The Day Of Atonement
Leviticus 16:30 says, “For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.”
The day of atonement is an annual holy day during which the high priest offered sacrifices for both his sins and the sins of the people. “Atonement” came from the Hebrew ‘kapar,’ which means to cover over. It was first used when God instructed Noah to cover the ark with pitch (Gen 6:14). The concept of atonement is very significant in our relationship with God. It highlights how sin separates us from Him (Isa 59:2), and how His great love reconciles us (Rom 5:8)! The Old Testament animal sacrifices (Lev 4:20), did not actually “take away sins” (Heb 10:4).
They only pictured our Lord Jesus (Heb 10:1), Who alone can redeem lost sinners with His “precious blood” (1 Pet 1:19). The word “atonement” is only used once in the New Testament (Rom 5:11). It corresponds to the word “propitiation” (1 Jn 2:2), which means satisfaction, when a debt is paid in full! Sacrifices played a crucial part in the day of atonement. It highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for a sacrificial payment (Lev 17:11). These sacrifices were not just meant to show forms of ritual, but they symbolize God’s ultimate plan of redemption.
Therefore, through the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord Jesus on the cross of mount Calvary (Lk 23:33), we no longer have to resort to animal sacrifices for the atonement of our sins (Heb 9:9). When Jesus died on the cross, “the veil of the temple was rent in twain” (Mk 15:38). It broke down the wall of separation that sin has brought (2 Cor 5:21). It also serves to bring those who trust Him by faith (Rom 10:9), into a real and reconciled relationship with God (Rom 5:10). Because Jesus “rose from the dead” (Lk 16:31), and He is the only “one mediator between God and men” (1 Tim 2:5), He has bridged the gap between us and God (Eph 2:13). There is truly victory in Jesus! God bless you!
- Pastor Melito Barrera
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