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 burden of sin, and the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Defining Propitiation
Propitiation literally means to render someone propitious, meaning favorably disposed. At its simplest level, it refers to an offering that is pleasant to God. Unlike pagan deities, Yahweh doesn’t require care and sustenance in the shape of food from human worshippers. There are, nonetheless, significant instances of his sharing of a meal in a literal sense (e.g., Gen. 18:4-8; Ex 24:September 11, and, in fact, quite a few meals shared by Christ within the Gospels). The more common language utilized in the scriptures for God’s appreciation for his portion of sacrificial meals is that these sacrifices are a delightful 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 within the New Testament (as in Eph 5:2 and the Father’s statement that in Christ he’s “well pleased”). In the Greek translation of Numbers 10:10, the language of a memorial is used to explain the sin offering as its smoke rises to Yahweh. This language is applied to prayers and almsgiving elsewhere within the scriptures (Ps 141:2; Acts 10:4; Rev. 5:8). The party who’s being propitiated through atonement could also be wrathful toward the one who makes the offering (as, for instance, Jacob assumes in Gen. 32:21 regarding Esau). Still, the language of propitiation doesn’t necessitate this as such.
Understanding the wrath of God as a function of His presence, justice, and holiness, there’s one other element of propitiation that’s 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 probably the most holy place without dying, as had his sons (Lev. 16:11-14). An obscuring cloud of smoke, in addition to 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 seem, would make himself present, in that place (v. 2).
The blood of the sacrificial lamb, which was utilized as a meal, on the Passover served an analogous protective role (Ex 12:21-23). This isn’t protection from a loving God. Rather, it’s a implies that loving God provides to permit sinful human individuals to abide within the presence of his holiness. This same kind 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 isn’t merely a short lived inconvenience; it’s everlasting separation from God. Left to our own devices, we’re powerless to appease God’s wrath or 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 don’t enjoyment of sacrifice, or I’d give it; you don’t desire a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, these, O God, you is not going to despise.”
Christ: The Perfect Propitiation
Herein lies the transformative power of propitiation through Jesus Christ. 1 John 2:2 proclaims, “He is the propitiation for our sins, and never for ours only but additionally for the sins of the entire world.” Unlike some other sacrifice, Jesus, being fully God and fully man, was uniquely qualified to appease God’s wrath.
Hebrews 9:14 compares the inadequacy of animal sacrifices to the sufficiency of Christ’s offering: “How far more will the blood of Christ, who through the everlasting 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 last word 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 correct time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a very 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.”
The Implications of Propitiation in Our Lives
Understanding propitiation has profound implications for our Christian walk. Here are just a few key takeaways:
A Deep Appreciation for God’s Grace: Propitiation reveals the immense cost of our redemption. Jesus’ sacrifice wasn’t an off-the-cuff 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 show 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 are able to believe in our salvation. Romans 8:1 declares, “There is due to this fact now no condemnation for individuals who are in Christ Jesus.”
Sources:
Ancientfaith.com
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