In what ways can we seek personal atonement today, reflecting Leviticus 16:33? Understanding Leviticus 16:33 “He is to make atonement for the Most Holy Place, for the Tent of Meeting, and for the altar, and for the priests and all the people of the assembly.” In Israel, one man—the high priest—entered the Most Holy Place once a year with sacrificial blood. The scope was total: sanctuary, priests, and people, revealing God’s desire to cover every layer of life with cleansing. Atonement Accomplished in Christ “But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come… He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:11-12) “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7) Jesus fulfills the Day of Atonement: one sacrifice, once for all, with permanent access into God’s presence. How We Seek Personal Atonement Today • Acknowledge the Need – “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.” (1 John 1:8) • Confess and Turn – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.” (1 John 1:9) – “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away.” (Acts 3:19) • Trust the Finished Work – “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree.” (1 Peter 2:24) • Enter God’s Presence by Faith – “Since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…let us draw near.” (Hebrews 10:19-22) • Walk in the Light for Ongoing Cleansing – “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) • Offer Daily Obedience – “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” (Romans 12:1) • Reconcile with Others – “First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24) – “God…gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18) Living Out Atonement Daily Depend on the Spirit: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) Practice spiritual disciplines—Scripture intake, worship, fasting, and fellowship—to stay sensitive to sin and responsive to grace. Celebrate Communion regularly; the cup and bread keep Christ’s atonement front-and-center (1 Corinthians 11:26). Encouragement to Persevere The Day of Atonement pointed ahead; the cross has fulfilled it. Keep coming, keep confessing, keep trusting—because the blood that once cleansed the tabernacle still speaks a better word over every believer today. |
    |