The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

“And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering. And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.” Leviticus 16.5, 6 (See Leviticus 16 & 23.26-32)

 

The Day of Atonement is a high, holy day among the Jews. It was a day which stressed the solemnity of the cost of redemption and the purity which God required in order for the High Priest (representing God’s people) to appear in the presence of the all-holy God. It was not just another date entered into the liturgical calendar; it represented the pinnacle of solemnity for the Jewish community. It is a day dedicated to profound repentance, introspection, and the pursuit of God’s forgiveness.

 

The book of Leviticus is foundational in the understanding or the Day of Atonement. The narratives and commandments contained therein outline the rituals and procedures associated with this significant day. The high Priest of Israel is instructed to make a sacrifice, first for his own sins and then for those of the people. The rituals culminate with the high priest entering the Holy of Holies, the inner sanctum of the Temple, reserved for the most sacred rites. This unique privilege allowed only once a year on the Day of Atonement, underscores the gravity and solemnity of the day. The Day of Atonement is not symbolized by punishment, as some think, but by deep intimacy with a God who is willing to die for us.

 

The Day of Atonement carries rich symbolism and meaning. It signifies the dwelling, atonement, and reconciliation of God and His people, mending the relational breaches caused by transgressions and sins. The elaborate rituals carried out by the high priest underscore not only the severity of sin and the desperate need for atonement but also how intimate the priest must become with God. These actions symbolize not only God’s forgiveness for the sins of Israel but also highlight the nation’s dependence on divine mercy through intimacy with it.

 

This feast is asking those of us who are followers of Christ a question: “We believe God forgave our sins and remained intimate with us, but are we also forgiving those who sin against us and remain intimate with them?” Don’t just say “I forgive you,” show it by inviting into friendship and intimacy.

While the Day of Atonement is not traditionally observed in the Christian calendar, incorporating elements of its observance could enrich Christian spiritual practice. It could serve as a time of sincere repentance, introspection, and renewed commitment to live in the light of God’s mercy, as demonstrated through Christ’s sacrificial act with people around us.

 

The Day of Atonement also reminds us that Israel was chosen as God’s people to be a witness not of their perfection but of a relationship between imperfect people and a perfect God. (Isaiah 43.10-12) This calling, which is “irrevocable” (Romans 11.29), is meant to show that God loves and works through imperfect people. Much like any other relationship, the relationship between God and Israel includes ups and downs.

 

For the New Testament follower of Christ, the sacrifice of Christ, which completed the Old Testament sacrificial system, was needed only once. (Hebrews 10.1-4) Its effects are complete and eternal. No longer does the child of God need daily or even yearly atonement – his sins have been completely forgiven and removed as far as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103.12 Such security is not based upon the imperfect record of an imperfect person – but, is founded squarely upon the perfection of the Perfect Savior. (Hebrews 10.12)