Propitiation vs. Expiation

Core Distinction

Term	Focus of Action	Direction of Effect	Theological Emphasis
Expiation	Removal of guilt/sin	From sinner outward	Cleansing, forgiveness, atonement
Propitiation	Appeasement of wrath	Toward God	Satisfaction of divine justice/wrath

Antecedent Expiation

In Reformed theology, expiation precedes propitiation. Christ’s sacrifice removes guilt (expiation), which then satisfies divine wrath (propitiation). This ordering preserves the moral integrity of God’s justice and avoids pagan notions of appeasement.

Scriptural Anchors

• Romans 3:25 – “Whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood…”
• Hebrews 9:22 – “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”
• WCF 11.3 – Christ “making satisfaction to His Father” and “purchasing reconciliation.”

Why It Matters

• Avoids pagan connotations of appeasement
• Preserves penal substitution and gospel logic
• Clarifies that God is just and the justifier (Rom. 3:26)