How is propitiation seen in the Old Testament tabernacle?
Propitiation is pictured throughout the Old Testament tabernacle because every element points to Christ. The Ark of the Covenant, for instance, was wood covered with gold, showing Christ’s earthly side and deity. The fence, blocks, hides, sacrifices, priesthood, and Day of Atonement all speak of His finished work on the cross.
Les explains that the word propitiation from Romans chapter 3 is lived out in all its fullness in every jot and tittle of the tabernacle back in Exodus. He notes that everything in that tabernacle is a picture of Christ. For example, the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies was a box made of wood, which spoke of Christ’s earthly side, but it was covered with gold, which spoke of His deity. Les further points out that all the way through the whole tabernacle—the fence, the blocks it sat on, the hides that covered the tent, the sacrifices, the priesthood, and the Day of Atonement—everything speaks of the finished work of Christ on the cross.
More Questions
Where does the word 'propitiation' appear in the Bible?
The word 'propitiation' appears in Scripture in only two places: Romans chapter 3 and 1 John chapter 2.