Which of the following best describes 'propitiation'?

The term 'propitiation' is best understood as the act of satisfying God's wrath regarding sin. In theological contexts, propitiation refers to a sacrifice made to appease a deity and conveys the idea that the wrath of God due to human sin is alleviated through a specific atonement. This concept is central to understanding how Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is perceived within Christian theology, as it is believed to fully satisfy the requirements for justice and allow for reconciliation between God and humanity.

While making reparations for past sins might involve personal acts of repentance or restitution, this does not capture the essence of propitiation, which specifically addresses addressing divine wrath. Transferring one’s sins to another parallels some theological aspects but does not encompass the full meaning of propitiation, which emphasizes the appeasement of the divine. Offering new commandments to the faithful does not relate to the concept of propitiation, as it focuses on guidance rather than addressing the need for atonement or the satisfaction of divine anger. Thus, the correct definition connects directly with the idea of mitigating God's judgment through an act that fulfills His righteousness.