Cleansing and Forgiveness

Today at sundown begins one of the most sacred days on God’s calendar: Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. God Himself established this special day after the Israelites left Egypt (Leviticus 16:29). He directed that everyone was to examine their lives. No one could work or eat. Nothing was ordinary. This day was most holy to the Lord.

In later years, synagogues often read Isaiah 58 on Yom Kippur because this chapter focused on being clean. It was not enough to desire to be clean. They had to demonstrate that their desire was genuine by making practical changes.

These were essential principles to God. He promised to answer their call and bless their lives if they truly were sorry for their sins, made real changes, sought to restore broken relationships, and heal wounds caused by their words and deeds. God would answer them if they used their resources to minister to the needs of people.

This day still is special to God. He is holy and wants to bless His people. But He reminds us that we cannot receive these blessings if our lives are polluted by sin.

Remember, God wants to bless you. Let Him search your heart and mind. Commit to being clean in His sight. Confess your sins, and receive His forgiveness. Seek to minister to others and restore broken relationships. Obey His Word. Then rejoice in the freedom that is yours through Christ!