The Day of Atonement: Removing the Enemy, Reconciling All to God – Mike Bennett lifehopeandtruth.com

The Day of Atonement, known as Yom Kippur in Hebrew, is the fifth annual holy day listed in Leviticus 23:26-32. It falls on the tenth day of the seventh month in the Hebrew calendar, which varies in our commonly used calendars. The Old Testament rituals for this day are detailed in Leviticus 16, where the high priest makes atonement for the people.

In the New Testament, the Day of Atonement remains significant. It’s even referred to as “the Fast” in Acts 27:9. Hebrews extensively discusses this holy day, highlighting the work of Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who entered the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood for our eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:6-7, 12).

The Day of Atonement sets itself apart from other festivals as a day of fasting and self-affliction, emphasizing repentance and drawing closer to God. In the prophetic timeline of Revelation, it represents the binding of Satan, paving the way for humanity’s reconciliation with God. This reconciliation is symbolized by the rituals involving two goats, one representing Christ’s sacrifice and the other Azazel, associated with Satan. The removal of Satan enables lasting peace and unity with God, aligning with God’s plan for humanity’s redemption.

In summary, the Day of Atonement holds a unique place in the biblical calendar, signifying repentance, the work of Christ, and the removal of Satan to usher in a future of reconciliation and unity with God.