Expiation

From Encyclopedia Reformata

An act by which satisfaction is made for a crime and the liability to punishment for it is canceled. Among the Jews, expiation was effected by a divinely appointed and typical system of sacrifices, all pointing to Christ. The New Testament shows Him to be the true sin-offering for mankind, “the Lamb of God,” “our Passover,” offering “his own blood,” and putting away “sin by the sacrifice of himself,” Jn. 1:29 1 Cor. 5:7 Eph. 1:7 Heb 9:26.

This word represents no Hebrew or Greek word not rendered also by “atonement.” In Nu 8:7 it is employed in the Revised Version (British and American) to translate chaTath and in Deut. 32:43, kipper. This version also employs “expiate” in the margin of several passages, e.g. Ps. 65:3; 79:9. Always its use in English Versions of the Bible is somewhat more narrow and specific than “atonement” and has especial reference to specific uncleanness or sin. It will be sufficient to refer to Atonement; Sacrifice; Propitiation.

Source: ATS, ISBE

(Easton)

Guilt is said to be expiated when it is visited with punishment falling on a substitute. Expiation is made for our sins when they are punished not in ourselves but in another who consents to stand in our room. It is that by which reconciliation is effected. Sin is thus said to be “covered” by vicarious satisfaction.

The cover or lid of the ark is termed in the LXX. hilasterion, that which covered or shut out the claims and demands of the law against the sins of God’s people, whereby he became “propitious” to them.

The idea of vicarious expiation runs through the whole Old Testament system of sacrifices. See Propitiation

See Sacrifice