PROPITIATION

There are three kindred words in the Greek N.T. that represent the idea of "propitiation." Two are nouns -- hilasmos (1 Jn. 2:2; 4:10) and hilasterion (Rom. 3:25; Heb. 9:5), and the third is the verb hilaskomai (Lk. 18:13; Heb. 2:17). The terms are designed to provide an explanation as to how God, who is absolutely holy (Isa. 6:3; Hab. 1:13), can pardon sinful humanity (Rom. 3:10, 23), and still be accounted as just (Psa. 89:14). The answer is to be found in "Christ," the sinless offering (Jn. 1:29; 1 Pet. 1:19-20), who became the "propitiation" (Rom. 3:25), i.e., the "mercy-seat" (covering) for our transgressions (see Heb. 9:5 ASVfn). The Savior's atoning sacrifice is accessed when one yields to his will (Heb. 5:9) in obedience to the gospel plan of redemption (2 Thes. 1:8; Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38). See JUSTICE, JUSTIFICATION.