Thursday, October 2 2025
The fast on the Day of Atonement is rich with meaning for the Christian, as it points us to the sacrifice of Christ as a propitiation for our sins, and the sins of all people. As we afflict our souls through fasting we gain a deeper understanding of our need for God, and his plan to forgive our sins so we might live in covenant with Him. We also anticipate that time of peace when the adversary will no longer influence humanity.
A jubilee will begin — the restoration of the inheritance to the people of God.
Atonement or Too Late for Repentance
The story of Esau is a sad tale of someone who could not repent and repair the damage done when he despised his birthright and traded it for a bowl of stew. Sometimes it is too late for repentance. The generation of those who saw all of God’s miracles in delivering them from Egypt lost out on their promised land. They too had put themselves into a situation where it was ‘too late for repentance.’ The history of God’s people is full of examples where communities and individuals habitually despised and rejected God’s word, his instructions, and refused to repent. On the other hand God had made provisions in his teaching for atonement. God would forgive those who sinned unwittingly and then willingly acknowledged their errors and took steps to make amends.
Atonement and Jubilee – Forgive us our Debts
The Lord’s Prayer has interesting parallels to the themes of the day of Atonement. This is especially true when it comes to ‘forgive us our debts.’ Often we think of these debts as ‘sins’ — missing the mark or sins of commission. But it also has the sense of not having fulfilled a duty — sins of omission. We owe God for those times when we failed to do our duty, and yet, he is faithful to forgive these debts. But there is a caveat. He says he will forgive our debts to the degree that we are willing to forgive the debts of others. As his children, God is asking us to let go of the wrongs we have suffered, the debts that have not been paid to us, and the resentments we might be harbouring due to unfulfilled duties that we are owed.
Atonement: War in Heaven and Peace on Earth
The Day of Atonement has many meaningful messages that resonate over the millennia. The nature of man and society has not changed substantially though his physical circumstances and the challenges may have varied considerably. Atonement helps us to understand the spiritual battles that have been fought and to consider the prophecies of future warfare and their consequences. This day brings to our mind the darkness that the great spiritual deceiver has brought into the world, and the light that will repel the darkness at the Messiah’s return.
Join us in a journey through scripture to understand the epic battles, the faithful footsoldiers, and the final outcomes of this great spiritual warfare.
Christians Remember the Day of Atonement. Why?
Considering the role that the saints will play at Christ’s return, it becomes plain that Christians remember the day of Atonement to be better prepared to rule with Christ as kingly priests. So what lessons does the day of Atonement teach? What are the functions of priests that those God calls today need to be prepared to undertake? The example of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, make it plain that those who serve God must be knowledgeable and show appropriate respect. God has standards and expectations that we must be aware of, and there are consequences for disregarding God’s instructions when it comes to worshipping in spirit and truth.
Atonement – Two Goats and the Solution to Sin
The Day of Atonement, Yom Kippiur, has many important symbols and lessons that will enrich our worship of the Lord God and our Father. As Christians we should consider whether we are loving the world and its ways or whether we are devoted to the Father and his ways. Are we God’s friends? Are we receiving God’s gift of grace by walking with God and eschewing the ways of the devil? The two goats of the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, help us understand God’s remedy for the sin of the world.
Christians Fasting on the Day of Atonement
Are there clues in the scripture to help Christians know God’s expectations in regards to fasting on the day of Atonement? What did Christ, Paul, and others have to say about fasting on the day of Atonement? Was there a role for fasting in the life of the disciples in the New Covenant church. Jeff Patton searches the biblical accounts and makes connections to the Lord’s prayer to help us understand God’s mind on this matter. You may be surprised.
Atonement Fasting before the Feast
Propitiation, now what does that mean? It has a profound part to play in our understanding of the meaning of the Day of Atonement. Jeff Patton ties together the ceremony of the two goats revealed in the old covenant scriptures with the new covenant message of Hebrews, written to encourage all Christians who trust in Christ’s sacrifice. It is an inspiring message for his day when we afflict our souls.