The Day of Atonement

Elder Nelson Plasencia (and Family)

This is the second in a three part series on Jewish traditions and holidays by Nelson Plasencia, Elder.

The holiest day in Judaism is Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement. This year it begins Friday evening September 13. 

In Old Testament times, this was the only day in which the High Priest was allowed to stand in the presence of God. 

After having made a sacrifice; first on his own behalf, and then on behalf of the people; the High Priest would make his way into the Holy of Holies or Holiest Place where the ark of the LORD was kept. By reason of the blood he was then able to stand and make atonement for the sins of the nation. In the Holy of Holies he would stand in the very presence of the God of Israel. No one could come before His presence at any time except him who had been appointed High Priest, and then only once a year at a specified time, and only after having been ceremonially cleansed.

When Jesus died on the cross, Scripture tells us that the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Mat 27:51) thus signifying that the way into the true Holy of Holies was now open to all (see Heb 9:6-8). By reason of having put our trust in the blood of “the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), you and I can come Into His Presence and in His Presence, stand!

The Day of Atonement was not the Day of Judgment but the Day of Forgiveness. This was the only day in the calendar when the people were commanded to fast -- which means to abstain from food. Fasting was to be done as a sign of humility, in obedience to the Word of God (Lev 23:27). It is a declaration to God that we humble ourselves before Him and confess Him as the source of our sustenance, both physical and spiritual. In keeping with the Spirit of the Law, not necessarily the Letter of the Law, I invite you to fast for one morning this coming Sunday (September 15) as we worship together in His Presence!