Propitiation

In Christianity, Propitiation is a theological term denoting that by which God is rendered propitious, i.e., that 'satisfaction' or 'appeasement' by which it becomes consistent with His character and government to pardon and bless sinners. The propitiation does not procure his love or make him loving; rather, it renders it consistent for him to exercise his love towards sinners.

Propitiation in Christian theology

In Christian theology, propitiation is the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, by which He appeases the wrath of God (not an emotional response of anger but a moral response of indignation), and conciliates Him who would otherwise be offended by our sin and would demand that we pay the penalty for it. The concept of propitiation is associated in some Christian theological systems with indemnity, imputed righteousness, and substitutionary atonement.

Propitiation is translated from the Greek (hilasterion), meaning "that which expiates or propitiates" or "the gift which procures propitiation". The word is also used in the New Testament for the place of propitiation, the "mercy seat". Hebrews 9:5. There is frequent similar use of (hilasterion) in the Septuagint, Exodus 25:18 ff. The mercy seat was sprinkled with atoning blood on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:14), representing that the righteous sentence of the Law had been executed, changing a judgment seat into a mercy seat (Hebrews 9:11-15; compare with "throne of grace" in Hebrews 4:14-16; place of communion, Exodus 25:21-22).

Another Greek word, (hilasmos), is used for Christ as our propitiation. 1 John 2:2; 4:10, and for "atonement" in the Septuagint (Leviticus 25:9). The thought in the Old Testament sacrifices and in the New Testament fulfillment, is that Christ completely satisfied the just demands of a holy God for judgment on sin, by His death on the Cross of Calvary.

God, in view of the Cross, is declared righteous in forgiving sins in the Old Testament period, as well as in justifying sinners under the New Covenant (Romans 3:25,26; cf. Exodus 29:33, note). Propitiation is not the placating of a vengeful God but, rather it is the satisfying the righteousness judgement of that holy God; thereby making it possible for Him to show mercy, without compromising His righteousness or justice.

The Hebrew (kaphar), means "to propitiate, to atone for sin." According to Scripture, the sacrifice of the Law only covered the offeror's sin, and secured divine forgiveness for that year. The Old Testament sacrifices never removed man's sin. "It is not possible . . .", Hebrews 10:4. The Israelite's offering implied confession of sin in anticipation of Christ's sacrifice which did, finally, "put away" the sins "done previously in the forbearance of God", Romans 3:25; Heb. 9:15,26. This forgiveness frees the confessing believer from the burden of sin, allowing him or her to be 'adopted' into the spiritual family of God, and to enjoy the many blessings and spiritual fellowship with God which are the inheritance of God's people, the promise given to Abraham and his spiritual descendants given by God.

Propitiation in Judaism

Judaism teaches that atonement comes through the study and practice of the Torah's 613 commandments.

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Propitiation in Christian theology

Propitiation in Judaism

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