Cleansed to Draw Near

The Day of Atonement · Yom Kippur

Leviticus 23:26–32 sets apart the tenth day of the seventh month for atonement, rest, holy assembly, and the affliction of the soul. Leviticus 16 explains the priestly ministry of cleansing associated with the day.

Sin is neither hidden nor trivial

Atonement teaches that fellowship with the holy God cannot be built on denial. Sin damages persons, community, and worship. The people humble themselves while the priest carries out the ministry God provides. Grace tells the truth and makes cleansing possible.

Jesus our faithful High Priest

Hebrews 9–10 presents Jesus as the faithful High Priest who enters once for all by His own blood and opens the way to God. Christians do not repeat His sacrifice. We draw near with confidence, confess honestly, receive cleansing, and practise reconciliation.

Read Leviticus 16 and Leviticus 23:26–32.

Read Hebrews 9:11–14 and 10:19–25.

Make space for confession, receiving mercy, and repairing a damaged relationship.