The
earlier verses described the sin offering and how the blood was taken into the
holy of holies by Aaron and sprinkled on the mercy seat. The bull of the sin
offering he brought was for himself and his family and one of the goats was
taken and offered as a sin offering on behalf of the people. He would then
remove his white garment. Leave them in the holy place and had himself
thoroughly washed with clean water. Now he was ready to put on the priestly
robe of his office and then offer the burnt offering for himself and the
people.
The
Day of Atonement was scheduled to take place on the tenth day of the seventh
month. This means that this event would take place six months after the
Passover celebration. It was a day of humbling oneself which was often
accompanied by fasting. This was also a day of great sorrow for the sins
committed. Seeking forgiveness and God’s ability to forgive is just one aspect.
What is needed is that seeking His forgiveness must be done with contrition of
heart and a broken spirit. All non-essential activities would cease on that
day. The whole nation, including foreigners who resided in the midst of them,
were expected to observe the Day of Atonement. This was to be an annual affair.
The one clear undeniable lesson we see in God’s instruction to observe the Day
of Atonement is to show us that the forgiveness of sin was effected because of
a substitute. Jesus Christ is our substitute on the cross of Calvary. It was
His death has paved the way for us to receive our pardon and God’s
forgiveness. Jesus by His once-and-for-all act has permanently secured God’s
forgiveness for all of us, who believe in Him. Praise the Lord!
No comments:
Post a Comment