The Day of Atonement
Yom Kippur brings the High Holy Day season to its most solemn point. The biblical background is found especially in Leviticus 16, where atonement, cleansing and the high priestly ministry are central.
For Christians, these themes naturally lead to Jesus and the conviction that forgiveness is received because of what He has done, not because we can make ourselves clean through our own effort.
Come with a humble and contrite heart. Repent of the things you have done wrong, knowing that I forgive, heal and restore.From the 2024 Day of Atonement message
The original 2024 reflection
This message centred on receiving forgiveness, allowing God to bring cleansing and healing, and responding to the Day of Atonement with humility rather than merely observing it from a distance.
Read the transcript
This evening marks the beginning of the Day of Atonement, the Feast of Yip po, when in Israel's history the high priest would go into the temple, would offer a blameless sacrifice for the sins of the people.
And the Lord says: "I am the One who paid the price. I am the One who gave My life once and for all as an atonement for your sins. Now it is up to you. Do you mark the door hosts with the blood of the Lamb? Do you receive My forgiveness? Do you receive My blessing? Come to me this day with humble and contrite heart. Repent of the things which you've done wrong, knowing that I forgive, that I heal, that I restore. Do not let this day pass, but let Me come and bring My healing presence. Let Me bring My forgiveness. Let Me bring My cleansing, healing bomm. Repent of the things which you've done wrong, and receive My forgiveness this day, for I am the One who paid the price, who paid it in full."
Look below for information about where to get your personal...