What is Yom Kippur or The Day of Atonement?
In Leviticus 16, 17, and 23, we get a vivid description and explanation of Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement in English.The Day of Atonement was considered the holiest or most sacred day because it is on Yom Kippur that the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies or the Most Holy Place of the Temple and poured the blood of the sacrifice on top of the Ark of the Covenant. By pouring the blood of the sacrifice on top of the Ark of the Covenant, the high priest made atonement for the sins of the Children of Israel, not with his blood but that of an unblemished bull and goat.
Yeshua (Jesus) in Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement
“And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split,” Matthew 27:51, (NKJV).
God used the curtain, sometimes referred to as “veil, ” in His design of His Temple to separate the Holy from the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, Exodus 26:31-33. Only the High Priest and only once per year could enter into the Holy of Holies beyond the curtain and pour the blood of the sacrifice. The fact that the curtain was torn on account of Yeshua’s (Jesus’) sacrifice demonstrates that He is, indeed, the final sacrifice for the sin of not just the children of Israel but of the world.
John the Immerser prophesied when He saw Yeshua saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 (TLV)
The curtain tore open so that Yeshua could enter the Holy of Holies and pour His own blood on the Ark of the Covenant for our sins.
“But when Messiah appeared as Kohen Gadol of the good things that have now come, passing through the greater and more perfect Tent not made with hands (that is to say not of this creation), He entered into the Holies once for all—not by the blood of goats and calves but by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption,” Hebrews 9:11-12, (TLV).
Yeshua Final, Perfect, and Eternal High Priest: Let YHWH’s word speak for Himself
Hebrews 5:5-8 (TLV) “So also Messiah did not glorify Himself to be made Kohen Gadol; rather, it was God who said to Him, “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.” And He says in a different passage, “You are a kohen forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” In the days of His life on earth, Yeshua offered up both prayers and pleas, with loud crying and tears, to the One able to save Him from death; and He was heard because of His reverence. Though He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered.”
Hebrews 7:23-27 (TLV) “Now on the one hand, many have become kohanim, who through death are prevented from continuing in office. But on the other hand, the One who does remain forever has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, always living to make intercession for them.”
“For such a Kohen Gadol was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need to offer up sacrifices day by day like those other kohanim g’dolim—first for their own sins and then for the sins of the people. For when He offered up Himself, He did this once for all.”
Importance of Observing Yom Kippur or The Day of Atonement
When we read Leviticus 23, YHWH uses the words “remember” or “memorial” to emphasize the importance of His appointed Holy Convocations. By obeying YHWH’s commands, we set aside this day every year to do just that: remember. We remember that it is not man but God Himself who is our High Priest. He was, is, and will always be the only permanent High Priest qualified to make atonement for our sins and reconcile us to our Heavenly Father.
When we obey the command to observe Yom Kippur, God’s word comes alive for us, our families and our children. Through the observance of Yom Kippur, we are blessed with a real-life, living experience of God’s love and goodness towards us. We get to see the curtain torn, Yeshua (Jesus) entering the Holy of Holies, and pouring His blood on top of the Ark of Covanent for our sins.
Interestingly, the top of the Ark of the Covenant is sometimes referred to as the “Mercy Seat.” By the blood of Yeshua, our Father in Heaven have mercy, for we are stained with the blood of the perfect, unblemished, sinless Lamb, His Son, His own body, Yeshua.
“Observing Yom Kippur through a scriptural lens keeps the connection to these foundational truths alive, helping believers better understand the depth of God’s grace and forgiveness while living by His word.”1
Should Christians Observe Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement?
Yes. In fact, All believers should observe Yom Kippur. Passion for Truth Ministries with regards to Yom Kippur wrote, “Keeping this day is significant because it aligns believers with the Biblical call to humility, fasting, and reconciliation with God. Scripture emphasizes the need for atonement, showing that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), and Yom Kippur offers a powerful opportunity to focus on restoring a relationship with God through repentance and renewal.”2
How to Celebrate/Observe Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement
First, study Leviticus 23 for yourself and take your cues from our Abb, Father.
Here is a summary:
- Do not work on this sacred day. Take the day off work.
- Get together with others for a service of remembrance of our Great High Priest, Yeshua (Jesus)
- Gather your family for a time of worship
- Fast
- Give and offering
- Repent and ask for forgiveness
References
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