Bible Study: The Doctrine of Propitiation
Theme: The Satisfaction of Divine Justice and the Removal of Wrath
Base Texts: Romans 3:25-26; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10
1. Introduction: What is Propitiation?
The word Propitiation (Greek: hilasmos) refers to the removal or turning away of wrath by means of an offering or gift. * In the Old Testament: The Hebrew verb kipper conveys the idea of "covering" sin, making atonement, and reconciling parties in conflict.
• In the New Testament: It specifically describes the work of Christ as the substitute who takes the penalty of sin upon Himself to restore our relationship with God.
2. The Problem: The Necessity of Propitiation
Why is propitiation required? The answer lies in the Wrath of God.
• A Moral Necessity: Biblical wrath is not a reckless emotional outburst; it is the settled, holy, and righteous reaction of a perfect God against evil (Psalm 7:11; Romans 6:23).
• The Divine Dilemma: God is both perfectly Holy/Just (He must punish sin) and perfectly Loving/Merciful (He desires to save the sinner).
Central Question: How can a Just God justify the ungodly without compromising His own justice?
3. The Core Concept: Substitution and Blood
• The Wages of Sin: Sin demands death (Ezekiel 18:20).
• Atonement: In the biblical sense, to "atone" is "to make two into one again."
• Diversion of Wrath: In the sacrificial system, wrath was not simply ignored; it was diverted from the guilty person to a blameless substitute.
4. Propitiation in the Tabernacle
The most vivid earthly illustration of this doctrine was found in the Tabernacle.
The Mercy Seat (Kaporeth)
Inside the Holy of Holies sat the Ark of the Covenant. The solid gold lid of the Ark was called the Mercy Seat or Propitiatory.
• The Ritual: On the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the High Priest entered once a year to sprinkle blood upon the Mercy Seat (Exodus 25:17-22; Hebrews 9:11-14).
• The Significance: God’s presence dwelt above the Mercy Seat. The blood came between God’s holiness and the broken Law (stored inside the Ark).
5. Christ: The True Propitiation
The New Testament reveals that the Mercy Seat was merely a shadow of Jesus Christ.
• God as the Initiator: In pagan religions, humans offered sacrifices to appease angry gods. In Christianity, God offers the sacrifice to appease His own justice (Romans 3:25-26; 1 John 4:10).
• The Perfect Work: Jesus did not just make a propitiation; He is our propitiation (1 John 2:2). He is both the Priest who offers and the Sacrifice that is offered.
6. The Trinitarian Work
Propitiation is a harmonious work of the Trinity:
1. The Father sends and offers the Son out of love.
2. The Son offers Himself voluntarily to satisfy the Father’s justice.
3. The Spirit applies the benefits of this sacrifice to the heart of the believer. There is no "conflict" between a mean Father and a loving Son; they are unified in the plan of redemption.
7. The Illustration of the Tax Collector
In Lucas 18:13, the Tax Collector (Publican) cries out: "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!"
• The Greek word he uses is hilaskomai—literally, "God, let there be a propitiation for me."
• He recognized that his only hope was for God’s wrath to be turned away by a sacrifice, not by his own merits. Jesus declared that this man—and not the self-righteous Pharisee—went home justified.
8. Summary of Doctrines Involved
• Divine Holiness: God's absolute purity.
• Penal Substitution: Christ took our legal penalty.
• Reconciliation: The hostility caused by sin is removed.
• Sovereign Grace: The gift is provided by the One who was offended.
9. Wrath or Grace: The Great Divide
The Bible presents two realities for every human being:
• Without Christ: One remains under the wrath of God (John 3:36).
• In Christ: The debt is fully paid. Since God is just, He will not demand payment twice. Because Christ "drank the cup" of wrath to the dregs, there is none left for those who are in Him.
- Bible Study: What is True Spirituality?
- Bible Study: The Concept of Biblical Inerrancy
- Bible Study about Prophetism: The Prophetic Movement
10. Conclusion
Propitiation is the ultimate proof that God is both Just and the Justifier of those who have faith in Jesus. It is the glorious truth that God paid the highest price to satisfy His own requirements, so that He might welcome us into His presence forever.
