Saturday, October 25, 2008

A "Day of Atonement" For Christians

October 11 2008 saw the Jews celebrate Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. This day was set by God when the Jews were in the Sinai desert after they fled Egypt.
Moses had been given detailed instructions on the design and furnishings of the Tabernacle/Sanctuary as well as specific instructions about the services; both day-to-day and yearly.
Without fear of contradiction I will say that the most important yearly service was the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) the day when atonement was made for the sins of all the children of Israel.
Sadly, the Jews lost sight of, or never saw, or refused to see, the meaning of this day. In Hebrews chapter four the writer says that the Gospel was preached to the Jews in the desert just as it was taught by Christ, his disciples, and those who followed.
Jesus Christ was and is the center of focus in the Sanctuary service. He was the symbol characterized by the sacrifice of a spotless lamb for sin. He was symbolized in the Shew bread ("I am the bread of life"). He was symbolized by the candles that lighted the Holy Place ("I am the light of the world.")
The entire plan of salvation was played out over the year in the tabernacle services. At the final service, there is symbolized the judgement and the destruction of sin. Two goats were chosen; one for sacrifice and one to bear all the sins of Israel. when Arron finished offering the blood for the forgiveness of sin, he came out of the Most Holy Place, put his hands on the head of the sin-bearing goat (which represented Satan) which was led off into a desolate place and left in the desert.
If one believes the Old Testament has no meaning they need to read about Cain and Able. Able sacrificed a spotless lamb as God asked. Able brought the fruits of his garden (his works, if you please) which God rejected. God always rejects our works when we are so arrogant as to suggest that our righteousness is good enough to get us an "admit one" ticket to heaven.
The next place we find righteousness and faith in the OT is also in Genesis chapter [15:6] where we read that 'Abraham believed God and it is accounted to him as righteousness.'
All of these things are iterated in the Book of Hebrews, particularly chapter 11.
Question: Are we ready for the final Day of Atonement? It will come. It is coming. It was prophesied in the Old Testament, in the Sinai desert, in the Tabernacle, and it is underlined in the book of Hebrews.
Have you never heard of this? Don't take my word. Read the Word and let the Holy Spirit speak to you. God Bless! e.c.

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