The Day of Atonement

Leviticus 16

The book of Leviticus outlines in great detail the sacrificial system which God instituted to help deal with sin, which is the biggest problem mankind has. The book centres on chapter 16 which is all about the Day of Atonement. The chapter consists of an overview of the Day of Atonement (vv3-10) and then each part of the ceremony described again in more detail (vv11-22).

There were three stages to the Day of Atonement:
Stage 1: Cleansing the high priest (vv3-6,11-14) This was the only time in the year when the high priest was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies. To enter into the presence of God he had to be cleansed of his sin. He did this by offering a bull as a sin offering for atonement for his and his family’s sins.

Stage 2: The first goat - the sin offering (vv7-9, 15-19) Once the high priest was cleansed he was able to enter the holy of holies on behalf of the people to make atonement for their sins. Two goats were presented to God (v7). Lots were cast for the goats and one was selected to be sacrificed as a sin offering (vv7,8). The goat was sacrificed, its blood taken into the Holy of Holies and sprinkled on the mercy seat (vv15-19). This blood made atonement for the sins of the people and meant that the people could receive God’s forgiveness.

Stage 3: The second goat - the scapegoat (vv10, 20-22) The second goat was then offered to God but this one was alive. The high priest laid his hands on the head of the goat and confessed the iniquities and sins of the people over it. The scapegoat was then taken away and released into the wilderness, bearing the sins of the people.

The two goats are a clear visual reminder of the seriousness of sin and point to how Jesus will deal with sin once and for all. Jesus’ blood was shed to provide cleansing for sin and as He bore the sins of the people He was removed from amongst them and taken out of the city. There He died in isolation with the sins of the people resting on Him.

Jesus was both the sin offering and the scapegoat providing both cleansing and removal of sin.

Further reading:    Hebrews 9:1-29

Worship video:

 

To think about:
We received forgiveness when we received salvation.    What freedoms have you received when you have forgiven others?

Creative Response:

Journal page by Bernice

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