How does the concept of "atonement once a year" connect to Christ's sacrifice? The Old Testament Pattern: Atonement Once a Year “Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on its horns. Throughout your generations he is to make atonement on it with the blood of the sin offering of atonement. It is most holy to the LORD.” (Exodus 30:10) • God established a single, special day—later detailed as the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29-34)—when the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place. • Blood from the sin offering was sprinkled on the mercy seat, covering Israel’s sins for the past year. • The command is explicit: “atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelites” (Leviticus 16:34). Why the Yearly Ritual Was Needed • Sin continually separated the people from their holy God (Isaiah 59:2). • A fresh cleansing was required because animal blood could only “cover” (literally “kaphar”—to cover) but never eradicate guilt (Hebrews 10:1-4). • The high priest himself was a sinner (Leviticus 16:6), so repeated sacrifice underscored humanity’s ongoing need. Built-In Limitations Pointing Beyond Itself Hebrews 9:7 summarizes: “Only the high priest entered the second room, and he did so only once a year, and never without blood.” • Restricted access—just one man, one day. • Temporary effect—sins addressed for twelve months, then the cycle started again. • Ongoing reminder—each return trip proclaimed the work was unfinished. Christ Fulfills and Surpasses the Pattern • Hebrews 9:12: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” • Hebrews 7:27: “He sacrificed for sins once for all when He offered up Himself.” • 1 Peter 3:18: “Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” How the connection unfolds: 1. Frequency • Old covenant: annual. • Christ: one decisive act, never repeated. 2. Priest • Old: sinful man needing personal sacrifice. • Christ: sinless High Priest (Hebrews 4:15). 3. Sacrifice • Old: blood of goats and calves. • Christ: His own precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). 4. Result • Old: temporary covering. • Christ: “eternal redemption” and perfected conscience (Hebrews 9:14; 10:14). Living in the Reality of Full Atonement • Confidence—“We have boldness to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). • Freedom from yearly guilt—no lingering question marks; His work is complete (John 19:30). • Ongoing worship—gratitude replaces anxiety; we draw near “in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22). The once-a-year atonement was God’s gracious shadow; the cross is the substance. Because Jesus offered Himself once for all, the barrier of sin is forever removed, and we stand forgiven, cleansed, and welcomed into His presence. |
    |