Greek Key Terms:
Context: First John 2:1-2 provides assurance: "if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world." This combines the Day of Atonement's dual imagery—Christ as both high priest (advocate) and sacrifice (propitiation). The slain goat's blood propitiated God's wrath; the high priest interceded for Israel. Christ fulfills both roles: dying to satisfy justice (propitiation) and living to plead for believers (advocacy). John writes "that you may not sin" (v. 1a) yet provides remedy "if anyone does sin" (v. 1b)—realism meeting grace.
Connections:
Christological Connection: First John 2:1-2 presents Christ fulfilling both Day of Atonement roles: "we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins." The high priest on Yom Kippur both offered sacrifice (slain goat) and interceded for Israel (entering Holy of Holies). Christ is both priest and victim—Hebrews 7:27 states He "offered up himself." As advocate (paraklētos), Christ pleads believers' case before the Father. Hebrews 7:25 declares He "is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." Romans 8:34 asks: "Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus... is at the right hand of God... interceding for us." As propitiation (hilasmos), Christ satisfies God's wrath against sin. Romans 3:25 states God put forward Christ "as a propitiation by his blood." Propitiation differs from expiation—expiation removes sin; propitiation appeases wrath. God's holiness demands justice; Christ's blood provides satisfaction. The qualification—"Jesus Christ the righteous"—shows His fitness to mediate. Hebrews 7:26 describes Christ as "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners." His righteousness qualifies Him to approach God; His humanity enables Him to sympathize with us (Hebrews 4:15). The scope—"not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world" (v. 2)—extends beyond Jewish particularism. John 3:16 declares: "God so loved the world." The trajectory shows: high priest offers sacrifice and intercedes (Yom Kippur roles) → Christ dies as propitiation (satisfies justice) → Christ lives as advocate (ongoing intercession) → believers assured of forgiveness when they sin → eternal security in Christ's finished work.
Connection Method(s): Typology (Providential, Backward-Looking) — Christ fulfills both Day of Atonement roles simultaneously: as "advocate" (parakletos) He continues the high priest's intercessory function, and as "propitiation" (hilasmos) He provides the sacrifice the slain goat prefigured, combining priest and victim in one person.
Trajectory Table: 044 - Day of Atonement (Christ's Atoning Sacrifice)