What does the word propitiation/Hilastērion mean?

The term “propitiation” is a theological concept of paramount importance in understanding the atonement and the reconciliation between God and humanity. Derived from the Greek word hilastērion (ἱλαστήριον), it appears in the New Testament to describe the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on behalf of sinners. This word carries deep significance in the context of biblical salvation, as it refers to the appeasement or satisfaction of God’s righteous wrath against sin through a sacrificial offering. In this study, we will explore the meaning of this word and how it relates to the broader biblical narrative of atonement, examining relevant New King James Version (NKJV) passages for clarity and understanding.

1. Understanding Propitiation in the Context of God’s Justice and Mercy

To grasp the meaning of “propitiation,” it is crucial to understand the nature of God’s holiness, justice, and wrath. God is both infinitely loving and perfectly just. His holiness requires that sin be dealt with appropriately, and His justice demands punishment for transgressions. At the same time, God is merciful and desires to forgive sinners. Propitiation is the means by which these seemingly contradictory aspects of God’s character—justice and mercy—are reconciled.

Propitiation speaks to the satisfaction of God’s wrath against sin through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. It is important to note that God’s wrath is not like human anger, which is often arbitrary or emotional. Instead, God’s wrath is His righteous and settled opposition to sin. The holiness of God means that He cannot overlook sin without compromising His justice. As Habakkuk 1:13 (NKJV) declares,
“You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on wickedness.”
God’s holy nature requires that sin be punished.

However, God’s love for humanity motivates Him to provide a way of escape from this wrath. Propitiation refers to the means by which this escape is made possible—through the death of Jesus Christ, who bore the penalty for sin on behalf of sinners, satisfying God’s justice and turning away His wrath.

2. The Old Testament Background: The Mercy Seat

The Greek term hilastērion is often used in connection with the “mercy seat” in the Old Testament. The mercy seat was the covering of the Ark of the Covenant, located in the Holy of Holies within the tabernacle and later the temple. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would sprinkle the blood of a sacrificial animal on the mercy seat to atone for the sins of the people of Israel.

This imagery is crucial in understanding the concept of propitiation in the New Testament. Just as the blood sprinkled on the mercy seat symbolically covered the sins of Israel and turned away God’s wrath, so the blood of Christ, as the ultimate and final sacrifice, truly propitiates God’s wrath and makes atonement for the sins of all who believe.

In Leviticus 16:15-16 (NKJV), we read about the Day of Atonement ritual:
“Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people, bring its blood inside the veil, do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. So he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, for all their sins.”

This Old Testament practice foreshadows the ultimate propitiation that would come through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The mercy seat, where God’s presence dwelt, became a place where the judgment of God was averted through the shedding of blood.

3. New Testament Use of Propitiation: Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice

The word hilastērion appears directly in the New Testament in key passages that describe the atoning work of Jesus. The following three references are central to understanding propitiation in the New Testament:

1. Romans 3:24-25 (NKJV):

“being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed.”

In this passage, Paul explains that God put forth Jesus as a “propitiation by His blood.” This means that Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross was the means by which God’s wrath against sin was appeased. Jesus bore the penalty for sin, satisfying God’s justice and allowing Him to be both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus (Romans 3:26). This act of propitiation demonstrates God’s righteousness and His love for sinners, offering them salvation through faith.

2. 1 John 2:1-2 (NKJV):

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”

In this passage, John emphasizes that Jesus is the “propitiation for our sins.” This means that Jesus’ sacrificial death serves as the atonement for the sins of believers. John also highlights the scope of Christ’s propitiation, extending it not only to the believers he is addressing but also to “the whole world.” This indicates that the work of Christ is sufficient for all who come to Him in faith.

3. 1 John 4:10 (NKJV):

“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

Here, John reiterates the central role of God’s love in sending Jesus to be the propitiation for our sins. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love, as Jesus willingly bore the penalty for sin to turn away God’s wrath and secure salvation for sinners. This passage emphasizes that the initiative for propitiation comes from God’s love, not from any merit or effort on our part.

4. Propitiation and Justification

Propitiation is closely connected to the doctrine of justification, which refers to being declared righteous before God. Through the propitiatory sacrifice of Jesus, believers are justified—declared righteous—by faith. This justification is not based on their own works or righteousness but on the finished work of Christ on their behalf.

Romans 5:9 (NKJV) connects justification with the death of Christ:
“Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”

Through the propitiation of Christ’s blood, believers are not only justified but also saved from God’s wrath. Because Jesus absorbed the punishment for sin, believers are freed from the penalty that they rightly deserve. In this way, propitiation serves as the foundation for justification, making it possible for God to forgive sinners without compromising His justice.

5. Propitiation, Reconciliation and Renewal of a Relationship

Another significant aspect of propitiation is that it brings about reconciliation between God and humanity. Reconciliation refers to the restoration of a broken relationship. Sin creates enmity between humans and God, but through the propitiation of Christ, that enmity is removed, and peace is established.

Romans 5:10 (NKJV) states:
“For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”

Through the death of Jesus, the barrier of sin is removed, and those who were once enemies of God are brought into a right relationship with Him. Propitiation, therefore, not only satisfies God’s justice but also restores fellowship between God and humanity.

6. Propitiation and the High Priestly Work of Jesus

In the Old Testament, the high priest played a crucial role in offering sacrifices for the sins of the people, particularly on the Day of Atonement. These sacrifices were a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus, our Great High Priest, would offer.

Hebrews 2:17 (NKJV) highlights Jesus’ role as both the High Priest and the atoning sacrifice:
“Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.”

As the Great High Priest, Jesus not only offered the sacrifice for sin but also became the sacrifice Himself. He made propitiation for the sins of the people, fully satisfying the requirements of God’s justice and providing the means for their forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

7. Propitiation and the Love of God

It is essential to recognize that the doctrine of propitiation is rooted in God’s love. Some critics argue that the idea of propitiation paints a harsh picture of God, portraying Him as an angry deity who must be appeased. However, the biblical teaching on propitiation reveals that it is God’s love that motivates Him to provide a means of atonement for sinners.

John 3:16 (NKJV) underscores this truth:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

God’s love for the world led Him to send His Son as the propitiation for sin. Rather than viewing propitiation as a mere appeasement of divine wrath, we must understand it as the expression of God’s love and justice. It is through the propitiatory sacrifice of Jesus that God’s wrath is turned away, His justice is upheld, and His love is demonstrated to the world.

Conclusion

The word “propitiation” (hilastērion) is a profound theological term that encapsulates the heart of the gospel message. Through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, God’s righteous wrath against sin is fully satisfied, and His justice is upheld. At the same time, propitiation demonstrates God’s incredible love for sinners, as He provides the means for their forgiveness, justification, and reconciliation with Himself. In Christ, we see both the holiness of God and the mercy of God perfectly displayed. Through faith in the propitiatory work of Jesus, believers are freed from the penalty of sin and brought into a right relationship with their Creator.

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In His service,
BibleAsk Team