What Is Yom Kippur?
Today is one of the most solemn holidays observed according to the Biblical calendar.
In Hebrew, Yom Kippur is known as Yom Ha-Kippurim. Yom means ‘day’ and Kippur means ‘to atone’ (based off of root word) or ‘cover’. It is the Sabbath of Sabbaths.
According to the Hebrew calendar, Yom Kippur occurs on the tenth day of the month of Tishrel.
The Day of Atonement is the day where everyone comes before God with a heart of repentance and a mindset of reflection.
This reflection is of one’s life – that is to include one’s sins and all of the actions, thoughts, motives, etc. that falls in to the category of sin.
Yom Ha-Kippurim is the day where God makes His decision regarding our fate and what is to be in our lives for the new year.
The Sabbath of Sabbaths is the day to meditate and think on the things in life that were done that did not please God as well as those things that did please God.
On this day, the children of YHWH seek forgiveness of their sins from God.
If Jesus Died For Our Sins, Why Observe Yom Kippur?
As Christians, we know and believe that God the Father, sent His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to die on behalf of our sins – for we have all fallen short of His glory.
It is important to take note of the fact that God, Himself, loves us so much and is so merciful that He would provide one day of the year for us to truly repent before Him – in order to be covered from our sins.
Prior to Jesus’ arrival and crucifixion, this was a day that was held highly by the people of Israel.
It was a day that was proclaimed by YHWH as holy and His people were to observe this day by abstaining from food and not working for a 24-hour period.
This holy day was to be observed by the children of Israel from generation to generation.
Let’s look to the scriptures: In Leviticus 16:1-31, God gives Moses directions for Aaron and what he (and future priests appointed) needs to do in order for him, his family, and the people of Israel to receive Atonement for their sins.
And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness.
Leviticus 16:16
As Christians, we remember this day for it is a day anointed by God. The sacrificial offers of animals on the altar is no longer practiced because Jesus died as a ransom for our sins. He is the sacrificial lamb.
However, it is of holy reverence to observe the Day Of Atonement itself, the true meaning and purpose of the day – not just the act of fasting.
But, the most important part of it all – opening up our hearts to the Father in true repentance of our sins and remembering Jesus, his life, cross, death, and resurrection.
On this day, we remember the greatness and goodness of our God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the lamb that was slain for our sins.
I hope you enjoyed the read. Until next time, Toodles 💜.
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