Romans 3:25-26
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The phrase "sins that are past" isn't just about old sins, but highlights that Christ's sacrifice was the unveiling of God's righteousness, which had been partially hidden or less intensely displayed in previous ages. This shows that God's forbearance with past sins wasn't a lack of justice, but a deliberate, patient prelude to the full demonstration of His righteousness through Jesus.
whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this section, Paul has established that everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, is guilty of sin. Now, he pivots to explain God's solution: Jesus Christ. God publicly presented Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice, a propitiation or atonement, available through faith in His blood. This act was specifically designed to demonstrate God's own righteousness, especially in relation to the sins that had been overlooked or "passed over" in previous generations due to God's patience.
God didn't hide His plan for salvation; He put Jesus on display for all to see. What does this public exhibition mean for us?
The verse states Jesus was 'set forth' (or 'publicly exhibited') by God. This wasn't a private, behind-the-scenes operation. Think of it like a public announcement or a grand unveiling.
The word 'propitiation' is key to understanding how Jesus' sacrifice addresses our sin. It's not just about appeasing anger, but about God's character.
The term 'propitiation' (hilasterion) is rich with meaning, pointing to the work of Christ on the cross. It connects directly to how God's righteousness is demonstrated.
Ask a follow-up
The verse mentions 'sins that are past' and God's 'forbearance.' How does Christ's sacrifice address sins committed long before it happened?
This verse tackles a crucial question: What about the sins of those who lived before Christ, or even our own past sins before we came to faith?
Understand the original words
hilastērion · Greek Noun
A sacrificial term referring to the removal of wrath through the offering of a substitute. It denotes the satisfaction of God's holy justice through the blood of Christ.
anochē · Greek Noun
The patient delay of judgment or restraint of divine wrath. God demonstrates this quality by not immediately punishing sin, as seen in His historical dealings with humanity prior to the cross.
dikaiosynē · Greek Noun
The attribute of God referring to His absolute moral perfection, justice, and faithfulness to His own character and covenant promises. It signifies that God always acts in accordance with what is right and true.
dikaiounta · Greek Verb
To be declared righteous, acquitted, or placed in a right standing before God. It is a forensic, legal act whereby God credits the righteousness of Christ to the believer, removing the guilt of sin.
pistis · Greek Noun
Trust, reliance, or firm persuasion in the person and finished work of Jesus Christ. It is the instrument through which a person receives the gift of salvation and is justified before God.
The concept of 'propitiation' in Romans 3:25 directly recalls the Old Testament Mercy Seat, a place veiled and approached only once a year. Christ's sacrifice, in contrast, is publicly 'set forth' and made accessible through faith, demonstrating God's righteousness in addressing past sins during His long-suffering.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus and the giving of the Law
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt and gives them the Law, including detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its rituals, such as the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat.
c. 970 BC
Dedication of Solomon's Temple
The Ark of the Covenant, containing the stone tablets of the Law, is placed in the Most Holy Place of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, the central sanctuary for Israel's worship.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile many Israelites. The Ark of the Covenant is lost, symbolizing a break in direct access to God's manifest presence.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified and resurrected, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and inaugurating a new covenant. His sacrifice is understood as the ultimate atonement for sin.
c. AD 60-62
Paul writes Romans
While imprisoned or under house arrest, Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, elaborating on God's plan of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
This passage describes the mercy seat (hilasterion) of the Ark of the Covenant, which was sprinkled with blood on the Day of Atonement. Romans 3:25 directly alludes to this, presenting Christ as the ultimate 'mercy seat' where God's favor is found.
Leviticus 16:14-16This chapter details the Day of Atonement rituals, where blood was sprinkled to atone for the sins of the people and the holy places. It highlights the sacrificial blood required for propitiation, a concept echoed in Christ's 'blood' in Romans 3:25.
Hebrews 9:5This verse also mentions the mercy seat (hilasterion) in relation to the high priest's ministry. It directly links the concept of atonement and the mercy seat, reinforcing the connection made in Romans 3:25 between Christ and this sacred object.
1 John 2:2This verse explicitly calls Jesus 'the propitiation for our sins.' It directly uses the concept of propitiation (hilasmos), strengthening the understanding of Christ's atoning work as described in Romans 3:25.
Isaiah 53:5-6This prophecy describes the Suffering Servant being 'pierced for our transgressions' and 'crushed for our iniquities,' with the punishment for our peace falling on him. This powerfully foreshadows the idea of Christ's atoning death in Romans 3:25, where His blood makes propitiation.
clarkeRomans 3:25: "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;"
Whom God hath set forth - Appointed and published to be a propitiation, ιλαστηριον, the mercy-seat, or place of atonement; because the blood of the sacrifice was sprinkled on and before that, in order to obtain remission of sin, punishment, etc. The mercy-seat was the lid or cover of the ark of the covenant,…
barnesRomans 3:25: "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;"
Whom God hath set forth - Margin, "Fore-ordained" (προέθετο proetheto). The word properly means, "to place in public view;" to exhibit in a conspicuous situation, as goods are exhibited or exposed for sale, or as premiums or rewards of victory were exhibited to public view in the games of the Greeks. It so…
The phrase "sins that are past" isn't just about old sins, but highlights that Christ's sacrifice was the unveiling of God's righteousness, which had been partially hidden or less intensely displayed in previous ages. This shows that God's forbearance with past sins wasn't a lack of justice, but a deliberate, patient prelude to the full demonstration of His righteousness through Jesus.
In this section, Paul has established that everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, is guilty of sin. Now, he pivots to explain God's solution: Jesus Christ. God publicly presented Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice, a propitiation or atonement, available through faith in His blood. This act was specifically designed to demonstrate God's own righteousness, especially in relation to the sins that had been overlooked or "passed over" in previous generations due to God's patience.
In this section, Paul has established that everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, is guilty of sin. Now, he pivots to explain God's solution: Jesus Christ. God publicly presented Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice, a propitiation or atonement, available through faith in His blood. This act was specifically designed to demonstrate God's own righteousness, especially in relation to the sins that had been overlooked or "passed over" in previous generations due to God's patience.
"whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so…" — The phrase "sins that are past" isn't just about old sins, but highlights that Christ's sacrifice was the unveiling of God's righteousness, which had been partially hidden or less intensely display…
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Last reviewed October 2026
