Verse of the week 1 John 2:2

“And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world”.

What Stands Out 

Propitiation, atoning sacrifice and satisfaction. No matter which word or which Bible version these words point to only one person, Jesus. John identifies, “He”, in verse 1 as Jesus Christ the righteous. Throughout the text surrounding this verse John continues to identify himself with these others sinners, and he also reveals that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, not just for the sins of the children of God, with whom he is identifying with. While there are elect and there are reprobates Christ died for them all. Jesus is not exclusionary. He’s available to all!

What is God Communicating 

Sin must require an atoning sacrifice. Why would Jesus Christ the righteous need to be the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world if it weren’t necessary? Any idea that Jesus only died for the sins of the elect is false. This verse alone shows the work Jesus did at the cross was for everyone. He is not some exclusionary Savior. He’s Lord of all!

What’s On My Heart

I’m not sure I realized Jesus died for me until the Holy Spirit put it on my heart to hear the Gospel. I think I only believed in Jesus the man, not Jesus the Lord or even Jesus the Savior. There are people that may think as I did or may think they aren’t good enough for Jesus. None of us are good enough for God, but Jesus died for us all so His righteousness would be ours and make us available to Almighty God. This is a great piece of Scripture to illustrate to those who are lost that Jesus died not just for my sin, but also for their sin.

How Can I Live It Out 

There are people that need to know that Jesus is not exclusionary. They need to know that no matter how depraved or sinful they are or think they are, Jesus already did the work for that sin. Lord, continue to equip me to share this good news with those who need to know it. Give me strength and a boldness to face this day as your most devoted disciples have done, with feet on the ground, good news in their heart and eyes on the kingdom. In Jesus name, Amen.