Romans 3 – question 5
The terms Redemption, Expiation, and Propitiation are all closely related to Christ’s salvific work in the Bible. While these words are sometimes used interchangeably in common language, they have distinct meanings, each describing a specific aspect of salvation. Below is a detailed explanation of each term, its biblical usage, and its functional differences.
Redemption
Definition:
Redemption literally means “to buy back.” In the Bible, it describes the act of delivering someone from captivity, Sin, or death by a price paid. The term is often used in the context of slavery: a captive is “redeemed” and set free. Spiritually, redemption refers to humanity’s deliverance by Christ, who pays the price for our enslavement to Sin.
Biblical Usage:
The term redemption is frequently used in the New Testament to describe Christ’s work, who gave His life to set us free from condemnation and eternal death.
- Ephesians 1:7: « In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His Grace. »
- 1 Peter 1:18-19: « Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. »
- Romans 3:24: « Being justified freely by His Grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. »
Application and Function:
Redemption focuses on the idea of a ransom or a price paid to free someone. Humanity was enslaved to sin and death, but Jesus Christ came to pay that price and liberate people. Redemption implies an exchange: Christ gave His life to free sinners. It is an act of divine grace where God redeems His people.
Expiation
Definition:
Expiation means “to cover” or “to erase” sin. In the Bible, it refers to the process by which sin is purified or annulled. Under the Old Covenant, expiation was achieved through animal sacrifices, such as on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), when the blood of a goat was shed to “cover” the people’s sins (Leviticus 16).
Biblical Usage:
In the New Testament, expiation is fully realized in Jesus’ sacrifice, which covers and removes the sins of humanity.
- Hebrews 9:22: « Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. »
- 1 John 2:2: « He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. »
- Hebrews 9:12: « He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. »
Application and Function:
Expiation focuses on the removal of sin. Through His sacrifice, Jesus expiated humanity’s sins, covering sinners with divine grace and purifying their consciences. While sacrifices in the Old Testament temporarily covered sins, Christ’s sacrifice is final and perfect, erasing sins permanently.
Propitiation
Definition:
Propitiation refers to a sacrifice that appeases God’s wrath. It is the action by which God’s justice is satisfied, and His anger toward sin is turned away. This concept implies that sin rightly deserves God’s wrath, but this wrath is appeased through a substitutionary sacrifice.
Biblical Usage:
Propitiation is often used to describe the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who satisfied God’s wrath against sin through His death on the cross.
- Romans 3:25: « Whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through Faith. »
- 1 John 4:10: « In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. »
- Hebrews 2:17: « Therefore, He had to be made like His brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. »
Application and Function:
Propitiation focuses on appeasing God’s wrath and restoring peace between God and man. By His sacrifice, Jesus became the propitiatory victim who turned away God’s wrath, thus bringing Reconciliation and peace between God and humanity. This concept highlights both God’s holiness and the severity of sin, as well as His love in providing a way of redemption.
Differences in Application and Function
- Redemption focuses on the ransom of humanity by Christ’s blood. The image is of a price paid to free captives.
- Expiation emphasizes the purification or removal of sin. It is the idea that sin is covered or erased by a sacrifice, removing guilt.
- Propitiation focuses on appeasing God’s wrath. It is the sacrifice that turns away God’s just anger, satisfying His justice and restoring peace.
Thus, redemption frees us from sin, expiation purifies and removes our guilt, and propitiation satisfies God’s justice and restores our relationship with Him.
Key Verses for Meditation
- Redemption: « For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many » (Mark 10:45).
- Expiation: « Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! » (John 1:29).
- Propitiation: « God presented Him as a sacrifice of Atonement through Faith in His blood » (Romans 3:25).
Conclusion
These three terms represent complementary facets of the salvation offered by Jesus Christ. They demonstrate the depth of God’s plan to redeem humanity from sin, purify its guilt, and restore its relationship with Him. Together, they form a complete vision of Reconciliation between God and man.