This can be a
scary word for some as it seems to be from another era. But do not despair, it
is not that scary. In fact, it is quite a comforting word once it is understood
and embraced. Various translations may use other words or phrases like
expiation, or a
sacrifice of atonement, but it is propitiation that I would like to consider.
Propitiation deals with the
appeasement of anger due to a wrongdoing. It has been said that it,
“Speaks of mending the relationship with that someone who’s angry by
something you did.”[1]
To put it another way it is to fulfill the
requirements of justice. The basis for this word seems to have its foundation
in the tabernacle and then the temple of Israel, relating to animal sacrifice.
It is mostly used for the Mercy Seat which was a slab of gold on the Ark of the
Covenant in the Tabernacle, where the blood of the sacrifice was poured. Out of
the 22 uses of propitiation in the Greek translation of the Old Testament, it
is used 21 times in regards to the Mercy Seat. So, it may be said that it is
God showing mercy as He deals with the issue of atonement for sin.
However, Jesus Christ was not a slab
of gold. In this context it simply means that He turned away anger. To read into it in any other way would involve twisting its meaning. It has been said that,
“The death of Christ has to do not only with people and sin; it also
looks Godward, and as such it is propitiatory.”[2]
Propitiation is
a personal word, as one propitiates a person and not merely a sin or a crime.[3]
It means the turning away of anger from a person (this is an extremely
important issue within this context). It is the Father turning away His anger
from the sinner due to the suitable sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
So, how would
you explain all of this to a new Christian in plain language? One illustration
that I found helpful is that it is like a “defense barrier”.[4]
Imagine an angry nation firing a nuclear missile at you because something of
that you have done. At the last moment, a defense barrier is triggered in front
of you which absorbs the force of the blast. That is the act of propitiation on
your behalf. That is what the Father did in sending Jesus Christ. For the sake
of humanity, he chose to take the full force of the blast of anger to appease
His righteous justice for us. He showed mercy, so that we could be in a relationship
with Him. Wow, what an amazingly comforting and loving truth.
[1] “What Is
Propitiation?” https://www.crossway.org/blog/2005/09/propitiation-adrian-ow/ (26th
November 2015).
[2] Ladd, G.E. A Theology of
the New Testament.
(Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1982), 429.
[3] Morris, L, The Atonement:
Its Meaning and Significance.
(Leicester: Inter-Varsity, 1983), 151.
[4] “Big Bible Words:
Propitiation.” http://www.knowableword.com/2013/05/03/big-bible-words-propitiation/ (26th
November 2015).
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