Christ and the Day of Atonement

During the Ten Days of Repentance, and in preparation for the Day of Atonement, we should reach in to a new level of appropriation of all that Christ has already done for us. We must approach this day not thinking that there is still something to be done, but in faith we must appropriate what has already been provided for us. Christ said that He was the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). And in Hebrews we also read that we are supposed to have confidence to enter the holy place by a new and living way (Hebrews 10:19-20).

In preparation for the Day of Atonement the High Priest had to sacrifice for himself, for his household, and for the entire assembly of Israel (Leviticus 16:17, 33). We believe that Christ is both the high priest and the sacrifice made for each one of us (Hebrews 7:27; 10:10). We also believe that He is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. Christ also said that He was going to prepare a place for us. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you (John 14:2). Another way to see this is that He is waiting for us to enter in through the way that He opened for us as a forerunner (Hebrews 6:19-20).

The sacrifice has been made; the way has been opened; now we must enter in with confidence. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). During these days of repentance we come with thankfulness for the perfect provision for our needs, and at the same time we repent of our partial appropriation of everything Christ has done for us.