Propitiation

In the previous lesson, we saw that based upon the work of redemption accomplished by Christ on the cross, we were not only justified by God, but also reconciled to God; having been enemies, we became friends. This new restored relationship is possible because of, and is maintained by, propitiation.


Greek:
hilaskomai, to appease, to atone for, to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of, to conciliate, to propitiate.
hilasterion, a noun, propitiatory, place of propitiation, mercy seat.
hilasmos, a noun, an expiation, a means whereby sin is covered and remitted.
hileos, an adjective, propitious, merciful.
(From The Expanded Vines, by W.E. Vine; The New Englishman's Greek Concordance and Lexicon, by Wigram-Green; Webster's)



In the book of Hebrews in the New Testament, the writer in chapter eight begins to make a comparison between the old covenant and the new covenant in order to show the superiority of the latter. Part of his comparison, in chapter nine, involves the tabernacle of the old covenant. In brief, the tabernacle was a large tent which contained special items related to coming to God to worship and serve Him; to meet and commune with Him. In the innermost part called the Holy of Holies, was the ark of the testimony, the ark of the covenant (Exo. 25:8-22). The ark was a large box containing specific items related to God and His relationship with His people. It was covered with a lid and this area was called the mercy seat (Exo. 25:17-22; Heb. 9:5). It was here, with the blood of the sacrifice sprinkled on it, that the high priest, representing the children of Israel, could meet and commune with God.



That was God's arrangement in the old covenant. How about in the new covenant? Where is the mercy seat today? Where is the place that man can come to God to meet with Him; to commune with Him? We find the answer in Romans 3:25. It is Christ Jesus Himself through faith in His blood. He made propitiation for the sins of the people (Heb. 2:17); He Himself is the propitiation for our sins (I John 2:2); God sent His Son as a propitiation for our sins (I John 4:10). Now, through Christ, as established in the new covenant by His blood, God is propitious to our unrighteousnesses; He remembers our sins no more (Heb. 8:12)!



God has been appeased! Our sins have been forgiven! There is now a place where all can come to meet with God, to fellowship with Him. This place is actually a person, Jesus Christ Himself through faith in His blood. This is the new and living way of the new covenant. We can now come forward with boldness and enter into and remain in the presence of God. So, let us rejoice and be glad and come forward to God, for He has been propitious to all who truly believe!



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