Atoned!

Today beginning at sunset, Jews from around the world will commemorate Yom Kippur, the holiest and most important day on their calendar. But its principles remain true for everyone!

Yom Kippur means Day of Atonement. It was a day set aside to atone for the sins of the past year. It was so serious that no one could work or eat. Everyone was to pray, spend time in contemplation, and examine themselves.

As God designed this day, the high priest was to make atonement for his sins and the sins of other priests through a sacrifice of an animal. Then a scapegoat was sent into the wilderness, symbolically taking with it the sins of the people.

Through the symbolism of this day, we are reminded of all that Jesus has done for us. He sacrificed Himself, so we might be forgiven. While “it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins…we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:4, 10 NKJV).

Jesus then became our high priest. Like the scapegoat, He took our sins away “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12).

Today, seek to cleanse your heart and mind from sin. As you confess your sins, receive God’s forgiveness. Then rejoice in the freedom and victory that are yours through Christ!