A Christian Reflection on the Day of Atonement
The Day of Atonement invites us to rediscover the fear of the Lord, the gravity of grace and the joy of forgiveness.
A Christian Reflection on the Day of Atonement
Every Christian owes it to themselves to know and understand what the Day of Atonement is all about. The goal of our faith is forgiveness and reconciliation and all of that is based on the atonement that God offers us.
Leviticus 23:26-27
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “On exactly the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement; it shall be a holy convocation for you, and you shall humble your souls and present an offering by fire to the LORD.
For Christians, the Day of Atonement is not merely a ritual; it’s a living parable that points us to Christ. The high priest entered trembling, clothed not in his glorious robes but in simple linen garments (Lev. 16:4). This humility foreshadowed Christ’s first coming — not in majesty but in lowliness, taking on the form of a servant (Phil. 2:6–8). The hidden meaning here is profound: true atonement begins with humility before a holy God.
The two goats symbolize the dual work of forgiveness. One bore the penalty of sin through bloodshed, the other bore away sin into the wilderness. As Christians, both serve as reminders that Christ not only died to pay the penalty (Heb. 9:22) but also removed our sins “as far as the east is from the west” (Ps. 103:12). Forgiveness involves both payment and removal.
The requirement that the people “afflict themselves” (Lev. 23:27) teaches us that repentance is not to be taken lightly. It is a turning of the whole heart, a laying down of pride and an earnest desire to be cleansed. The Day of Atonement calls us to examine ourselves, confess our sins, seek reconciliation with others and rejoice in Christ’s finished work.
As we walk through these Ten Days of Awe leading us to tomorrow’s Day of Atonement, we should ask: Do I live as though sin is weighty and holiness is beautiful? Do I approach God casually or with reverence? The Day of Atonement invites us to rediscover the fear of the Lord, the gravity of grace and the joy of forgiveness.
