Imagine a world without deception, hatred, war or separation from God. It may seem impossible from what you see around you today, but the Bible reveals that such a world is coming—and the Day of Atonement helps explain how it will happen.
[Steve Myers] Imagine living in a world with no deception, no hatred, no war, no division between people, and no separation from God. Doesn't it seem impossible? Well, the Bible shows that such a world is just beyond today.
One of God's annual Holy Days helps you understand how it will happen. The Day of Atonement.
The Feast of Trumpets pictures Jesus Christ returning to this earth as King of kings. But His return doesn't immediately remove every influence that has deceived you and all humanity. Something else will still have to happen. For thousands of years, Satan has promoted rebellion, selfishness, confusion, and hatred.
Revelation 12:9 identifies Satan as the one who deceives the whole world. You live in a world shaped by that deception. You see its results every day. Broken relationships, conflict, suffering, separation from God. Isaiah 59:2 says, "Your sins have separated you from your God."
The Day of Atonement pictures the removal of that separation. Revelation 20 says Satan will be bound so that he can no longer deceive the nations. Imagine his influence will be removed. You can look forward to a time when humanity will finally have the chance to learn God's way without the continual pressure of Satan's deception.
You see, when Satan is removed, Christ's rule on earth will bring peace and unity, restoration. That's the essence of atonement, reconciliation being brought into harmony with God.
God commands His people to observe this Holy Day by fasting, which means going without food and water for a full day. Why would God ask you to do that? Well, because fasting reminds you of your weakness and vulnerability. It strips away your pride and helps you recognize that your physical strength, your own reasoning, and your determination cannot save you. You need God.
The Day of Atonement is not only about Satan's future removal. It challenges us personally right now. What stands between you and God? Is there a sin you justify, a habit you defend, an attitude that you're unwilling to surrender? You were never meant to remain separated from God. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, forgiveness and reconciliation are possible. God calls you to humble yourself, to repent, and draw near to Him.
The Day of Atonement, well, it points to a future world that will be at peace with God. But, it also asks a personal question. Are you becoming at one with Him today?
When you observe this day through fasting, worship, and reflection, you personally participate in the meaning of God's plan. You acknowledge your need for God, and you look forward to the time when the entire world will be reconciled to Him. The Day of Atonement is not some outdated ritual. It's a Holy Day filled with hope, meaning, and personal purpose. It reminds you that deception will end, sin can be forgiven, and reconciliation with God is possible. That makes it a day worth understanding and a day worth observing.
Two goats presented to the high priest. One sacrificed, the other released in the wilderness. Discover how the ancient rituals of the Day of Atonement reveal the gospel of Christ.
Explore the meaning of the Day of Atonement and how the fulfillment of this day gives us hope of unity and oneness being returned to the family.
Steve is the Operation Manager for Ministerial and Member Services of the United Church of God. He is also an instructor at Ambassador Bible College and served as a host on the Beyond Today television program. Together, he and his wife, Kathe, have served God and His people for over 30 years.
