Atonement is the reconciliation of God and humanity through sacrifice. In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices covered sin temporarily. Jesus' death is the ultimate atonement—He bore God's wrath as our substitute, satisfying divine justice and making forgiveness possible. His blood cleanses us from all sin.

Jesus died to pay the penalty for humanity's sin. As the sinless Son of God, His death satisfied God's justice and made forgiveness possible. Through His sacrifice, we can be reconciled to God. He died in our place, the righteous for the unrighteous (1 Peter 3:18).

What is redemption in the Bible?

Redemption means to buy back or set free by paying a price. In the Bible, it describes God's act of liberating his people from slavery to sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The concept draws on the Old Testament practice of redeeming slaves, land, and firstborn sons. In the New Testament, Paul says believers are 'bought with a price' — the blood of Christ. Redemption is closely related to atonement but emphasizes the liberation and purchase aspects of salvation.

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What is propitiation?A Scripture-grounded answer about what is propitiation

Published March 18, 2026Reviewed June 21, 2026

Propitiation means the turning away of God's wrath through a sacrifice. In the Bible, it describes what Christ's death accomplished — he satisfied God's righteous anger against sin by taking the punishment himself. The Greek word hilasmos appears in 1 John 2:2 and Romans 3:25 and is related to the Old Testament mercy seat where blood was sprinkled on the Day of Atonement. Propitiation differs from expiation (which focuses on removing sin's guilt) because it specifically addresses God's wrath being satisfied.

What is propitiation?A Scripture-grounded answer about what is propitiation

Understanding What Is Propitiation

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