In Memory of Raymond Dillard (1952 -1993)
Modern Definition: Propitiation is an action "denoting covering, putting away, or rubbing out of sin so that it no longer constitutes a barrier" between God and Man, AND "the pacifying of the wrath of God thereby." J. I. Packer
Post-Modern Definition: On a dusty road through Jerusalem, Judah and her King gets word that Nebuchadnezzar has defeated their ally, Egypt and now there is nothing standing in the way of powerful Babylon coming and taking Jerusalem. Then, Jeremiah gives this sermon:
"This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, said to me: "Take from my hand this cup filled with the wine of my wrath and make all the nations to whom I send to you drink it. When they drink it, they will stagger and go mad because of the sword I will send among them...Then tell them, 'This is what the Lord Almighty says: Drink, get drunk and vomit, and fall to rise no more because of the sword I will send among you.' But if they refuse to take the cup from your hand and drink, tell them, 'This is what the Lord Almighty says: You must drink it!" Jeremiah 25
And then Babylon comes and captures Jerusalem sending Judah into exile. But there, this becomes part of their hymnody; something that they sing about in worship:
"In the hand of the Lord is a cup, full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs." Psalm 75
This terrifying mixture of wine and gone so sour that it foams, is the cup of stunning wrath of God and this is image that led Jesus to say: "let this cup pass from me...". But this is how the story ends:
"Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, 'I am thirsty.' A jar of wine vinegar (lit. sour wine) was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." John 19
On the Cross, Jesus Christ drink in the wrath of God to its very dregs. Those who are in Him can never experience that wrath again because he took it all. How wonderful the Cross!
--Raymond Dillard (paraphrased)
Which definition is better? Which is more to the Heart of the Gospel? Thoughts?
