Set Forth To Save

“…whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed” – Romans 3:25

The doctrine of Soteriology—the study of salvation—reveals the most vital truth in all of Scripture: how sinful man is made right with a holy God. Romans 3:21–26 is often called the “Acropolis of the Bible,” a towering fortress of truth built on the blood of Christ. We’ve seen that salvation is given freely by grace, through faith, to all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. But now we move deeper into the why and how of this gift. Paul tells us that Jesus was “set forth as a propitiation by His blood” (Romans 3:25, NKJV). This means Jesus was publicly displayed—held up for all to see—as the one who would satisfy God’s righteous wrath and restore us to Himself.

This is the heart of the doctrine of Atonement. It’s not just a theological term—it’s the very act by which God reconciles sinners to Himself. And it has always faced opposition. Satan knows the power of this truth and fights against it relentlessly. Jesus warned in Mark 4 that Satan comes immediately to snatch away the Word from hearts. The enemy knows who his threats are. In Acts 19, demons mocked imposters who tried to use Jesus’ name without knowing Him: “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” (v.15). The doctrine of salvation is not just under attack—it’s at the center of spiritual warfare. But we must stand firm, knowing that what we’ve been given freely is worth defending and sharing.

The prophet Ezekiel spoke of this atonement long before Christ came. In Ezekiel 16, God recounts His love for Israel, their unfaithfulness, and their corruption—even calling them worse than Sodom. Yet in the midst of judgment, God promises restoration: “I will establish My covenant with you… when I provide you an atonement for all you have done” (Ezekiel 16:62–63). Israel looked forward to this promise. We look back at its fulfillment. As John MacArthur wrote, “This looks to the cross of Christ, by which God’s just wrath on sin was satisfied so that He could grant grace to all who believe.” Paul confirms this in 2 Corinthians 5:21: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” The atonement promised then is the atonement received now.

And this salvation isn’t hidden—it’s set forth. Paul uses a word that means “to expose to public view.” Think of a placard on a truck, revealing its contents, or a sign in front of a historic building. In the same way, God “placarded” Christ—He displayed Him openly on the cross for all to see. This wasn’t a secret transaction. It was a public declaration: “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” The cross is God’s billboard of grace, visible to every soul. So let us not keep it to ourselves. Let us proclaim it boldly. The atonement has come. It is here. And it is set forth for all.

“The Lord Jesus Christ was set forth to be a propitiation, not in a corner, but openly. The cross was lifted up where all could see it. Calvary was no private sacrifice—it was a public declaration of divine justice and mercy meeting in one act.” – C.H. Spurgeon