Part 2: Day of Atonement - Why Christians Should Observe the Fall Feasts
The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) — A Call to Awaken Our Spirit
On the tenth day of the Seventh Month aka Tishri, one of the most solemn days of the year arrives, Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:27–28). On our calendar today the date is sundown on Wednesday, October 1, until sundown on Thursday, October 2, 2025. Ancient Israel fasted, prayed, and sought forgiveness for their sins from YHVH, as their High Priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the entire nation of Israel.
For believers in Messiah Yeshua, the Day of Atonement is a time to reflect on the depth of our salvation. Hebrews 9:12 tells us that Yeshua (Jesus) entered the heavenly sanctuary “once for all by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” Observing this day helps us remember the cost of our forgiveness and renews our commitment to walk in holiness. This faith foundation is the heart of why Yom Kippur’s prophetic significance is so powerful for believers.
The scriptures teach that the atonement for sin requires the blood of an unblemished, innocent animal offered by the High Priest on behalf of the people of Israel (Leviticus 16). According to Leviticus 16:12, every year, the High Priest would sacrificed three animals: a bull that was killed for a sin offering for himself and his household; one male goat was killed for the sins of the people of Israel and a second male goat (the scapegoat) was released in the wilderness symbolizing the removal and casting away of the people’s wrongdoing.
But all of those blood sacrifices were foreshadows, pointing forward to the future time when the Messiah would shed His own blood as an atonement, a once-for-all blood sacrifice that would takes away the sins of world forever. As Hebrews 9:12 says, “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”
When we frame the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) through that lens of the Messiah Yeshua:
- The Altar symbolizes the place of sacrifice — now fulfilled in the cross.
- The Flames can represent the consuming holiness of God, before which only the blood of Messiah grants us access.
- The White Garments speak to the purity imputed to us because He bore our sin.
- The Posture of Prayer reflects our ongoing humility and gratitude for that redemption.
Final Thoughts
The Holy Days of God’s Seventh Month (Tishri) are not burdens but blessings — invitations from the King to meet with Him in his Appointed Seasons. As we honor these days, we join a story that began in the wilderness, was fulfilled in Messiah, and will culminate in the New Jerusalem.
In a world that runs on its own clock, the Seventh Month of God’s Calendar calls us back to God’s Time — to awaken, to humble ourselves, and to rejoice in His presence forever.
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Why These Days Matter for Christians Today
Some may wonder: Aren’t these just “Old Testament” observances? Yet Scripture calls them “the LORD’s Appointed Times” — not Israel’s alone. They are prophetic rehearsals, each revealing Messiah’s work in the past, present, and future.
• Passover pointed to His death.
• Firstfruits to His resurrection.
• Pentecost to the outpouring of the Spirit.
• Fall Feasts – The Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles all in the Seventh Month (Tishri) point to the Messiah’s Return, the final judgment, and the establishment of His Kingdom.
By observing these days, Christians step into God’s rhythm of time, aligning our hearts with His Calendar rather than the world’s. They offer a yearly cycle of repentance, renewal, and rejoicing — a spiritual reset that keeps us anchored in His promises
Christians who choose to honor the Day of Atonement (Thursday, October 2, 2025) often do not replicate ancient rituals. They observe it by reflecting deeply on its spiritual themes: repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God. While it’s not a mandated observance in most Christian denominations; it is mandated by God in Leviticus 23: 26-32!
Many believers find profound meaning in obeying God’s command to set aside some special time to honor this Appointed Time!
Leviticus 23: 26-32 (CJB)
26 Adonai said to Moshe, 27 “The tenth day of this Seventh Month is Yom-Kippur; you are to have a holy convocation, you are to deny yourselves, and you are to bring an offering made by fire to Adonai. 28 You are not to do any kind of work on that day, because it is Yom-Kippur, to make atonement for you before Adonai your God. 29 Anyone who does not deny himself on that day is to be cut off from his people; 30 and anyone who does any kind of work on that day, I will destroy from among his people. 31 You are not to do any kind of work; it is a permanent regulation through all your generations, no matter where you live. 32 It will be for you a Shabbat of complete rest, and you are to deny yourselves; you are to rest on your Shabbat from the evening the ninth day of the month until the following evening.
Here are some thoughtful ways Christians might celebrate:🙏 Spiritual Reflection and Repentance
- Personal confession: Set aside time for honest prayer, acknowledging areas of sin or brokenness.
- Scripture reading: Focus on passages like Leviticus 16, Isaiah 53, Hebrews 9–10, and Romans 5 to explore the biblical concept of atonement.
- Fasting: Some Christians fast as a way to humble themselves before God, echoing the ancient practice of affliction of soul (Leviticus 23:27).
🕊️ Honoring Yeshua as the Fulfillment
- Celebrate Yeshua (Jesus)’s Sacrifice: Reflect on how Messiah is seen as the ultimate High Priest and atoning sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11–14).
- Communion: Some Messianic synagogues, churches or individuals take communion to remember the blood of Yeshua shed for the forgiveness of sins.
🤝 Reconciliation and Forgiveness
- Seek peace with others: Use the day to forgive, ask for forgiveness, and mend relationships.
- Acts of mercy: Extend grace to others through service, generosity, or encouragement.
📜 Creative and Communal Expressions
- Art and journaling: Create symbolic art or write reflections on themes of mercy, cleansing, and renewal.
- Group gatherings: Host a small devotional or prayer circle focused on repentance and restoration.
🌅 Looking Forward
- Hope and renewal: End the day with gratitude for God’s mercy and a renewed commitment to walk in grace.