The Oxford dictionary defines atonement as “reparation for a wrong or injury.” It isn’t only an act of repentance, but also a repairing of a relationship. These are not easy tasks when one feels slighted, abused or injured. This is difficult when our enemies mock us or steal life from us.
One of my greatest fears was broadcast to the world and lived out by a woman called Erika Kirk. Not only was her husband murdered for something he believed in, but the whole world saw it. Then, Erika had the audacity to forgive her husband’s murderer. And yet, this is exactly what Jesus did for us when he became the ultimate sacrifice and took the weight of our sins. He became the atonement and forgave us.
Leviticus 23:26-28, “The LORD said to Moses, ‘The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves, and present a food offering to the LORD. Do not do any work on that day, because it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the LORD your God.” (NIV Justice Bible 2016)
In the Old Testament, this is a day declared for fasting, a sacred assembly and presenting of a food offering to the Lord. This was the day the High Priest would enter into the Most Holy Place and make a sacrifice for himself and for the sins of the people committed unknowingly. Now here is the most amazing news!
Hebrews 9:12, 14-15, “He (Christ) did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance-now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” (NIV Justice Bible 2016)
The Bible does say to continue to celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance. It is a remembrance. We no longer need to offer burnt sacrifices or food offerings because that was fulfilled through the life and death of Jesus. However, I believe, it is still meant to be a day remembered. It is also a gift for us because it is a day of Sabbath rest.
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how to celebrate this day. Maybe you do chose to fast from food. Use the hunger pangs to remind you of the pain Jesus felt for you on the cross and be grateful for his sacrifice. Take some time to study the arduous task set before the priests as they made sacrifices to God for the sins of the people. (Leviticus) Then read Hebrews and rejoice in how Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant. Hold a worship service and bible study in your home.