THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
Every individual, regardless of where they are born—whether in the same country, region, or city—absorbs the local language and becomes accustomed to the customs and lifestyle of their surroundings. What is a boy raised among the Gentiles to do to escape the worship of idols, especially when such practices have been instilled by his parents? The first words he hears are those that convey this falsehood, a belief absorbed as naturally as milk; and given that the speakers he learns from are the elders, what can a young child do but adhere to their authority and regard their teachings as right?
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Thus, nations that later embraced Christ recognized the wrongs of their ancestors, echoing the words of the prophet Jeremiah: truly the falsehoods that our forefathers worshipped—vanity that brought them no benefit (Jer. 16:19). When they now utter this, they disavow the misguided beliefs and blasphemies of their sinful parents. We have been led astray by those who preach evil; we have become citizens of a metaphorical Babylon, having turned away from our Creator to worship the created; we have forsaken the One through whom we were made and instead honored what we ourselves have fashioned. For despite the influence of the unrighteous, we have not been utterly crushed. Why is this so? 'Our transgressions Thou wilt appease,' is not spoken unless by a priest offering something that can atone for and satisfy divine justice. Wickedness is considered appeased when God shows grace to the wicked. What does it signify for God to exhibit favor towards sin? It indicates His willingness to forgive and pardon. Yet to receive God's mercy, propitiation must be fulfilled through a sacrifice. Thus, a Priest was sent forth from the Lord God; He took on our form that He could offer to the Lord—those same humble elements of our flesh from the womb of the Virgin. This offering He presented to God. He extended His arms upon the cross, proclaiming, ‘Let My prayer be acceptable before You like incense, and may the lifting of My hands serve as the evening sacrifice.’ As you know, the Lord was crucified around the evening hour (Matt. 27:46); and our transgressions were atoned for; otherwise, they would have consumed us: the voices of the wicked have risen against us; we have been led astray by the teachings of false gods like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury; the words of ungodly speakers have triumphed over us. But what will You do? Our iniquities, Thou wilt appease. Thou art both the Priest and the Sacrifice; Thou art both the Offering and the Offering. (Hebrews 9:7)