Atonement Festival

The Festival of Atonement

In order to fully understand the meaning of the fifth festival, it is important to understand that the Creator God brought the Israelites out of Egypt because he had a job for them to do and a purpose for their existence as a nation. Moreover,  in order to help ensure the Israelites' success in what he had planned for them, God needed to dwell among them and guide them. In order for God to dwell among them, the Israelites had to maintain a certain level of sinlessness and physical purity. This study explains how national Israel was brought back into a condition of sinlessness and physical purity once a year during the Day of Atonement.

Atonement Rituals

In this study, the Day of Atonement rituals are examined using Leviticus chapter 16 as a guide to determine why God designed the Day of Atonement and why he required the high priest to enter the Most Holy Place once a year to perform the rituals of atonement.

The Festival of Atonement During the Gospel Age

The observance of the Day of Atonement during this age of salvation is very different from its observance under the original covenant with ancient Israel. Today, atonement is given through the redemptive power of Jesus Christ's sacrificial blood, which provides perfect, complete, and final atonement for all types of sins. This study examines the differences between the observance and meaning of the Day of Atonement past and present.

Sin and the Day of Atonement

It is virtually impossible to understand the literal, prophetic, and symbolic meanings of the Day of Atonement and the special rituals performed on this day without first understanding the concept and meaning of sin. This study clearly explains what sin is and why the rituals on the Day of Atonement were necessary in order for God to dwell among the Israelites.

Fasting and Cessation of Work on the Day of Atonement in Ancient Israel

This study shows why both Israelites and non-Israelites who were considered a part of the nation were commanded to fast and cease work during the Day of Atonement.

Should Christians Fast on the Day of Atonement?

This study explains why the elect of God who live during the gospel age are not obligated to fast on the Day of Atonement as ancient Israel did. 

Important Happenings on the Day of Atonement

This is a  list of important events that occurred on the Day of Atonement and are very interesting from both a historical and  prophetic point of view. Moreover, these events show the importance that God places on this day.