The Atonement By evelyn pointer

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.

To ‘atone’ means to reconcile or to restore to oneness with God.

Throughout Israel’s history, many sacrifices and atonements were made for Israel, yet they continued to sin, they were not made clean.

It is Christ’s blood, not the blood of animals that cleanses us from sin. All of those sacrifices for sin and atonements only pointed to what Christ did when He died for us.

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.

When we are born again, we kill that “old man” or life of sin and live a new life where we cease from sin.

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.

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”

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.

Our Solemn Ceremony includes: Prayer by family and $1.50 per person offering.

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.

CREATED BY

Melissa Pointer

Credits:

Created with images by Gavrailov - " Glowing cross" • Artem - "3d illustration of red blood cells erythrocytes close-up under a microscope in the body. Scientific medical background" • jchizhe - "Christian cross made with rusty nails, drops of blood on grey background. Copy space. Good Friday, Easter day. Christian backdrop. Biblical faith, gospel, salvation concept. Jesus Christ Crucifixion" • Tryfonov - "Snow in winter close-up. Macro image of snowflakes, winter holiday background." • Deemerwha studio - "Christian group of people holding hands praying worship to believe and Bible on a wooden table for devotional or prayer meeting concept."