What is the biblical doctrine of propitiation?

Propitiation is the work of Jesus Christ on the cross that satisfied God’s righteous demand for a perfect sacrifice for sin (Rom. 3:25; 1 John 3:2). Because Christ was that perfect sacrifice, His work is propitiatory, serving as the essential mechanism by which we are restored to a relationship of peace with God (Rom. 5:1).

This work is structured through several critical dimensions. It is punitive, acting as a payment and judgment where Jesus took upon Himself the judgment for all sin (Gal. 3:13; 2 Cor. 5:21). It is substitutionary, meaning Jesus died in our place, as He was “wounded for our iniquities and bruised for our transgressions” (Isa. 53:5–6; Lev. 1:4; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:24). Furthermore, this sacrifice was voluntary; Jesus knew the Father’s plan and went willingly, setting His “face like flint” (John 10:18; Isa. 50:7). It is also redemptive, as Christ paid the price to buy us out of the slave market of sin (Gal. 3:13; 4:5). Finally, this work is efficacious and revelatory; when a person puts faith in the cross, it accomplishes their salvation (Rom. 5:9; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 2:13; Heb. 9:11–12) and reveals God’s love, mercy, grace, and compassion (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8; 1 John 4:9–10).