Hello, I still don't understand the word propitiation, I have read the dictionary's definition but I am still not understanding it specifically in the case of 1 John. Would appreciate it if you brothers could try to explain it to me.
Hello, I still don't understand the word propitiation, I have read the dictionary's definition but I am still not understanding it specifically in the case of 1 John. Would appreciate it if you brothers could try to explain it to me.
Sean,
In a nutshell: The act of appeasing wrath. Our sin brings us under judgement. Confessing our sins and repenting or turning from them and turning to Christ and his sacrifice on the cross for us brings atonement and atonement brings us out from under the wrath as the price has been paid to make peace with God whom we have offended by our sin. Propitate = to appease one offended. We owe God obedience and worship. We offend Him when we fail.
Jesus by the cross brings us out from under the offense when we repent and turn back to God by obedience and worship done in love through faith. Redundant, yes, but the best I can explain it. I know I am not a brother so take what I say with a grain of salt as I am by no means a great scholar or theologian, or a man...
Blessings,
Lora
Oh, and I need to add that this isn't the view of the early church. It was more of a rescue mission rather than an appeasement of wrath as far as our salvation is concerned. At least that is my new understanding of why Jesus came and died for us. More of a defeat the enemy, and take as many of his captives and free them. Someone help me here, as this is a very new view for me to grasp as I was kind of taught both were true (appease the wrath and deliver us from the enemies camp).
I would agree with what you said Lora. Though Jesus came so that we could choose to leave the enemy and return to God, I believe He also died so that those who chose to return Gods love could avoid the punishment for rebellion against God.
So I wouldn't say it was to appease God's anger, but more to remove those who repented from the punishment of their rebellion.
Quote from the book: Penal Substitution On Trial: How does the Death and Life of Jesus Save Us? (S.182). By Philip Hess.
"1 John 2:2 “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”
“Propitiation” should be translated as “expiation” here. Jesus is the expiation for our sins—the means by which our sins are dealt with and removed. This is not referring to a past event, but rather, a present reality. As you come to God, Jesus washes away your sins in the present. It is not his past sacrifice that is the expiation John is referring to—although it took that past act to bring in everlasting righteousness.
But the focus here is on the fact that he himself, right now takes away our sins. See Appendix A: “Propitiation/Mercy Seat."
The language of the Bible concerning sin and forgiveness thereof is consistently one of cleansing and removing (Lev 16:30, Hebr 9:22, 1 Joh 1:7). You cannot find the concept of an angry God who needs to see someone tortured and killed to satisfy his bloodthirst. He wants repentance and a crushed spirit, that will appease his wrath and he is willing to forgive and cleanse everyone who comes to him, calling on the name of his Son.Hope this helps, may grace and peace be with you!