The Feasts of God: The Day of Atonement

As the Day of Atonement drew near, ten days were set aside for prayers of repentance, and on the day itself the whole people fasted and turned their thoughts to God alone. The high priest first confessed his own sins and those of his household; then lots were cast over two goats, one to be slain as an offering and the other to be sent out into the wilderness. So much hung on this single day — the forgiveness of the whole nation’s sins — that one misstep in the ritual could render the entire sacrifice void.

Bearing the sins of the people, the goat was led away to a cliff in the wilderness and fell from it. Yet this did not mean that sin had been wholly taken away; it had only been set aside for a time. That is why the same sacrifice had to be offered again year after year, and it was into that very place that Jesus Christ came, through a cross offered once for all.

The temple, the priest’s garments and the whole ritual were accepted not because anyone was holy, but because they were kept according to the Word. Whatever people do, they cannot make themselves holy; only the blood of Jesus Christ makes them clean, once and for all. To believe this, and to live in repentance day by day as one washes one’s hands and feet, is the life this feast sets before God’s people.