Some years ago, in a faculty devotional at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Dr. Murray Harris proposed this line of thinking:

What is the most important Book in the universe? The Bible.

Which book within the Bible is the most important? Romans.

Which chapter in Romans is the most important? Chapter 3.

Which paragraph in Romans 3 is the most important? Verses 21-26.

Which verse in that paragraph is the most important? Verse 25.

Which word in verse 25 is the most important? Propitiation: “. . . whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.”

Therefore, the most important word in the most important verse in the most important paragraph in the most important chapter in the most important book within the most important Book in the universe is propitiation.

Worthy of our serious reflection. If you don’t know what the word propitiation means check here and then here and then read this book. Don’t put it off. Get to know this word and let it lead you to marvel at the grace and love of God in the cross of Christ.

HT: Ray Ortlund