What Is Expiation in the Bible?
What Is Expiation in the Bible? Expiation is the removal or covering of sin — the cleansing aspect of Christ's atoning work.
Key verse: Psalm 103:12 (KJV)
Expiation is the removal or covering of sin — the cleansing aspect of Christ's atoning work.
Expiation is the removal or covering of sin — the cleansing aspect of Christ's atoning work.
"As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." — Psalm 103:12 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Expiation and propitiation are two complementary sides of the atonement. Propitiation focuses on God — the satisfying of His holy wrath. Expiation focuses on sin itself — its removal, covering, and cleansing. On the Day of Atonement, two goats were used: one was sacrificed for sin, and the other (the scapegoat) was sent away into the wilderness, picturing the removal of sin from the people (Leviticus 16). Christ fulfilled both. His sacrifice not only appeased God's wrath but also bore away the guilt and defilement of His people, casting their sins as far as the east is from the west. Believers can be assured that their sins are not merely forgiven — they are gone.
Key Scripture References
"As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us."
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."
"But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Propitiation?
Propitiation is the satisfaction of God's wrath against sin through Christ's sacrificial death.
What Is Atonement in the Bible?
Atonement is the work of Christ on the cross by which He satisfied God's justice and reconciled sinners to God.
What Is Redemption in the Bible?
Redemption is God's act of buying back sinners from the bondage of sin through the precious blood of Christ.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
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What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Can God Forgive Any Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Can You Lose Your Salvation?
Sin & Salvation
God Promises Victory Over Sin
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God Promises to Forgive Your Sins
Bible promises about complete forgiveness, cleansing, and the removal of guilt t
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
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