Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology:Propitiation refers to the act of appeasing or satisfying the wrath of a deity, thereby restoring a harmonious relationship between the deity and the offender. In the context of Christian theology, it specifically denotes the appeasement of God's righteous anger against sin through a sacrificial offering. The term is closely related to "expiation," which emphasizes the removal or cleansing of sin. The Greek word often translated as "propitiation" in the New Testament is "hilastērion." Biblical Context: In the Old Testament, the concept of propitiation is primarily associated with the sacrificial system established under the Mosaic Law. The sin-offering, as described in Leviticus, served as a means for the Israelites to atone for their sins and restore fellowship with God. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was a significant annual event where the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). In the New Testament, the concept of propitiation is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, writes, "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand" (Romans 3:25). Here, Christ is depicted as the ultimate sin-offering, whose sacrificial death satisfies the demands of God's justice and reconciles humanity to God. Theological Significance: Propitiation is central to the doctrine of atonement in Christian theology. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a divine remedy. The sacrificial death of Christ is seen as the means by which God's wrath is appeased, allowing for the forgiveness of sins and the restoration of a right relationship between God and humanity. This act of propitiation is not merely a legal transaction but a profound demonstration of God's love and grace, as highlighted in 1 John 4:10: "And this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins" . Christ as the Propitiation: The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system. His death on the cross is the ultimate sin-offering, rendering the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant obsolete. Hebrews 9:26 states, "But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself" . Through His propitiatory sacrifice, Christ not only satisfies God's justice but also demonstrates His love and mercy, offering salvation to all who believe. Practical Implications: The doctrine of propitiation has profound implications for Christian life and worship. It calls believers to a deep appreciation of the cost of their redemption and a response of gratitude and obedience. Understanding propitiation also fosters a sense of assurance and peace, knowing that Christ's sacrifice is sufficient to cover all sin. Furthermore, it encourages believers to extend grace and forgiveness to others, reflecting the love and mercy they have received from God. In summary, propitiation is a foundational concept in Christian theology, encapsulating the work of Christ in reconciling humanity to God through His sacrificial death. It highlights both the gravity of sin and the magnitude of divine grace, calling believers to live in the light of this transformative truth. Nave's Topical Index Romans 3:25Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Nave's Topical Index Romans 5:1,10,11 2 Corinthians 5:18,19 Colossians 1:20-22 1 John 2:2 1 John 4:10 Library 'The Scapegoat' The Day of Atonement Scriptural Types. 1 John iv. 9-10 The Only Atoning Priest On the Atonement. The Epistles of St. Paul On the Offices of Our Lord Jesus Christ Examination of the Treatise Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Resources What is the Ark of the Covenant? | GotQuestions.orgLimited atonement-is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org What is Soteriology? | GotQuestions.org Propitiation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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