What in the world is this word and how do I pronounce it? It is a word, we should give great attention to and learn its meaning. It is a word we find in God’s Holy Word (The Bible). Noah Webster in, 1828 defined propitiation as, “the act of gaining or regaining the favor of goodwill or someone or something: the act of propitiating: appeasement.” The example given is to make a sacrifice as a propitiation to a god.
We know from ancient pagan culture this was practiced by sacrificing of animals or humans to appease the false god(s). In doing so, people believed the act would appease the angry wrath of a false god they worshipped. In return, they hoped to get something from it, such as the false god(s) providing rain for a harvest or deliverance from an enemy.
The Bible is clear that there is only one God and that He is completely Holy and just. The Creator of the universe who gives life and breath to all mankind. The Bible also teaches that all mankind has sinned against God and the penalty for sin is death (Romans 3:23; 6:23). We understand that God is Holy, there is no darkness in Him and no one can have any relationship with God apart from an act of propitiation.
God’s Word states, “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” 1 John 4:10 (ESV). God who created the universe, and each of us, was the first to show love. God acted before anyone would love Him by sending His Son Jesus Christ, to be the propitiation for our sins.
Jesus Christ said in John 10, that He is the Great Shepherd who has laid down His life for His sheep. Jesus Christ, who is God, was born adding humanity to His divinity. And by never sinning He was the only perfect sacrifice for our sins. Jesus Christ who knew no sin became our sin and was crucified on a cross to appease and turn away the wrath of God meant for us. Jesus Christ is the spotless lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world by His shed blood.
Jesus Christ died, was buried in a tomb and on the third day rose from death to life, conquering Satan, sin, and death to the glory of God! God’s Word states that there is only one way of salvation for anyone, and that is through Jesus Christ the Lord God Almighty. There is no appeasement you can make by any work or sacrifice. Scripture says to repent of your sins, confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe He is risen from the dead. God grants faith to believe in Him for salvation. Call out to Jesus right now to be saved from sin, death and hell. Praise the Lord and give thanks to Him for being the propitiation for our sins.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Paul