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Theophile2 -> RE: Who can explain propitiation? (9/8/2008 11:16:24 PM)
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From a Reformed Theology view, I would explain "propitiation" in the manner following my comment on it's importance as an opinion in reflection of how others have explained it in this thread.
However, to answer the other question, is it important to understand ... depends on how you view the question. Is it required for a person to understand the technical theological definition and basis for using this word in order for a person to accept Jesus as their personal Savior in faith alone and enter His Kingdom on this basis of faith alone? No. Are we not told in the scriptures to grow up in the knowledge of our faith and have a full understanding of our beliefs, the Gospel, and who God is? Yes.
Propitiation:
A piece of furniture in the Holy of Holies called the “mercy seat” is first introduced in Ex 25:17-22. In Hebrew it is כַפֹּרֶת (H3727; kappōret) and it is derived from the root word for atonement (H3722; kaphar) and which the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament translates as the “place of atonement” for the more commonly used “mercy seat.” The LXX translates kapporet as ἱλαστήριον (G2435; hilasterion), derived from G2433 (hilaskomai) which means “placated or appeased.” This, the Latin Vulgate in Ex 25:17 translates into propitiatorium, from the Latin root of “propitius” which means favorable or gracious. Hence is derived the English translation “propitiation” that is also used in Ro 3:25 for the Greek ἱλαστήριον (hilasterion) to describe the work of Christ on the cross (cf. He 2:17; 1Jn 2:2 and 4:10).
To be propitious is to “be favorably disposed towards someone,” so to propitiate is to “regain the favor of” or “appease” someone.
Propitiation is the act (by Christ) of providing satisfaction for a righteous God, concerning the ransom and expiation debts Divine justice requires for the atonement of the sin-laden human soul, and the restoration of creation from corruption. God is propitiated by the sacrifice of the Lamb of God through the shedding of His blood, thus providing full satisfaction for debts owed, and taking away the sins of the world. The atonement is provided by the love of God Himself on the sinner’s behalf, through the Divine gift of faith in the blood of His Son Jesus Christ the Redeemer. This Lamb, as Christ the King, rose from the dead and is now sitting on the true Mercy Seat at the right hand of God the Father, in a house not made with hands (cf. He 9:1-28). Hence, Jehovah-Shalom, the God of Peace, is willing to declare the redeemed sinner who takes hold of Christ as his or her Savior through a faith quickened only by the Holy Spirit, justified and forgiven. The prerequisites for reconciliation having been satisfied by God Himself, the way is now open through the one and only Mediator, Jesus Christ, for God the Father and His adopted children to be in communion with each other.
I posted a further discussion on the concept of atonement here, which I reference as being important in the discussion of what propitiation means from a Reformed Theology perspective.
I would further add, that understanding the whys and wherefores of the tabernacle system of sacrifices as types foreshadowing the person and work of Christ help to delineate other theological concepts that are intimately related to and necessary for understanding propitiation, such as:
• Sin-offering (Lev 4; Lev 6:24-30; Isaiah 53:4-6) to Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb (Jn 1:29) with the purpose of being the Ransom (payment in violating God's Law).
• Trespass-offering (Lev 5; Lev 6:1-7; Lev 7:1-7; Is 53:10) to Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb (Mt 20:28) with the purpose of being the Expiation (restitution for damages).
• Burnt-offering (Lev 1; Lev 6:8-13) to Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb (Eph 5:2) with the purpose of Dedication one's self to God (sweet savor)
• The shedding of blood (Lev 16:14-19) to Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb (1Jn 2:2) with the purpose of Atonement.
• The scape goat (Lev 16:8-10; Is 53:7-9) to Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb (1 Pet 2:24) with the purpose of Remission of sins.
• The Mercy Seat (Ex 25:17-22) to the Deity of Christ (1 Jn 2:2) for the purposes of Propitiation (satisfaction/Forgiveness).
• Cereal-offering (Lev 2; Lev 6:14-23) to Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb, with the purpose of being Thankful and a Voluntary obedience (sweet savor)
• Peace-offering (Lev 3; Lev 7:11-21) to Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb, with the purpose of Reconciliation/Communion with God (sweet savor)
• Feast of First Fruits (Pentecost - Lev 23:15-16) compared to Regeneration (1 Pe 1:23)
• The Lavar (Ex 30:17-21) to Jesus as the Logos (Jn 15:3) with the purpose of Imputed Righteousness (given by God to us, not earned by us).
• The water (Ge 15:6) to the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:26; James 1:23-24) with the purpose of Sanctification (Php 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ)
Parunak, Biblia Hebraica, Ex 25:17.
Harris, Theological Wordbook, 452.
Alfred Rahlfs, ed., Septuaginta: With morphology, [CD-ROM] available from Logos (Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1979; 1996), Ex 25:17.
Bonifatius Fischer and Robert Weber, eds., Biblia Sacra: Iuxta Vulgatam Versionem, ed. quartam emendatam, [CD-ROM] available from Logos (Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1969; 1997), Ex 25:17.
Brown, William. The Tabernacle: Its Priests and Services. Updated edition. Peabody, MA.: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. 1996; 2000.
Eldersheim, Alfred. The Temple: Its Ministry and Services As They Were at the Time of Jesus Christ. Grand Rapids, MI.: Kregel Publications, 1874; 1997.
Levy, David M. The Tabernacle: Shadows of the Messiah, Its Sacrifices, Services, and Priesthood. Grand Rapids, MI.: Kregel Publications,1993; 2003.
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