Apostle Paul continues “How should we who have died to sin, live any longer in it?” 

Now as you read this text you should start to realize there is an issue then with Infant Baptism. Does an infant have sin? Again the majority of the Church have adopted a teaching by Augustine which is known as “Original Sin”. Now this teaching basically states you were born a sinner therefore if you died an infant you would go to Hell. Now I know this topic has alot to unpack, but to keep it high level, but to believe an innocent infant would go to Hell because they simply were not dunked by their parents, I think is theologically careless. Now again I understand I’m in the minority of opinion here, but I think we need to be honest with that the text really states and not the tradition of men.

The Apostle Peter also states ““Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) So can an infant also repent of their sins they didn’t even know they committed? Also can an infant profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord? (Romans 10:9) I think the obvious answer to these questions are No, so why would we baptise an infant as standard practice of the Church?

Next part of this article , we would examine Paul’s teaching of what the symbolism of Baptism in Christ mean, pray for the Holy Spirit’s edification as we work through these texts in Jesus name Amen!

Romans 5- Children of God

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Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Romans 5:9-11

There is a false teaching that everyone is a “Child of God” while this is a great thought, this is not Biblical. As the Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tell us “we were enemies of God” , the Apostle Paul also says “He put to death their hostility” (Ephesians 2:16) Hostility to what? To God, before you became saved, you hated God, you hated his holy word, you hated his only begotten Son, you hated the Holy Spirit, because you were carnally minded, in love with the world and the flesh

These two natures don’t coincide, this is why as an “Enemy of God” you can’t be a Child of God. To tell the unsaved they are a Child of God, is an insult to our Heavenly Father, who blasphemes his name on a daily basis. So why do we care about the unsaved? Because we were all made in the “Image of God” (Genesis 1:27) and God wants everyone to become saved (1 Timothy 2:4) So how do we become a Child of God? As Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3)

It’s only through Jesus Christ, and his sacrifice on the cross, that we can become Children of God. As the Apostle Paul teaches us here “being now justified by His (Christ) blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him (Christ)” Jesus paid the penalty for your sins and justified you before God the Father. The only reason we can be in the presence of God is because of Christ and His holy works on the cross.

So what else did the cross do for us? “We were reconciled to God by the death of His Son (Jesus)” We were reconciled back to God through Jesus Christ, we were not always Children of God but enemies, but Christs death on the cross reconciled us. This is why Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation (John 14:6) Without Christ you can never be reconciled back to God, you can never be justified for your sins, you can never be saved from the wrath that is to come for your sins.

Consider what the Apostle Paul says here “4But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born[a] of a woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

6And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, [b]“Abba, Father!” 7Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir [c]of God [d]through Christ.” (Galatians 4:4-7) Through Christ, you have been reconciled, you have been redeemed, you have become Born Again, and adopted as Children of God through our Lord Jesus Christ and the regeneration of the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Romans 5- God Demonstrated His Love

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For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8

You have heard the old expression “You find out who your friends are” when times get tough in life, who is there for you? Most times you find out the majority of people are not, they are called “fairweather friends” They will be there for you, when things are good or fun. But once things get real, when maybe you are in need, most abandon you. 

Now lets take this one step even further, how many people would die for you? How many people would lay down their life to save yours? If your being honest, there are probably almost none. Hopefully you are blessed with a spouse or family, but hardly anyone is going to die for you, let alone help you in a time of need.

So you might be asking, why am I depressing you with these realities? Because I want you to try and grasp, that Jesus Christ , the Living Son of God, became flesh and literally died for your sins. As the Apostle Paul states “Christ died for the ungodly” Jesus laid down his life for your soul, He did want nobody else would do, but He did what nobody else could do. Nobody else could take your place on that cross except Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God

Are you starting to understand the deep love and relationship Christ has for you? Do you understand the implications of what Christ has done for you on the cross?  As Paul states “He (Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for us so become the righteousness of God in Him (Christ)” (2 Corinthians 5:8) Jesus the sinless Lamb of God, paid the penalty for our sins, and died to declare us righteous before The Father. Can we comprehend this? Can we even grasp the love God has demonstrated towards you?

The Apostle Paul says “God has demonstrated His love towards us, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Think about that, while we were still enemies of God, while you were still blaspheming His name, while you were still living in complete rebellion, Christ took on flesh and died for you anyway. There is no deeper love than what was demonstrated at the cross. 

I will end with the words of The Lord Jesus Christ himself “Greater Love Has No One Than This, Than To Lay Down Ones Life For His Friends” (John 15:13) You have a real friend in Jesus, You have a Savior in Jesus, You have salvation in Jesus, The Son of God who became flesh to lay down his life for you, Gods demonstrated love, Amen

Romans 5- Peace of God

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Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:1-5

How can we have peace in this chaotic world today?Many people look for inner peace through many mediums, however nobody ever seems to find it, why? Because most people don’t realize they are at war with God. The main reason most people can’t find peace in their soul, is because they are an enemy of God. (James 4:4)

Jesus Christ, who is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) is the only way (John 14:6) and the only one who can give you true peace within your soul. Why? Lets consider what the Apostle Paul says here “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” We are all sinners (Romans 3:23) and our sin not only separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2) but our sin also makes us an enemy of God (James 4:4)

This is why Jesus Christ became flesh and died on the cross for our sins (John 1:14, 1 Corinthians 15:3-5) so we can be justified before God the Father. Christ took our place on the cross, Jesus paid our debt of our sins, so we can be reconciled back to the Father (2 Corinthians 5:18) Because we have been brought back into relationship with God, our soul now has peace beyond all human understanding (Philippians 4:7)

We have access to God by faith into this grace, the Apostle Paul talked alot about faith in the first several chapters of Romans, its by grace through faith you have been saved (Ephesians 2:8) It’s Christ who gives you this peace, because Christ is the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5) Not only do we have peace, but through Christ we now also have hope. As the Apostle Paul says here “Rejoice in Hope of the Glory of God”

Now does this mean your life will be perfect, does this mean you won’t have any problems or issues as a Christian? No, but as Paul says here “We glory in tribulations or sufferings , knowing that our  tribulations or sufferings  produces patience, And patience or perseverance , character or experience, and character or experience produces hope” This is the sanctification process as a Born Again Christian. The Holy Spirit is working in us to grow and conform us more like Christ.

Lets end with the words of the Apostle Paul here “The love of God has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit given to us” The Holy Spirit has been poured upon you as a true disciple of Christ. God has transformed your heart and mind, has given you the peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding, repent and put your faith in The Lord of Glory and Peace, Amen!

Romans 4- Saved By Faith

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Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Romans 4:23-25

As scripture says “Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6, Galatians 3:6) How was Abraham saved? He was saved by faith in Christ , not by his own works. And we are saved the same way, as the Apostle Paul says here “it was not written for his (Abraham) sake alone” If you put your faith in The Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and His works on the cross, it will be credited as righteousness for you also. 

As Paul says “But for us also, it shall be imputed/credited/counted as righteousness” Our faith should be the same as Abraham, we trust and obey The Lord for salvation. As the author of Hebrews stated “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he is going” (Hebrews 11:8) Abraham was obedient to his calling by God, even when he didn’t fully understand Gods plan. He put his faith and trust in The Lord for salvation.

We need to do the same thing,  as the Apostle Paul says “If We believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead” Our salvation comes from the works of Christ on the cross, as Paul also says “know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16) Have faith Christ died for your sins on the cross, have faith rose on the 3rd day, defeating sin and death forever. Have faith you are justified before God because of Christ work on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 15:3-5)

Christ was delivered over for our offenses/trespasses/sins , as the prophet Isaiah foretold “ He (Christ) was pierced for our transgressions, He (Christ) was crushed for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5) Christ paid the penalty for our sins on the cross, why? As the Apostle Paul explains “was raised again for our justification” As the author of Hebrews also states “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:28)

How are you saved then? For by grace you have been saved, through faith and not of yourselves,  it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8) Amen!

Romans 4- Seed of Abraham

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For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Romans 4:13-15

So what is the promise and how do we obtain it? The Apostle Paul spends alot of time speaking about Abraham and how this relates to our salvation. The Promise was initially spoken to Abrham as scripture says “The promises were spoken to Abraham and His seed” (Galatians 3:16) and “I (God) will make You (Abraham) a great nation and I will bless you (Abraham) (Genesis 12:1-3) 

The promise made to Abraham that through His seed (Christ), God will make a great nation, multiply it as numerous as the stars and the grains of sand (Genesis 22:17-18) The Promise that all the nations (the entire world) would be blessed through Abraham seed (Genesis 12:3) And as the Apostle Paul says here “the heir of the world” not just Israel. 

The Apostle Paul also makes clear this Promise was not fulfilled through The Law, but through the righteousness of faith. As the Apostle Paul says “The Letter (Law) Kills, but The Spirit brings Life” (2 Corinthians 3:6) Salvation never came through The Law, it actually brings death. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8) The Promise given to Abraham and his seed was by faith and not by any works, otherwise it would void the righteousness of faith

Who is the seed of Abraham? The Apostle Paul interprets this prophecy for us , “The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ” (Galatians 3:16) The seed is Christ , who came through Israel, God  incarnate through the virgin, to die for our sins and rise again on the 3rd day. Salvation comes through Christ alone, the promise seed of the entire world

This Promise is only obtained by faith in Christ. As Paul says “If those who are of The Law are heirs, faith has been made void, The Promise made no effect” If salvation was able to be obtained by works or “Keeping The Law”, then faith would be made void and the promise of salvation would be broken. It’s only by the works of Christ on the cross, that salvation made be possible, its only by faith in Christ that you can receive The Promise

Because The Law brings wrath, but as the Apostle Paul also says “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13) Amen!

Romans 4- Saved By Faith

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But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Romans 4:5-8

While faith without works is dead faith, we can’t do anything to save ourselves. The fact that any of us are saved at all is because of God’s grace and mercy. As the Apostle Paul said “He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we have done, but according to His mercy , through the washing of the new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5) Any works that we do produce is because of the Holy Spirit living inside of us. As Paul says here “But believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness” Faith in Christ is what saves you, not by any of our own works, its all because of the grace of God

The Apostle Paul used Abraham alot as a great example as being saved by faith, and that obedience being accredited as righteousness. Now he quotes King David as an example also of being saved by faith. David says “Blessed are those whose iniquities/transgressions/lawless deeds are forgiven, who sins are covered” (v7, Psalm 32:1-2) What an amazing thought, that God is willing to forgive our sins, that Jesus Christ became flesh and took our place on the cross. The sacrifice of Christ covered our sins, that we are justified before the Father because of Christ, that Christ has given us the Holy Spirit to live inside of us

King David also says “Blessed is the man who The Lord shall not impute sin or count sin against us or has cleared us of sin” (v8, Psalm 32:2) What have you done to have your sins forgiven, to have your sins erased? Nothing, you have no power to save yourself, its by the grace of God, through faith in Christ, that you are saved (Ephesians 2:8) As the Apostle Paul said “For He made Him (Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (Christ) (2 Corinthians 5:21)

This reminds me of the parable Jesus told about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, The Pharisee prayed “Thank God I’m not a sinner like other people, including this tax collector” I do all these works to justify I’m righteous. The tax collector said “God have mercy on me , a sinner”  Who do you think was justified before God? Jesus said it was the tax collector because they were humbled with repentance. (Luke 18:9-14)

King David had committed great sins in his life, however God declared him righteous because of his faith and repentance. Salvation can never be earned, its only by faith in the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, trust in Him and not yourself, don’t be deceived like the Pharisee, have faith like Abraham, like David, like the Tax Collector, Amen!

Romans 4- Abraham justified by faith

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What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. Romans 4:1-4

The Apostle Paul uses Abraham as an example of being saved by grace through faith, and not of our own works. However Abraham is a great reminder, that God didn’t save us with “cheap grace” meaning if we truly have faith in God, then we should also be obedient and listen to God.As The Lord Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15)  Paul begins by saying “If Abraham was justified by works, He has something to boast about, but not before God” If Abrahams was saved by his own works, then He can give himself credit for His salvation and not Christ

However as the Apostle Paul says “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, “ (Ephesians 2:8) You are saved by grace through faith and not by your own works. Abraham was obedient to God, but it wasn’t His obedience that produced salvation, it was the works of Christ on the cross that has given mankind salvation. (Romans 8:32)

You might ask, when did Abraham know Jesus Christ? Remember before God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham was face to face with The Lord Jesus Christ “Then Yahweh appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day.” (Genesis 18:1) (LSB) God in the flesh appeared to Abraham and prophesied He would receive a son named Isaac (Genesis 18:14) Most Christians probably don’t realize, Abraham probably knew more about Christ than you do, as He met Him face to face

So Abrahams salvation is the same as our salvation, by grace through faith in Christ. As scripture tells us “Then he believed in Yahweh; and He counted it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6) (LSB) The Apostle Paul tells us the same thing “just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” (Galatians 3:6) Don’t forget the prophecy of Christ was foretold since the fall at the garden of Eden “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” (Genesis 3:15) 

As the Apostle James said “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17) Abraham truly had faith, therefor it produced the works of obedience, if we truly have faith, then we should produce righteous fruits (Matthew 7, Galatians 5) As The Lord Jesus said “You will be known by your fruits” (Matthew 7:16) While Abraham responded in faith, all glory goes to God. Without Christ there is no salvation and there is no possibility of producing fruits. Abraham believed God and its was accounted to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3) Amen

Romans 3- Nullify The Law?

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Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. Romans 3:27-31

Who can be saved? Well as the Apostle Paul says “Everyone who calls upon the name of The Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13) There is only One Way to Salvation, Jesus Christ (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) And this salvation from God is offered to anyone who repents and puts their faith in The Lord Jesus Christ for salvation (John 3:16) This is The New Covenant in Christ (Luke 22, Hebrews 8) that Jew and Gentile can be a Child of God through faith in Christ (Galatians 4:4-6)

But what about The Law? Does the grace of God eliminate the moral Law of God? No, as we discussed previously, The Law reveals the nature of God and man. How do you know you are a sinner in need of a Savior? Look to The Law of God as a mirror, and the Holy Spirit will reveal your sinful nature. So are we saved then by “Keeping The Law”? No , look what the Apostle Paul says here “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.” You are saved by grace through faith, not by keeping The Law. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Nobody can Keep the Law and The Law will never bring you salvation. However its through The Law you are convicted of sin and in need of repentance and salvation of Christ

As the Apostle Paul states “We conclude that man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” You can’t earn your salvation, you can’t work your way into Heaven, its only by genuine faith in Christ that you can be saved and be justified before God. Humans like to save themselves, humans like to deliver themselves, but you are completely unable to. As Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) You need to be regenerated by the Holy Spirit, you need a new heart and mind, you need The Law written on your heart, this will never happen by human works in trying the “Keep The Law”

I heard it once said “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is the God of Matthew, Mark , Luke, and John. There is only One God, and He is God over the Jews and Gentiles. How are they saved? The Apostle Paul states “Shall justify the circumcision (Jew) by faith, and uncircumcision (Gentile) through faith” The Jew is saved by faith in Christ, the Gentile is saved by faith in Christ. There is only one means of salvation!

So the Apostle Paul then asks the question “Does this make The Law void through faith”? Certainly not, we establish The Law” Meaning you can’t understand your depravity without The Law, You can’t understand the nature of God without The Law, you can’t understand your desperate need for Jesus Christ without The Law, repent and put your faith in Christ for salvation, Jew and Gentile, Amen!

Romans 3- Jesus our Propitiation

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Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Romans 3:25-26

So earlier the Apostle Paul taught us, what and why Christ is the good news for us all. Today the Apostle Paul teaches us how Christ is the good news. Jesus took your place on that cross, as Paul said “God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His (Christ) blood” It’s interesting when you look at the other English translations NIV states “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement through the shedding of His blood” The Amplified Version says this “whom God displayed publicly [before the eyes of the world] as a [life-giving] sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation (propitiation) by His blood [to be received] through faith” As you look at the different translations, you get the understanding Christ died for your sins on the cross, and by our faith in Christ and his sacrifice we are declared righteous with God

The word propitiation is very interesting, Gotquestions.org says the word means  this “The word propitiation carries the basic idea of appeasement or satisfaction, specifically toward God. Propitiation is a two-part act that involves appeasing the wrath of an offended person and being reconciled to him.” The only way we can be reconciled or redeemed to God is by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, this is why Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) This is what Christ has done for you, because He loved you and chosen you before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4)

Consider these scriptures about propitiation “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” (1 John 2:2) The Apostle John states Christ is the propitiation or atoning sacrifice for us and the entire world! Remember what John the Baptist stated about Jesus “Behold The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29) 

The author of Hebrews, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, stated the same thing “Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2:17) Jesus Christ, our Lord, our King, our High Priest, made the propitiation, the atoning sacrifice for our sins, the sins of the people, the world. This is a difficult concept for us to grasp, that the Son of God loves us enough to die for our sins, to redeem and forgive us

What did Christ do for guilty sinners like me and you? As the Apostle Paul says here “That He (Christ) might be Just and the Justifier of him (Us) who believes/has faith in Jesus” We are redeemed and justified by our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the propitiation for our sins, who has reconciled us back to our Father, and given us the Holy Spirit, to be Children of God, Amen!