Theological Word Of The Day: Expiation

TWOTD ^ | 11 May 2008

[Gamecock]

Expiation

[ek’-spee-ay‘-shun]

(Latin ex- as an intensive prefix + Latin piare, “to atone”)

Meaning “to atone, or make reparations for.” In Christian theology the term refers to the penal substitution of Christ on behalf of his people. Specifically it emphasizes the removal of guilt through the payment for the penalty of sin. This notion is coupled with the concept of propitiation, which refers to the appeasement or averting of God’s wrath and justice. Both concepts are seen together as two sides of the same coin.

[Gamecock]

TWOTD Ping

[blue-duncan]

Expiation which refers “to atone, or make reparations for.” In Christian theology the term refers to the penal substitution of Christ on behalf of his people.

Propitiation, which refers to the appeasement or averting of God’s wrath and justice.

Two of the most misunderstood (intentional and unintentional)concepts in theology, and yet foundational for our salvation.

[Mad Dawg]

Terrifically important word. (h)ilasmos in I John. Translates KPR (as in Yom Kippur). As you watch people wrestle with it, sometimes it seems they despair of finding an adequate English word. I personally favor expiation. It was interesting that in the 1979 Prayer Book the Episcopal Church punted and translated it "perfect offering".

Also just for kicks. The word "Kaffir" comes from the same root as "Kippur" with an essential idea of "cover" In our tradition our sins are "Covered" (as n Love covers a multitude of sins. In the Islamic tradition an unbeliever "covers" the truth, in the sense of concealing it.

Thanks for this topic.