Does coffee have an expiation date?
PrefaceP
I personally have referenced this March 24, 2008 article a fair bit over the years. I have decided to rework it with some more material for an entry on academia.edu for April 15, 2023.
Does coffee have an expiration date?
Expiation: The idea that sin is covered over, through Christ’s death on the cross, his atoning work. The debt of sin is cancelled. Grenz, Guretzki, and Nordling (1999: 50).
Propitiation: The atonement offering that turns away God’s wrath. Christ’s atoning work serves as propitiation. Grenz, Guretzki, and Nordling (1999: 96).
Atonement is a multifaceted, complex subject. Erickson (1994: 783). Paul mentions the concept of propitiation in Romans 3: 25. Erickson (1994: 809-810). C.H. Dodd opines that the Greek word in Romans 3: 25 should be translated expiation and not propitiation, and claims that many Greek translations have been incorrect on this issue. Dodd (1935: 82-95). Browning writes that propitiation is a means of warding off the just anger of God. He reasons that modern Biblical translations make it clear that the New Testament teaches that through Christ’s atoning work, expiation takes place, and an angry God is not appeased through the propitiation of Christ. Browning (1996: 305).
Anthony D. Palma explains that propitiation can be defined as the idea of appeasing God, while expiation means to atone for sin against God, as in offering or sacrifice. Palma (2007: 1). Palma reasons that the New Testament idea of propitiation includes expiation, but expiation does not necessarily include the idea of propitiation. Palma (2007: 1).
James Strong explains that the word discussed in Romans 3: 25 is ἱλαστήριον (ilastērion hilasterion), is defined as an expiatory place or thing, an atoning victim, mercyseat, and propitiation. Strong (1890)(1986: 48). From Strong’s definition, Romans 3: 25 does allow for the idea of atonement in both the sense of sacrifice and appeasement. Strong (1890)(1986: 48). However, his definition does place more emphasis on expiation than propitiation in the atonement process in Romans 3: 25. Strong (1890)(1986: 48).
Some within Christian traditions may reason that expiation is all that is needed within the atoning work of Christ, while others such as myself within Reformed traditions may conclude expiation and propitiation, both sacrifice and appeasement, are reasonable concepts within Christian atonement. It should be considered that any anger God would possess would be completely just, and not emotionally charged and prone to sin as human anger can be. As well, both expiation and propitiation may be legitimate tools to bring justice in God’s view. Expiation covers up and cancels the human sin against God, while propitiation deals with the righteous wrath of God, as he has been unjustly wronged.
BAUER, WALTER. (1979) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, Translated by Eric H. Wahlstrom, Chicago, The University of Chicago Press.
BROWNING, W.R.F. (1997) ‘Propitiation' in Oxford Dictionary of the Bible, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
James Strong explains that the word discussed in Romans 3: 25 is ἱλαστήριον (ilastērion hilasterion), is defined as an expiatory place or thing, an atoning victim, mercyseat, and propitiation. Strong (1890)(1986: 48). From Strong’s definition, Romans 3: 25 does allow for the idea of atonement in both the sense of sacrifice and appeasement. Strong (1890)(1986: 48). However, his definition does place more emphasis on expiation than propitiation in the atonement process in Romans 3: 25. Strong (1890)(1986: 48).
Cited
Strong's Concordance
hilastérion: propitiatory Original Word: ἱλαστήριον, ου, τό
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: hilastérion Phonetic Spelling: (hil-as-tay'-ree-on) Definition: propitiatory Usage: (a) a sin offering, by which the wrath of the deity shall be appeased; a means of propitiation, (b) the covering of the ark, which was sprinkled with the atoning blood on the Day of Atonement.
Cited
Englishman's Concordance Romans 3:25 N-ANS GRK: ὁ θεὸς ἱλαστήριον διὰ τῆς NAS: displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood KJV: hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through INT: God a mercy seat through the
Walter Bauer explains that the meaning in Romans 3: 25 is uncertain and could be either expiates or propitiates. Bauer (1979: 375). For Strong the definition of the word from 1 John 2:2 and 4:10 is atonement, expiator, propitiation and so 1 John does not solve the issue from Romans. Strong (1890)(1986: 49).
Some within Christian traditions may reason that expiation is all that is needed within the atoning work of Christ, while others such as myself within Reformed traditions may conclude expiation and propitiation, both sacrifice and appeasement, are reasonable concepts within Christian atonement. It should be considered that any anger God would possess would be completely just, and not emotionally charged and prone to sin as human anger can be. As well, both expiation and propitiation may be legitimate tools to bring justice in God’s view. Expiation covers up and cancels the human sin against God, while propitiation deals with the righteous wrath of God, as he has been unjustly wronged.
Penal substitution receives significant negative critique within and outside of the Church. But, this view that human sin breaks the law of God (Grenz, Guretzki, Nordling: 90), for which the penalty is death (90), therefore leading to the death of Jesus Christ for those chosen by God, to appease the law of God (90), is definitively and definitely biblical. Atonement is a very complex theological issue and there are various perspectives from Biblical scholars.
Millard J. Erickson explains that atonement theory is multifaceted including the concepts of sacrifice, propitiation (appeasement of God), substitution and reconciliation. (1994: 811-823). Non-exhaustive, New Testament examples that support the theology of substitution within the atoning work of Jesus Christ:
Mark 10:45 English Standard Version (ESV)
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Jesus Christ's death is a ransom and substitution for the sinners through the atonement.
Romans 3:25 English Standard Version (ESV)
Whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
Propitiation: The atonement offering that turns away God’s wrath. Christ’s atoning work serves as propitiation. Grenz, Guretzki, and Nordling (96). Mounce explains in his Romans commentary that there is a debate whether propitiation, as in appeasing the wrath of God or expiation, the covering for sin, is a better translation. (116). He reasons that although the term 'propitiation' may not be the best translation, this Greek term is best reasoned as 'placating' God's wrath against sin. (117). This is also theologically connected to God's righteousness applied to those in Jesus Christ (118).
Cranfield writes that other meanings, other than 'mercy-seat' have been rejected in his text. (77). He reasons that the idea of propitiation is not excluded here and that 'propitiatory sacrifice' is a reasonable suggestion. (77).
BAUER, WALTER. (1979) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, Translated by Eric H. Wahlstrom, Chicago, The University of Chicago Press.
BROWNING, W.R.F. (1997) ‘Propitiation' in Oxford Dictionary of the Bible, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
CRANFIELD, C.E.B. (1992) Romans: A Shorter Commentary, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
DODD. C.H. (1935) The Bible and the Greeks, London, Hodder and Stoughton.
DODD. C.H. (1935) The Bible and the Greeks, London, Hodder and Stoughton.
ERICKSON, MILLARD (1994) Christian Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.
FEINBERG, JOHN S. (1994) The Many Faces of Evil, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House.
GRENZ, STANLEY J., DAVID GURETZKI AND CHERITH FEE NORDLING (1999) Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms, Downers Grove, Ill., InterVarsity Press.
FEINBERG, JOHN S. (1994) The Many Faces of Evil, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House.
GRENZ, STANLEY J., DAVID GURETZKI AND CHERITH FEE NORDLING (1999) Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms, Downers Grove, Ill., InterVarsity Press.
MOUNCE, ROBERT H. (1995) The New American Commentary: Romans, Nashville, Broadman & Holman Publishers.
PALMA, ANTHONY (2007) ‘Propitiation’ in Enrichment Journal, Springfield Missouri, Enrichment Journal.http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/top/Easter_2007/2007_Propitiation
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STRONG, J. (1890)(1986) Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Pickering, Ontario, Welch Publishing Company.
My Mom, in 2008, when this article was published with an earlier, shorter, version, sent me an email featuring some coffees from a Vancouver restaurant.
PALMA, ANTHONY (2007) ‘Propitiation’ in Enrichment Journal, Springfield Missouri, Enrichment Journal.http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/top/Easter_2007/2007_Propitiation
STRONG, J. (1890)(1986) Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Pickering, Ontario, Welch Publishing Company.
My Mom, in 2008, when this article was published with an earlier, shorter, version, sent me an email featuring some coffees from a Vancouver restaurant.
Russ,
ReplyDeleteHappy day-after-Easter!
I don't drink coffee, but I drink a LOT of those energy drinks (Monster, RAW, Jones, AMP, and a whole host of others...the only one I DON'T like, ironically, is the most famous one: Red Bull).
Many unbelievers don't understand why Jesus had to die, or why God required sacrifices, or why a blood sacrifice had to be made, or why God is wrathful.
But then, a lot of believers don't know what expiation or propitiation are.
I'm glad you pointed out that God's wrath is not merely emotional anger, but is, rather, righteous anger.
Just to re-emphasize (and in some cases, basically repeat) what you said (because its so very important, I think, and yet, not well-understood by many people; and, since I heard that it sometimes takes hearing something 2 or 3 times or more before some people actually LEARN it, then I am assuming it is OK to re-state the same ideas you have already presented, for the sake of reinforcement of these ideas), I found this on one website:
"Expiation emphasizes the removal of guilt through a payment of the penalty, while propitiation emphasizes the appeasement or averting of God's wrath and justice. Both words are related to reconciliation, since it is through Christ's death on the cross for our sins that we are reconciled to a God of holy love."
"The point of difference in interpretation for theologians has centered on the Greek word hilasmos in 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10. A look at various translations show the distinctions here: “propitiation” (KJV, NAS); “expiation” (RSV); “atoning sacrifice for our sins” (NIV, NRSV, compare REB); “means by which our sins are forgiven” (TEV)."
"In Greek writings hilasmos refers to soothing the anger of the gods. In the Septuagint, the earliest Greek translation of the Old Testament, hilasmos appears in Leviticus 25:9 in the expression, “day of atonement”; in Psalms 130:4 to confess that there is “forgiveness” with God; in Numbers 5:8 in the expression the “ram of the atonement”; and in Ezekiel 44:27 as a “sin-offering.” Daniel 9:9 uses the plural form to speak of “forgivenesses” which are a character trait of God.
Some scholars interpret these Old Testament references to mean that God has acted as the subject to cover and forgive sins. He has removed the uncleanness or defilement of sin. Other scholars see God as the object receiving the offering for sin which then in some sense pacifies His anger and meets His holy need for justice. In the New Testament setting, this would mean that on the cross Jesus either dealt with the evil nature of human sin and covered it so that God forgives it, or it means that Jesus satisfied God's holy anger and justice so that forgiven sinners could freely enter the presence of the holy God. Some scholars would see both ideas present in the word hilasmos, so that God in grace initiated the sacrifice of Jesus to provide covering and forgiveness for human sin but that He also received the sacrifice which satisfied His anger and justice.
The background of the idea is the Old Testament sacrificial system. The whole system sought to procure God's favor through obediently following ways He commanded. God promised to show His mercy after His faithful people followed certain ritual requirements. These included the burnt offering (Leviticus 1:3-17), the peace offering (Leviticus 3:1-17), the sin offering (Leviticus 4:1-5:13), and the guilt offering (Leviticus 5:15-6:6). None of these dealt with “defiant sins” (Numbers 15:20-31), only with “sin through ignorance” (Leviticus 4:2). The high point of the sacrificial cult was the annual day of atonement when the sins of the people were laid on a scapegoat by the high priest and the sin-laden animal was then driven into the wilderness to perish (Leviticus 16:1-34). Such a system could easily forget its basis in God's grace shown in the Exodus and in His commands providing the system. Then sacrifice could quickly be viewed as a mechanical way to forgiveness. When this happened, the prophets of the Old Testament frequently protested against the externalism of the priestly cult of sacrifice, saying much more effect came through a humble heart, the sacrifice of repentance (Psalms 51:17; Isaiah 1:10-20; Jeremiah 6:20; Hosea 6:6; Joel 2:13; Micah 6:6-8).
In the Old Testament, the note of grace is clearly present. God did not simply wait for His people to bring before Him the appropriate sacrifices. He took the initiative in specifying which sacrifices would be needed. When Abraham showed willingness to sacrifice Isaac, God Himself supplied the adequate substitute offering (Genesis 22:1-19). The Old Testament repeats its promise that God remains gracious even in our sinning, that He stands ready to forgive even before we are ready to repent (Psalms 78:21-28; Psalms 89:28-34; Isaiah 65:1-2; Jeremiah 31:1-3, Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hosea 6:1-2). God expects people both to repent of sin and to commit themselves to obey His covenant.
The New Testament shows how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament system of sacrifices and thus replaced it with His own work on the cross. The Old Testament system could not purify the consciences of those who offered them (Hebrews 8:7, Hebrews 8:13; Hebrews 10:1-4). In their stead, God provided a perfect Sacrifice, that of His own Son. This sacrifice is eternal, not provisional; it is sufficient to cover or expiate all human sin, not just specific sins (Hebrews 7:26-28; Hebrews 9:25-26). The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary restored the broken relationship between God and His people and did not need to be repeated. He made reconciliation available to all people in all times. Such reconciliation involves a change both in God's attitude toward us and in our attitude toward God. The cross of Calvary was God's eternal plan to deal with human sin so that John could describe Jesus as the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). God chose to forgive us before the sacrifice was enacted in history, but His forgiveness could not reach us until this sacrifice took place.
To understand the need for propitiation and for expiation, we have to remind ourselves that the God of the Bible is both holy and loving. His holiness means that sin cannot be condoned. His love signifies that the sinner can be accepted if the claims of divine holiness are recognized. The atoning sacrifice of Christ both satisfies the demands of His holy law and demonstrates His boundless love, the love that goes beyond the law. God was not waiting to be appeased (as in the pagan, Greek conception). Rather, God condescended to meet us on our level to remedy the situation. He provided the sacrificial offering that expiates human sin and makes reconciliation possible. Both Old and the New Testaments proclaim that only God's grace opens the door to salvation. All ritual requirements for sacrifice in the Old Testament are replaced by the sacrifice of the cross, which wipes away the record of our debts to God (Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 10:14-18). The only sacrifices now required of the Christian are those of praise and thanksgiving, which take the form of worship in spirit and in truth and the obedience of discipleship (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15-16; 1 Peter 2:5). God calls us to demonstrate our gratefulness for His self-sacrifice by leading lives of holiness, lives that give the world a sign and witness of God's great love for us shown in Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, the doctrine of the atonement includes both the dimensions of propitiation—averting the wrath of God—and expiation—taking away or covering over human guilt. By the expiation of human guilt, the wrath of God is turned away, the holiness of God is satisfied. Yet it is God who in the person of His Son performs the sacrifice of expiation. It is God who in the person of His Son swallows up evil within Himself through vicarious identification with the sin of His people. A sacrifice was necessary to satisfy the demands of His law, but God Himself provided the Sacrifice out of His incomparable love. What human ritual offerings could not do, God has done once for all by giving up His Son for the sins of the whole human race."
http://www.studylight.org/dic/hbd/view.cgi?number=T1978
I also found this, which is very basic teaching, but which is nevertheless all-important (ESPECIALLY to communicate to unbelievers):
ReplyDelete"The word propitiation carries the basic idea of appeasement, or satisfaction, specifically towards God. Propitiation is a two-part act that involves appeasing the wrath of an offended person and being reconciled to him.
The necessity of appeasing God is something many religions have in common. In ancient pagan religions, as well as in many religions today, the idea is taught that man appeases God by offering various gifts or sacrifices. However, the Bible teaches that God Himself has provided the only means through which His wrath can be appeased and sinful man can be reconciled to Him. In the New Testament, the act of propitiation always refers to the work of God and not the sacrifices or gifts offered by man. The reason for this is that man is totally incapable of satisfying God’s justice except by spending eternity in hell. There is no service, sacrifice or gift that man can offer that will appease the holy wrath of God or satisfy His perfect justice. The only satisfaction, or propitiation, that could be acceptable to God and that could reconcile man to Him, had to be made by God. For this reason God the Son, Jesus Christ, came into the world in human flesh to be the perfect sacrifice for sin and make atonement or “propitiation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17).
The word propitiation is used in several key verses to explain what Jesus accomplished through His death on the cross. For example, in Romans 3:24-25 we see that believers in Christ have been “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed." These verses are a key point in Paul’s argument in the Book of Romans and are really at the heart of the Gospel message.
In the first three chapters of Romans, Paul has made the argument that everybody, both Jew and Gentile alike, is under the condemnation of God and deserving of His wrath (Romans 1:18). Everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). All of us deserve His wrath and punishment. God in His infinite grace and mercy has provided a way that His wrath can be appeased and we can be reconciled to Him. That way is through the sacrificial death of His Son, Jesus Christ, as the atonement or payment for sins. It is through faith in Jesus Christ as God’s perfect sacrifice, foretold in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament, that we can be reconciled to God. It is only because of Christ’s perfect life, His death on the cross, and His resurrection on the third day that a lost sinner deserving of hell can be reconciled to a Holy God. The wonderful truth of the Gospel message is that Christians are saved from God’s wrath and reconciled to God not because “we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). The only way for God’s wrath against sinful man to be appeased and for us to be reconciled to God is through Jesus Christ. There is no other way. This truth is also communicated in 1 John 2:2; “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” An important part of Christ’s saving work includes deliverance from God’s wrath that the unbelieving sinner is under, because Jesus’ atonement on the cross is the only thing that can turn away God’s divine wrath. Those that reject Christ as their Savior and refuse to believe in Him have no hope of salvation. They can only look forward to facing the wrath of God that they have stored up for the coming day of judgment (Romans 2:5). There is no other propitiation or sacrifice that can be made for their sins."
http://www.gotquestions.org/propitiation.html
I also want to mention that I just LOVE the idea of the Mercy Seat. When I studied the books of Moses several years ago (Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy; Genesis was a separate study) through BSF (Bible Study Fellowship, Int'l, which was the best Bible study I have ever been in...I was in it for over 3 years), I found the idea of the Mercy Seat to be a fascinating study.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, within the Ark of the Covenant were the two tablets of stone, upon which was written the Ten Commandments. When God looked down and saw those Ten Commandments, He would see His Law, which man had broken. Yet, covering over that Ark was the Mercy Seat, which was sprinkled with the blood of a sacrificial bull. So, God would then see the blood covering over the broken Law. And, of course, likewise, Jesus' blood covers over the believer's sins.
Wikipedia says:
"The account also states that two golden statues of cherubim were placed at each end of the mercy seat, facing one another and the mercy seat, with their wings spread in order to enclose the mercy seat; according to the Books of Samuel, these cherubim together formed a seat for Yahweh."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercy_seat
I've never heard before that the carved cherubim on the Ark form a seat for Yahweh, but it makes me wonder: does it have any connection with Luke 22:69? ("But from now on, the Son of Man will be SEATED at the right hand of the mighty God.") (NIV)
Thanks for the excellent information, Jeff.
ReplyDeleteI have had one Red Bull drink, and thought it pretty good, but not excellent. Red Bull owns a soccer team in New York and another in Salzburg. The teams are Red Bull New York/New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Salzburg.
I'm glad you pointed out that God's wrath is not merely emotional anger, but is, rather, righteous anger.
Cheers.
In conclusion, the doctrine of the atonement includes both the dimensions of propitiation—averting the wrath of God—and expiation—taking away or covering over human guilt. By the expiation of human guilt, the wrath of God is turned away, the holiness of God is satisfied. Yet it is God who in the person of His Son performs the sacrifice of expiation. It is God who in the person of His Son swallows up evil within Himself through vicarious identification with the sin of His people.
Very good.
Hey that was like reading 2 essays/teachings....it's a good word & well said!
ReplyDeleteThanks.
ReplyDeleteI aim to provide theological information, and other good thoughts.
Russ:)
Coffee doesn't "expire" but it does change quality over time. It "gets old". I worked for a few coffee establishments in my day one of which roasted on a daily basis in house. Ah! Nectar of the Gods! Most people don't know I'm part Irish (Antrim COunty) and part Cuban which means I can hold my coffee!
ReplyDeleteI spent one year at Reformed Seminary in Orlando. I remember these lectures! Whoa, my head hurts! ;0)
Good points, Joey. I doubt 1,000 year old anything would taste very good...even wine.
ReplyDeleteI need to start getting paid for hurting my head and the heads of others, and so I need this PhD soon.:)
Cheers.
interesting link to the Facebook
ReplyDeletesecurity breach story, Russ. i've been so inundated with all these Facebook apps that i've almost stopped replying to most Facebook friends. they're just a variation
on an already tired theme and one
gets bored being bombarded with
free drinks and gifts or misc. tests.
j.
Thanks, J.
ReplyDeleteI think Facebook is a good way to be in contact with certain friends, but I like your comments. Some of the applications are irritating, and I especially do not like ones that send things unauthorized in my name!
I hope all is well.
Future Dr. Murray, May this comic book which will be valuable art one day, be of great enjoyment to you as you finish your educational journey and a symbol of the accomplishment for years of hard work.
ReplyDelete-B.B. PhD. Reality Science-
Daily Planet Newspaper
Thanks.
ReplyDeleteA comic collection is a good hobby, as I spend so much time with PhD thesis and blogging.
hi! i would have only a banal question: what's the name of that restaurant? Thanks
ReplyDeleteThanks very much.
ReplyDeleteThis was contained within the email.
Looks like coffee breaks could be expensive; artists have to be paid!! .... it seems a pity to spoil them by drinking!! FABULOUS
Coffee Art
There is a restaurant in Vancouver that dresses up the lattes. You get to watch them create the pictures.
What can be done with coffee, cream, milk & imagination
I found this site on line:
Vancouver Coffee