The Day of Atonement is held on the tenth day of the seventh month. It is our most solemn day of the year. It is a holy convocation and Sabbath of rest. We fast on the Day of Atonement and offer prayers for ourselves, our families, our church, the lost tribes of Israel and all of God’s saints throughout the world. Israel was commanded to afflict their souls, to fast, to bring an offering and to rest.
Throughout Israel’s history, many sacrifices and atonements were made for Israel, yet they continued to sin, they were not made clean.
Christ is our sin offering, one offering was made for our sins by Christ who did no sin. Israel made many fasts throughout the year, nationally and individually. Fasting symbolizes our ability to sacrifice the lusts of the flesh and to live a clean life. Through fasting we become closer and stronger to God. Christ’s example in the wilderness teaches us that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceededth from the mouth of God.
As long as we continue in this present state of battle and sacrifice and restraint, we are in a state of fasting and must continue to fast. When Christ comes, He will permanently blot out the sins on our Record book and we will enter into His feast. We will no longer fast. The Day of Atonement will turn into a joyous Feast Day.
On the Day of Atonement we remember Christ’s blood, purity and righteousness in our decorations of red and white. We wear the colors of the watchman and the color of Christ’s blood.
We have songs and presentations on fasting and atonement. We have foot washing. Our fasting concludes with communion. We follow with a light dinner and fellowship.