The concept of propitiation holds immense significance. It delves into the profound reality of God's holiness, humanity's sinfulness, and the bridge that Christ builds between them. By understanding propitiation, we gain a deeper appreciation for God's character, the weight of sin, and the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice.
Propitiation literally means to render someone propitious, meaning favorably disposed. At its most simple level, it refers to an offering that is pleasing to God. Unlike pagan deities, Yahweh does not require care and sustenance in the form of food from human worshippers. There are, however, significant instances of his sharing of a meal in a literal sense (e.g., Gen. 18:4-8; Ex 24:9-11, and, of course, numerous meals shared by Christ in the Gospels). The more common language used in the scriptures for God’s appreciation for his portion of sacrificial meals is that these sacrifices are a pleasing aroma (as in Gen. 8:21; Lev. 1:9, 1:13; 2:2; 23:18).
This same language is applied to the sacrifice of Christ in the New Testament (as in Eph 5:2 and the Father’s statement that in Christ he is “well pleased”). In the Greek translation of Numbers 10:10, the language of a memorial is used to describe the sin offering as its smoke rises to Yahweh. This language is applied to prayers and almsgiving elsewhere in the scriptures (Ps 141:2; Acts 10:4; Rev. 5:8). The party who is being propitiated through atonement may be wrathful toward the one who makes the offering (as, for example, Jacob assumes in Gen. 32:21 regarding Esau). Still, the language of propitiation does not necessitate this as such.
Understanding the wrath of God as a function of His presence, justice, and holiness, there is another element of propitiation that is directly relevant to wrath. This is the protective function that sacrificial blood and incense offerings serve in relation to Yahweh’s presence. Part of the Day of Atonement ritual is specifically oriented toward allowing Aaron to enter the most holy place without dying, as had his sons (Lev. 16:11-14). An obscuring cloud of smoke, as well as the blood of a bull to wipe away the sins of himself and his priestly family, are required because, on that day, Yahweh himself would appear, would make himself present, in that place (v. 2).
The blood of the sacrificial lamb, which was utilized as a meal, at the Passover served a similar protective role (Ex 12:21-23). This is not protection from a loving God. Rather, it is a means that loving God provides to allow sinful human persons to abide in the presence of his holiness. This same sort of protection language is utilized regarding the blood of Christ (e.g., Rom. 3:24-25; Rom. 5:9; Eph 2:13; Heb 10:19-22; Rev. 12:11).
Romans 6:23 delivers the sobering truth: "For the wages of sin is death." Sin's consequence is not merely a temporary inconvenience; it is eternal separation from God. Left to our own devices, we are powerless to bridge the chasm created by sin.
Our good works or religious rituals cannot atone for our transgressions. Psalm 51:16-17 emphasizes this: "For you do not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you do not desire a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, these, O God, you will not despise."
Herein lies the transformative power of propitiation through Jesus Christ. 1 John 2:2 proclaims, "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world." Unlike any other sacrifice, Jesus, being fully God and fully man, was uniquely able to reconcile God and man.
Hebrews 9:14 compares the inadequacy of animal sacrifices to the sufficiency of Christ's offering: "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross wasn't merely a display of suffering; it was the ultimate act of propitiation. He took the penalty for our sin upon Himself, absorbing our iniquity and reconciling us to Him. Romans 5:6-8 beautifully articulates this: "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good man one would even dare to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Understanding propitiation has profound implications for our Christian walk. Here are a few key takeaways:
A Deep Appreciation for God's Grace: Propitiation reveals the immense cost of our redemption. Jesus' sacrifice wasn't a casual act but an expression of God's boundless love and mercy. This understanding fosters a heart of gratitude for the forgiveness and salvation freely offered through Christ.
A Hatred for Sin: Recognizing the severity of God's wrath against sin compels us to turn away from it. Propitiation motivates us to live holy lives, honoring the sacrifice made on our behalf.
Assurance of Salvation: Because of Christ's propitiatory sacrifice, we can have confidence in our salvation. Romans 8:1 declares, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Sources:
Ancientfaith.com
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