The Day of Atonement is profoundly significant in Christianity. The rituals Aaron had to perform on the Day of Atonement are described in Leviticus 16. They included entering the Holy of Holies, offering sacrifices for himself and the people, and the symbolic act of laying the sins of the people on a live goat, which was then sent into the wilderness. The ultimate act of reconciliation with God for our sins was performed by The Lord Jesus Christ,
“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 KJV
“And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:2 KJV
Jesus is the perfect High Priest who entered heaven itself, securing eternal redemption for believers.
“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy Blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” Revelation 5:9 KJV
“Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Hebrews 9:12 KJV
“Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate.” Hebrews 13:12 KJV
“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” Hebrews 9:22 KJV
Christ’s work cleanses believers and restores their relationship with God, achieving true “atonement.”
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 KJV
“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” Hebrews 9:22 KJV
Atonement <=> Salvation: Part of God’s “Plan
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” Leviticus 17:11 KJV
“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6-11 KJV
“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2 KJV
For Christians, the Day of Atonement is not a festival to be observed with fasting and ritual but a truth to be lived out.
Why does this matter, and what should we, as Christians, do?
- Because Jesus has entered the true Holy of Holies in heaven, we can approach God with confidence and full assurance of faith without needing any other mediator.
- The complete removal of sin through Christ is not just a legal pardon but a call to a transformed life. As God’s people, cleansed and forgiven, believers are empowered to live obediently and in holiness.
- The Day of Atonement was for the entire nation of Israel, highlighting the collective responsibility for sin and the communal experience of forgiveness. This serves to remind the Church of its call to be a community of grace, bearing one another’s burdens and practicing forgiveness.