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The Day of Atonement is all about Yeshua (Jesus). This Holy Day is first presented in the Old Testament as a prophetic image of what is to come. Early on believers are learning that it takes a blood sacrifice to cleanse or bring forgiveness for their sins. “The principle of blood atonement found the old sacrificial system is not to be explained away. Rather, the sacrifices functioned like promissory notes which were paid off by Yeshua.”[i]  GOD established this holy day as HIS “Appointed Time” for those who have chosen to follow HIM and want to come into HIS presence, so it is not just a “Jewish” holiday.

These sacrifices and rituals symbolically accomplished four things:

(1) They were to deter/turn away Israel from sinning (repentance);

(2) They provided a symbolic “payment” or, “debt” of the wrongdoing (ransom);

(3) They provided a symbolic purification for the community and the temple from the contagious vandalism caused by sin (purification);

(4) All of the above allowed God to maintain his presence with his people without compromising his divine justice (covenant relationship). https://thebibleproject.com/blog/old-rituals-new-realities/

The blood of Yeshua does all of the above with “One Sacrifice for All Time.”  The reference to the Day of Atonement in the New Testament is explained this way in Hebrews 10:1-14

“For Messiah has come and has made final and effective atonement for all who will believe. All the sacrifices of bulls and goats could not remove sins, but only temporarily cover over sins. Those sacrifices were pointing to Messiah Yeshua, the true, effective and eternal sacrifice for all our sins. Thus, the New Covenant says: For the law…can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect…For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins….We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Yeshua the Messiah once for all…For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. [1]

So, the next question for many people is: “Since God knew HE would send HIS son Yeshua the Messiah to die as payment for all our sins, –One Sacrifice for All Time– why make this Holy Day “a permanent regulation.”  GOD knowes the sin nature of mankind and “Yes” the Messiah died as payment for our sins. But as we all know believers and non-believers still sin.

During the fall holy season, God first calls us to attention with the Feast of Trumpets. Next the FATHER moves us into the Day of Atonement, which is a day to repent and be restored. This holy day is a special opportunity to take some time to search your heart and identify any sin or wrongdoing that may hamper your walk with the Lord.

So, what do you do on this holy day? Take action! If you have stolen from your fellow man, repay him. Pay your debts. If you lied to your spouse now is the time to confess. If you have wronged someone find a way to correct it. Repent in your actions, not just your words. This is how we live out our faith and demonstrate our trust in the Messiah.   Day of Atonement is a time to disconnect from the world with all its distractions – cell phones, social media, Internet, work schedules, keeping up with the Jones, etc.; and connect with the FATHER in a very intimate way.  GOD knew mankind would need a special time of rest and fellowship with HIM.

So, on the Day of Atonement make sure every sin is placed “under the blood” of Yeshua (Jesus) so you can then move forward in fellowship with God at the Feast of Tabernacles when the FATHER comes to dwell with us for a special  7-day celebration of provision.

[1]  “Messiah in the Feasts of Israel” by Sam Nadler, Word of Messiah Ministries

[i] Messiah in the Feasts of Israel” by Sam Nadler, Word of Messiah Ministries