Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement – is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, which completes the annual period known in Judaism as the High Holy Days. According to Jewish tradition God inscribes in a book each person’s fate for the coming year, sealing the verdict on Yom Kippur – September 26, 2012 on this year’s calendar.
So on September 27th, after 25 hours of fasting, prayers of repentance and observing many elaborate regulations, one hopes they have been forgiven of wrongs done against God and human beings.
The biblical summary for Yom Kippur is stated in Leviticus 16:34 , “This shall be a lasting ordinance for you: Atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelites.”
The High Priest slaughtered a young bull and a goat and sprinkled their blood on prescribed places to atone (cover) for sin. Another goat (scapegoat) was released into the wilderness to symbolically carry sin away.
A crucial question: Did Jesus or his Apostles observe the Day of Atonement? Answer: No. But Jesus fulfilled the symbolic enactment of Yom Kippur by personally becoming the sacrifice who reconciles God and man.
Isaiah looked ahead to the Messiah’s role [53:4-12] summarizing, “He bore the sins of many and made intercession for the transgressors.” Peter looked back, “He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross.” [1 Peter 2:24 NLT] Jesus put himself in our place and let our sins be counted as his.
This may clarify Jesus’ words when he offered the cup to his Disciples, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” [Matthew 26:28] Atonement for sin by Jesus’ blood.
Sins forgiven. Not just for one year, until the next Day of Atonement. And not just for Jews who participate in an annual ritual. But, including one vital element - for “those who have faith in Jesus.” [Romans 3:25,26]
We come to the Lord’s Supper in awe of what Jesus accomplished for us in shedding his blood, examining our personal motivations, and truly honoring his sacrificed body in the morsel of bread. In confident faith, the bread and cup proclaim our “at-one-ment” with God. [1 Corinthians 11:27-29]