Romans 3:25
Verse
Context
Righteousness through Faith in Christ
24and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.26He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
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, where God was manifest in the symbol of his presence, between the cherubim; therefore the atonement that was made in this place was properly made to God himself. See the note on Luk 18:13. Through faith in his blood - This shows what we are to understand both by the απολυτρωσις, redemption, and the ιλαστηριον, propitiation; viz. that they refer to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, as the atonement made, and the price paid down, for the redemption of the souls of men. To declare his righteousness - εις ενδειξις, for the manifestation of his righteousness; his mercy in saving sinners, by sending Jesus Christ to make an atonement for them; thereby declaring his readiness to remit all past transgressions committed both by Jews and Gentiles, during the time in which his merciful forbearance was exercised towards the world; and this applies to all who hear the Gospel now: to them is freely offered remission of all past sins.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation--or "propitiatory sacrifice." through faith in his blood--Some of the best interpreters, observing that "faith upon" is the usual phrase in Greek, not "faith in" Christ, would place a "comma" after "faith," and understand the words as if written thus: "to be a propitiation, in His blood, through faith." But "faith in Christ" is used in Gal 3:26 and Eph 1:15; and "faith in His blood" is the natural and appropriate meaning here. to declare his righteousness for the remission--rather, "pretermission" or "passing by." of sins--"the sins." that are past--not the sins committed by the believer before he embraces Christ, but the sins committed under the old economy, before Christ came to "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." through the forbearance of God--God not remitting but only forbearing to punish them, or passing them by, until an adequate atonement for them should be made. In thus not imputing them, God was righteous, but He was not seen to be so; there was no "manifestation of His righteousness" in doing so under the ancient economy. But now that God can "set forth" Christ as a "propitiation for sin through faith in His blood," the righteousness of His procedure in passing by the sins of believers before, and in now remitting them, is "manifested," declared, brought fully out to the view of the whole world. (Our translators have unfortunately missed this glorious truth, taking "the sins that are past" to mean the past sins of believers--committed before faith--and rendering, by the word "remission," what means only a "passing by"; thus making it appear that "remission of sins" is "through the forbearance of God," which it certainly is not).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Is he the God of the Jews only?.... The Jews made their boast of him as such, and would not allow the Gentiles any interest in him: but is he not also of the Gentiles? yes, of the Gentiles also: God is the God both of Jews and Gentiles; not only as the Creator, preserver, and Governor of them, or as he has a right to demand worship and service of them, but as he is their covenant God; not by virtue of the covenant of circumcision, or by the Sinai Covenant, but by the covenant of grace; as appears by his loving them in Christ, choosing them in him, putting them into his hands, providing blessings of grace for them in him, and sending his Son to redeem them; by calling them by his grace; by their sanctification, adoption, pardon, and justification; by taking out of them a people for his name with whom he dwells, and of whom he takes care; and will never leave nor forsake: all which may lead us to observe the distinguishing grace of God, the happiness of our state and condition, and what encouragement we have for faith and hope in God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:25 the sacrifice for sin (Greek hilastērion): This Greek word is used in the Greek Old Testament to refer to the “atonement cover,” the cover that rested on the Ark of the Covenant in the inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle. The atonement cover was prominent in the Day of Atonement ritual (Lev 16) and came to stand for the atonement ceremony itself. Paul characterizes Jesus Christ as God’s provision of final atonement for his people. Jesus himself satisfies, or absorbs in himself, the anger of God against all sinful people (see Rom 1:18). • those who sinned in times past: Paul refers to righteous Old Testament people who were not punished for their sins as strict justice would require. Hebrews reminds us, “it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Heb 10:4). How, then, could God forgive people in the Old Testament? Paul answers that Jesus’ sacrifice works backward in history as well as forward—through Christ, God provided for the full satisfaction of his righteous anger against human sin.
Romans 3:25
Righteousness through Faith in Christ
24and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.26He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(True Disciple Conference) the Greatest Words in All of Scripture
By Paul Washer9.3K1:40:48SalvationMAT 6:33ROM 3:23ROM 3:25EPH 2:8PHP 1:6In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing a horrifying scenario where a person's family is violently slaughtered. He then compares this to the justice system, where the murderer is brought before a loving judge who inexplicably sets him free. The speaker uses this analogy to emphasize the true meaning of the cross and the sacrifice of Jesus. He goes on to explain the brutal physical suffering that Jesus endured, highlighting the significance of his death for the forgiveness of sins. The speaker also challenges the idea of treating Jesus' death lightly and calls for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the magnitude of his sacrifice.
(Exodus) Exodus 12:9-13
By J. Vernon McGee4.8K06:14ExpositionalEXO 12:8EXO 12:13ROM 3:25HEB 9:22In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of law enforcement and the consequences of sin. He emphasizes that in God's universe, the law is inexorable and sin leads to death. However, salvation is possible through faith in Christ. The preacher uses the example of the Passover in Egypt, where the application of blood on the doorposts indicated faith and led to the passing over of the death angel. He concludes by stating that the shed blood of Christ is the only means of salvation and emphasizes the principle that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins.
When I See the Blood
By Roy Hession3.0K26:18Blood Of ChristEXO 12:3MAT 6:33ROM 3:25HEB 9:221PE 1:181JN 1:7REV 12:11In this sermon, Roy Hessian emphasizes the importance of the blood of Jesus Christ in the Christian life. He highlights that the Christian journey is not a static experience but a continuous walk, where the present moment is always important. Hessian emphasizes that we should not rely on our own strength but on the blood of Jesus. He also references the story of the deliverance of the Israelites from God's judgment on the Passover night as a powerful illustration of the significance of the blood of Christ.
The Gospel: The Cross of Christ
By Paul Washer2.8K1:30:52ISA 40:12MAT 6:33ROM 3:10ROM 3:23ROM 3:25EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of coming to Christ for salvation. He highlights that outside of Christ, there is no hope, but in Him, there is everything. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus not only lived a perfect life and died a perfect death, but He also rose again from the dead and ascended into glory. The sermon also discusses the question of how a person can go to heaven, with the answer being found in the person of Jesus Christ. The preacher encourages the audience to focus on the cross of Christ, as understanding and appreciating what God has done for us in Jesus should be our magnificent obsession. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the need to grow in the knowledge of who God is and to let His truth control every aspect of our lives. The preacher also mentions that the goal is not to bring revival, but to seek and comprehend the truth. The sermon references Psalms 24 and Romans 3:23-25.
(Biographies) William Cowper
By John Piper2.7K1:33:52JHN 11:43ROM 3:25In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering the word of God and being transformed by it. He emphasizes the sufficiency of Jesus' atonement and the completeness of justification through faith. The speaker also reflects on the importance of periodically waking up from worldly preoccupations and examining our motives. He concludes by encouraging listeners to fortify themselves with hope and cultivate a deep distrust of despair.
The Heart of the Gospel
By Paul Washer2.5K56:36MAT 6:33ROM 3:23ROM 3:25GAL 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for condemnation. He argues that modern preachers often fail to proclaim the gravity of sin and the necessity of repentance. Using the illustration of a judge pardoning a murderer, he highlights the injustice of overlooking sin. The preacher also emphasizes the power and authority of God, who commands the stars, planets, mountains, and seas, yet man rebels against Him. However, through Jesus Christ, the doors that have never opened for any man are thrown open, allowing the King of Glory to enter.
The Power of the Blood - Sermon 1 of 5 - the Passover Lamb
By Roy Hession2.0K47:37Blood of The LambLEV 17:11MAT 6:33ROM 3:25EPH 1:7HEB 9:221PE 1:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching about the blood of Jesus. He believes that when the blood of Jesus is preached, it brings liberty and joy to congregations. The preacher highlights that the blood of Jesus is the key to removing a tormenting conscience and experiencing the blessings of God. He refers to the story of the Passover in Exodus chapter 12, where the blood of a lamb was used as a token of judgment already falling on a house. The preacher concludes by encouraging believers to sit down and rest in the finished work of Jesus, rather than striving and standing in their own efforts.
The Blood
By C.H. Spurgeon1.9K41:53EXO 12:13ISA 1:18MAT 26:28ROM 3:25EPH 1:7HEB 9:221PE 1:18In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his return to America after thirty years and his address to a large assembly. Despite the disappointment of the people who expected something different, the preacher emphasizes that he presented the most important and thrilling subject in the world - the precious Savior and what he has done for humanity. He acknowledges the limitations of human language in expressing the worth of Christ's blood, but emphasizes the need for individuals to put their trust in it for salvation. The preacher also addresses the misconception of a conditional salvation, stating that his purpose is to preach the gospel of Christ and not to entertain with amusing stories. He concludes by highlighting the significance of the blood of Christ as the means of salvation and the practical lesson it teaches.
Audio Sermon: (1 Peter - Part 15): The Precious Blood, Our Only Hope
By A.W. Tozer1.6K32:45JHN 1:29ROM 3:25EPH 1:7HEB 9:141PE 1:18This sermon emphasizes the preciousness of the blood of Jesus Christ as the ultimate redemption for humanity, highlighting the moral release and freedom it provides from the foolish ways of life inherited from tradition and fallen human tendencies. The speaker urges repentance and humility in approaching communion, reflecting on the significance of Christ's sacrifice and the eternal impact of His blood.
Unsearchable Riches of Christ - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K43:09Riches Of ChristEXO 12:5ROM 3:25ROM 11:33EPH 1:7EPH 1:14REV 5:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of balance and completeness in relation to God's possession and redemption. Using the parables of the lost son, lost sheep, and lost silver, the speaker emphasizes that when something is lost or missing, the balance is upset and things are unequal. The speaker explains that life itself belongs to God, and when it is taken away, it disrupts the balance and righteousness that God desires. The ultimate goal of redemption is to restore this balance and bring everything back into perfect order and righteousness.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ (s.n.e. Reformation Conference)
By Paul Washer1.3K1:42:32GospelEXO 34:5DEU 32:35PSA 32:1PSA 64:10PRO 17:15JHN 5:39ROM 3:25In this sermon, the speaker presents a thought-provoking scenario to illustrate the concept of justice and forgiveness. He describes a situation where a person's family has been brutally murdered by an assassin, and the person catches the assassin in the act. Instead of seeking revenge, the person calls the police and the assassin is brought to trial. However, to everyone's surprise, the judge pronounces the assassin not guilty, claiming to be a gracious and forgiving judge. The speaker then raises the question of how justice and forgiveness can coexist, and emphasizes the importance of understanding this concept in relation to the Gospel.
Week of Meetings 01
By Morgan Bartlett1.3K48:24Bible ConferenceDEU 7:6ROM 3:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and believing in the truth of God. Christians are called to walk in the truth, rejoice in the truth, and preach the truth. The preacher highlights the tremendous responsibility that comes with being a Christian and the privilege of being brought into the knowledge of God. The sermon also touches on the consequences of not being faithful to God and the need for worship and faithfulness in our lives. The preacher references the book of Deuteronomy and shares stories from the Bible to illustrate his points.
Church History - Session 9 (The Reformation)
By Edgar F. Parkyns1.2K52:58MAT 28:19ACT 2:4ROM 3:25ROM 5:1ROM 8:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Reformation period and the challenges faced by the work of God during that time. It was believed that the old forms of medieval Christianity would be replaced by a new Bible-enlightened Christianity. The speaker also mentions the impact of John Wesley and the Methodist societies in England, where people gathered to seek salvation and encourage one another in their faith. The sermon also touches on the influence of the Jesuits and their use of sensual religion and elaborate rituals to enhance their appeal.
There Were Two Trees in the Midst of Eden
By Dean Taylor1.2K1:24:16LifeJER 13:27ROM 3:9ROM 3:25ROM 3:28ROM 4:22ROM 5:2ROM 7:1ROM 7:9ROM 7:25ROM 8:6ROM 8:10ROM 8:17ROM 8:28ROM 8:37ROM 8:39In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of entering into God's rest. He references Hebrews chapter three, which talks about how Jesus has provided a rest for the people of God. The preacher also mentions a story from the book "The Normal Christian Life" about a drowning man being rescued by a skilled swimmer. He emphasizes the importance of entering into God's rest and not falling into unbelief. The sermon concludes by addressing the fear that may hold back a person from accepting salvation and encourages them to take that step towards God.
Life of John Newton, 2
By Ian Murray1.1K51:52ROM 3:25ROM 5:1EPH 2:8In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the life and ministry of John Newton, a preacher in the 18th century. Newton was known for his love for children and his ability to connect with them through storytelling and spiritual conversations. He was also dedicated to preaching the gospel in a parish that had been lacking in gospel preaching for many years. Despite his imperfections and struggles, Newton's ministry had a profound impact on the community, leading to a crowded church. The speaker also highlights Newton's struggle with preaching and his eventual realization that preaching from a warm heart was the most effective approach.
The Righteousness of Faith - Part 4
By Roy Hession1.1K51:44Righteousness Of FaithPSA 32:1ROM 3:25ROM 4:3ROM 4:16ROM 4:24In this sermon, the speaker begins by addressing a verse from chapter 3, verse 25, which talks about God setting forth Jesus as a propitiation through faith in his blood. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the meaning of this verse. They explain that the devil accuses believers using the law of God, but God declares the wrong to the wrong person. The speaker uses the analogy of a debtor and a surety to illustrate how Jesus took our place and paid our debts. They emphasize that through faith in Jesus, believers are set free from the law and no longer have to fight on their own.
How Can a Man Be Right With God - Various Speakers
By Compilations1.1K07:55ROM 3:25GAL 4:4This sermon emphasizes the foundational truth that nothing but the blood of Jesus can wash away our sins and make us right with God. It delves into the concept of our sins being imputed to Christ, who paid the penalty in full, leading to our adoption as sons and daughters of God. The sermon highlights the power of Christ's resurrection and the transformation it brings, shifting believers from a status of judgment to one of grace and sonship. It also stresses that our justification and acceptance by God are solely through the blood of Jesus, not by our works or merits.
The Tabernacle #3: Holy of Holies
By Stephen Kaung9631:19:04EXO 25:16EXO 29:43PSA 40:6MAT 3:17ROM 3:25HEB 4:14HEB 10:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the spiritual experience of believers after they have accepted Jesus as their savior. They go through a stage of enlightenment and are adorned with gifts, graces, and virtues. However, the speaker emphasizes that God often deals with believers to bring them to a place of complete surrender and dependence on Him. The soul is described as living and working through the Holy Spirit, finding rest, joy, and harmony in God. The ultimate goal is for believers to be one with Christ in God and live a life of abundant fruitfulness.
Prayer Summit - Part 7 by Gerhard Dutoit
By Gerhard Du Toit62933:52JHN 15:4ROM 3:25ROM 5:9EPH 1:7HEB 9:14HEB 10:19HEB 13:121PE 1:21JN 1:71JN 1:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life under the anointing of the Spirit of God, inviting believers to seek God's presence through prayer and fasting, and to experience the power of the blood of Jesus for cleansing and purification. It highlights the significance of inner brokenness, redemption, reconciliation, and sanctification through the blood of Christ, encouraging believers to abide in Christ and allow His Spirit to transform their hearts and minds.
God's Love for All Men!
By Keith Daniel59940:52ISA 53:6ISA 55:6JHN 3:16ROM 3:25ROM 6:231CO 6:61TI 2:41PE 2:241PE 3:18This sermon emphasizes the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, comparing it to a tragic story of a man and his son swept away by the sea, illustrating how God forsook His son to bear the sins of humanity. It delves into the concept of accepting God's gift of eternal life through faith, highlighting the importance of not rejecting this offer. The sermon concludes with a call to accept this gift of salvation and to live a life dedicated to praising God for His sacrifice.
Rahab the Harlot
By Ken Baird40936:01EXO 12:13JOS 2:18MAT 6:33ROM 3:25EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Rahab and how her faith saved her and her family. He emphasizes the importance of having faith in God's promises and the assurance of safety that comes from the Lord. The preacher also uses examples from the Bible, such as the scarlet cord in Rahab's house and the scarlet cord in the Royal Navy, to illustrate the significance of the color red as a symbol of protection and salvation. He warns against calling God a liar and highlights the importance of believing in the testimony of God regarding His Son.
The Blood
By Phil Beach Jr.3652:47Redemption and JustificationThe Power of the BloodBlood Of ChristACT 20:28ROM 3:25ROM 5:9ROM 6:6EPH 1:7EPH 2:13COL 1:20HEB 9:121JN 1:71JN 2:2Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the unparalleled significance of the blood of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith, asserting that it is the only means by which humanity can be reconciled to God. He explains that the blood shed on Calvary serves as the propitiation for our sins, providing redemption and access to God's presence. Beach highlights that this blood is not ordinary but the precious blood of God Himself, which cleanses, justifies, and brings peace to believers. He encourages the congregation to understand the transformative power of the blood and to apply it in their lives for spiritual victory and closeness to God.
Of Propitiation, Atonement, and Reconciliation, as Ascribed to Christ.
By John Gill2AtonementReconciliationZEC 13:7JHN 3:16ROM 3:25ROM 5:8ROM 5:102CO 5:18EPH 2:16COL 1:20HEB 2:171JN 2:2John Gill expounds on the concepts of propitiation, atonement, and reconciliation as they relate to Christ, emphasizing that while the term 'satisfaction' is not explicitly used in Scripture, its essence is captured in these terms. He explains that Christ serves as the propitiation for our sins, satisfying God's justice and reconciling humanity to Him through His sacrificial death. Gill highlights that reconciliation is initiated by God and accomplished through Christ, who intercedes on behalf of sinners, transforming them from enemies to friends of God. The sermon underscores the necessity of Christ's sacrifice for the restoration of the relationship between God and humanity, illustrating the profound implications of His atoning work. Ultimately, Gill affirms that reconciliation is not about changing God's love but about addressing the justice that sin demands.
Of the Satisfaction of Christ
By John Gill1AtonementRedemptionISA 53:5ROM 3:25John Gill emphasizes the doctrine of Christ's satisfaction, asserting its critical role in the Christian faith as it relates to redemption and the necessity of atonement for sin. He explains that without Christ's satisfaction, there can be no salvation, as it fulfills the demands of God's justice and law. Gill argues that this satisfaction was planned in the eternal council of God and executed through Christ's willing sacrifice, which was necessary to reconcile sinners to God. He highlights that the love of God is demonstrated through this act, as it required the ultimate sacrifice of His Son. Ultimately, Gill concludes that Christ's satisfaction not only addresses the penalty of sin but also glorifies God's justice and mercy.
The Power of the Blood
By David Wilkerson0The Blood of ChristRedemption and ProtectionEXO 12:22LUK 22:20ROM 3:25ROM 5:11EPH 1:7COL 1:20HEB 9:141PE 1:181JN 1:7REV 12:11David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound significance of the blood of Jesus Christ, which is often undervalued by many Christians. He explains that while believers may sing about its power and plead for its protection, they often lack a deep understanding of its glory and benefits. Wilkerson draws parallels between the sprinkling of blood in Exodus and the blood of Christ, highlighting that true faith in Jesus' sacrifice is essential for experiencing its protective power. He encourages believers to recognize that the blood is not just for forgiveness but also for ongoing protection and reconciliation with God. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper appreciation and acknowledgment of the precious blood of Jesus in the life of every believer.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
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, where God was manifest in the symbol of his presence, between the cherubim; therefore the atonement that was made in this place was properly made to God himself. See the note on Luk 18:13. Through faith in his blood - This shows what we are to understand both by the απολυτρωσις, redemption, and the ιλαστηριον, propitiation; viz. that they refer to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, as the atonement made, and the price paid down, for the redemption of the souls of men. To declare his righteousness - εις ενδειξις, for the manifestation of his righteousness; his mercy in saving sinners, by sending Jesus Christ to make an atonement for them; thereby declaring his readiness to remit all past transgressions committed both by Jews and Gentiles, during the time in which his merciful forbearance was exercised towards the world; and this applies to all who hear the Gospel now: to them is freely offered remission of all past sins.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation--or "propitiatory sacrifice." through faith in his blood--Some of the best interpreters, observing that "faith upon" is the usual phrase in Greek, not "faith in" Christ, would place a "comma" after "faith," and understand the words as if written thus: "to be a propitiation, in His blood, through faith." But "faith in Christ" is used in Gal 3:26 and Eph 1:15; and "faith in His blood" is the natural and appropriate meaning here. to declare his righteousness for the remission--rather, "pretermission" or "passing by." of sins--"the sins." that are past--not the sins committed by the believer before he embraces Christ, but the sins committed under the old economy, before Christ came to "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." through the forbearance of God--God not remitting but only forbearing to punish them, or passing them by, until an adequate atonement for them should be made. In thus not imputing them, God was righteous, but He was not seen to be so; there was no "manifestation of His righteousness" in doing so under the ancient economy. But now that God can "set forth" Christ as a "propitiation for sin through faith in His blood," the righteousness of His procedure in passing by the sins of believers before, and in now remitting them, is "manifested," declared, brought fully out to the view of the whole world. (Our translators have unfortunately missed this glorious truth, taking "the sins that are past" to mean the past sins of believers--committed before faith--and rendering, by the word "remission," what means only a "passing by"; thus making it appear that "remission of sins" is "through the forbearance of God," which it certainly is not).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Is he the God of the Jews only?.... The Jews made their boast of him as such, and would not allow the Gentiles any interest in him: but is he not also of the Gentiles? yes, of the Gentiles also: God is the God both of Jews and Gentiles; not only as the Creator, preserver, and Governor of them, or as he has a right to demand worship and service of them, but as he is their covenant God; not by virtue of the covenant of circumcision, or by the Sinai Covenant, but by the covenant of grace; as appears by his loving them in Christ, choosing them in him, putting them into his hands, providing blessings of grace for them in him, and sending his Son to redeem them; by calling them by his grace; by their sanctification, adoption, pardon, and justification; by taking out of them a people for his name with whom he dwells, and of whom he takes care; and will never leave nor forsake: all which may lead us to observe the distinguishing grace of God, the happiness of our state and condition, and what encouragement we have for faith and hope in God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:25 the sacrifice for sin (Greek hilastērion): This Greek word is used in the Greek Old Testament to refer to the “atonement cover,” the cover that rested on the Ark of the Covenant in the inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle. The atonement cover was prominent in the Day of Atonement ritual (Lev 16) and came to stand for the atonement ceremony itself. Paul characterizes Jesus Christ as God’s provision of final atonement for his people. Jesus himself satisfies, or absorbs in himself, the anger of God against all sinful people (see Rom 1:18). • those who sinned in times past: Paul refers to righteous Old Testament people who were not punished for their sins as strict justice would require. Hebrews reminds us, “it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Heb 10:4). How, then, could God forgive people in the Old Testament? Paul answers that Jesus’ sacrifice works backward in history as well as forward—through Christ, God provided for the full satisfaction of his righteous anger against human sin.