What Is Propitiation in the Bible?

Propitiation is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — words in Christian theology. It means the appeasing or satisfying of God's righteous anger against sin. In pagan religions, worshipers tried to propitiate their gods through offerings to avoid their wrath. But in the Bible, God Himself provides the propitiation. 'God setteth forth Christ to be a propitiation through faith in his blood' (Romans 3:25). Christ's death on the cross was not merely an example, a demonstration of love, or a victory over evil — though it was all of those. It was first and foremost a sacrifice that satisfied the justice of God. God's wrath against sin is not an uncontrolled emotion but His settled, holy opposition to everything that contradicts His character. Because God is just, He cannot simply overlook sin. Because He is love, He sent His Son to bear that wrath in our place. 'He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world' (1 John 2:2). Propitiation and expiation go together: God's wrath is propitiated, and our sins are expiated.