Atonement, Expiation, Propitiation

Word Definitions and Meaning

ver.: 07 April 2008

Define :
atonement, expiation, propitiation, reconciliation.

What Is Atonement?

atonement [ Middle English atonen (to be reconciled; to restore oneness or unity) < at (at) + one (one) ] Amends made for a wrong, sin, or crime. Reconciliation between parties who are seriously at odds, especially between created beings and the Deity. Or, an instance or cause of such a reconciliation. Related words include expiation, repayment, amends, satisfaction, and propitiation.

In a specifically Christian sense, "the" Atonement is the reconciliation between God and humans brought about by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, the Messiah. The word 'atonement' is used to describe what happens in Exodus 29:36 and Numbers 6:11, in which something is given up to God as repayment for bad actions. To Christians, Jesus is that atoning sacrifice.

Why did God do an atonement? Because God loves us, and wants to restore a good relationship with us. And God knew we wouldn't set it up.

How did God put this reconciliation where we could get at it and have it for ourselves and others? By coming to earth as the human Jesus, living a just and holy life, being executed for it, and becoming alive again so our worst did not undo God's best.

How are we led to accept it? By the work of the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures, through the lessons of life, and through Christ's followers. And then, by our turning away from doing what God does not want us to do.

How can we live in the new relationship the atonement brings about? By following Christ, as found in the New Testament. By loving our spouses, family, friends, neighbors, strangers, even enemies, and showing them the kind of mercy God showed us. By seeking justice, supporting Godly behavior, speaking the gospel truth to the world around us, being real, and enjoying the great benefit of the life God has given us.

You can also check the dictionary.

What Is Expiation ?

expiation: [ < Latin expiare, < ex- ('out' - here used as an intensifier) + piare (to atone) < pius (devout)] to compensate, repay, make amends for, make up for.

In general religious talk, expiation is used like the word 'atonement', however some traditions have a more specific use as well. In Christianity, it describes what Jesus' death by execution did to make amends for the human state of sin and the personal sins that it is made from. In Islam, it means devout actions that make amends for the sins of what you did and of what you were responsible for but did not do. In most cases, expiation relates to making up for forensic or legal guiltiness.

What Is Propitiation ?

propitiation [ < Latin propitius (favorable, auspicious), < pro- (forward) + -pitius, (to eagerly volunteer or give of oneself -- lit., rushing forward (to the altar or throne) to please the angry god or ruler) ] : To appease, pacify, placate, assuage, or mollify. Propitiation is sometimes used to translate Greek hilaskesthai.

Many Christians (including myself) really don't like to use 'propitiation', because the God of the Bible is unlike idols and emperors who could be bribed or kissed up to with gifts, offerings and such. The wrath of this God is the anger of heartbreak and injustice. God doesn't want appeasement, and won't be placated. God wants real justice, self-sacrificial service, and love. The problem is, such things are so difficult that they never come about without cost. The bigger the wrongs, the harder the changes, the bigger the cost. Picture then the cost of all wrongs bundled up and tied together. How much can even a loving God take? But God's love is so strong, and God's awareness of our limitations is so clear, that God came to be among us, knowing that He would be made to pay what for us is the ultimate cost - death. Thus, for Christians, 'propitiation' is what Christ did by suffering and dying on the cross. The propitiation through Christ actually addresses the problem itself, and thus is not an 'appeasement'. Christ brought the pus to a head, and then lanced the wound. Such a deed is cause for gratitude and trust.

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These three words are often used along with or for translating several Biblical words. Katallage is about a mutual exchange, reconciling those who differ (allos = "other, another"). Apoluo means to dismiss or pardon, as in a court case; its root means to 'send away' or 'set free'. Lutron is a ransom, often for paying for slaves' freedom. Charizomai means to restore or forgive, freely and graciously (charis = "grace"). Hebrew kpr originally meant "to cover with tar or pitch", but developed the meaning of covering over or sealing up wrongdoing. This root appears in the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).