PROPITIATION
The Greek word (hil-as-tay'-ree-on) translated “propitiation” denotes a means of appeasing,
through an acceptable substitute offering. In general it means, "to
appease or pacify the gods." The concept speaks of that which
satisfies the justice of God. The righteous nature of God is offended
by the sinful nature of man, thus there must be an acceptable
sacrifice offered, which is suitable to accommodate the violation of
God’s holiness.
The propitiation or “acceptable sacrifice” allows God to approve the
presence of the violator and yet remain righteous, as His justice is
appeased or satisfied. God's justice must be vindicated and the
penalty for breaking His laws must be satisfied (propitiated). The
provisions in the Old Testament entailed the “mercy- seat” or “place
of appeasement” or “place of propitiation” (Hebrews 9 5). This was
indicative of a covering over the ark of the Mosaic Covenant in the
holy of holies, which was sprinkled with the blood of the appeasing
sacrifice as the atonement (Leviticus 16:2-15). The Old Testament
examples of propitiation were merely temporary substitutes until the
death of Jesus Christ was fulfilled on the cross therefore satisfying
the demands of God’s justice once and for all, thus He (Christ) is the
“substitutionary appeasement”, “acceptable sacrifice” or
“propitiation” (Romans 3:25). The blood of Jesus Christ is totally
acceptable as complete satisfaction for the sinful violation of God’s
righteousness.