“PAID IN FULL”

“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

To a casual reader (like someone who considers reading a verse is enough to get him through the day), 1 John 2:1 could mean that all human beings will ultimately be saved. He may feel good about what he thinks the verse means, and assume there is no need for him to repent and place his faith in Jesus Christ, but the implications can be severe.

John continues his letter and tells his readers that Christ is their Advocate. He calls Jesus “the propitiation for our sins.”

“Propitiation” is such a big word for most of us. But in the original Greek (“hilasmos”), it simply means “satisfaction.” God is holy and demands everyone to honor His holiness. But all of us have sinned and aroused His wrath. Being the just God, He wants every sin to be paid for. Unfortunately, we are sinful beings, making us unfit to compensate for our disobedience and appease God, against whom we have sinned.

Jesus’ sacrifice is the perfect and ultimate payment for the sins of the world. His death is enough to save everyone from hell. John is not saying that all human beings will ultimately be saved because if that were true, that would mean the Bible contradicts itself. Elsewhere, Jesus said that there are people who will bed saved and those who won’t (Matthew 7:21-23; 25:1-13; 31-46).

The term “whole world” refers to the “sphere” (domain), the beings toward whom God seeks reconciliation and provided propitiation (MacArthur). From a temporal standpoint, God allows sinners to live and enjoy life without experiencing the appropriate punishment for their sins. That is a testament to God’s forbearance. He delays His judgment, giving us more time to come to Him in repentance.

In an ultimate, eternal sense, Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross satisfied God’s wrath and was sufficient to pay for the sins of every person who comes to Him in faith. Salvation is available to everyone, but only those who put their trust in Christ will actually benefit from it. If you believe in Christ, your sins have been paid in full.

Pursue the Savior today!