The Day of Atonement pictures an essential additional step in God’s salvation plan that must take place before humanity can experience true peace on earth. All people suffer the tragic consequences of sin; this Holy Day symbolizes the day when its true source is exposed and removed from humanity.
In biblical reckoning, days begin in the evening (Genesis 1:5), when the sun goes down (Joshua 8:29; 2 Chronicles 18:34; Mark 1:32), and are counted “from evening to evening” (Leviticus 23:32). Thus, all God’s festivals begin the sunset just before the dates listed in this table. For example, in 2025 Passover is observed on the evening of April 11, after sundown, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins the following evening, April 12. The festivals end at sunset on the dates given.
The Day of Atonement involves not only the forgiveness of sin; it pictures the removal of the primary cause of sin, Satan. It teaches us that Jesus Christ gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. It also points to the time when Satan will be bound for 1,000 years (Leviticus 16:29-30, Leviticus 16:20-22; Revelation 20:1-3). This Holy Day pictures our High Priest, Jesus Christ, making atonement for our sins, which allows us to be reconciled to God and enter into the "holiest of all" (Hebrews 9:8-14; Hebrews 10:19-20). By fasting on this day, we draw closer to God and picture the reconciliation of mankind to God. Christ is essential in this process as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-15; Hebrews 5:4-5, Hebrews 5:10) and as our eternal sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:26-28).
To read more about the Day of Atonement click the links below.
https://www.ucg.org/tags/atonement
