What connections exist between Leviticus 23:28 and New Testament teachings on atonement? Setting the Scene: Leviticus 23:28 “ ‘You must not do any work on that day, for it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the LORD your God.’ ” Essential Observations from the Verse • A fixed, God-appointed day • Absolute rest—no work allowed • Atonement accomplished “for you,” emphasizing substitution • Performed “before the LORD,” highlighting God’s holy presence and approval New Testament Echoes and Fulfillment • Once-for-all sacrifice – Hebrews 9:12 “[Christ] entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” – Hebrews 10:10 “By that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” • Substitutionary aspect – 2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” – 1 Peter 3:18 “For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” • Divine initiative—atonement made “for you” – Romans 5:8 “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” • Holy presence satisfied – Hebrews 9:24 “For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary… but heaven itself, now to appear in God’s presence for us.” Parallels Between Yom Kippur and Calvary • High priest vs. Great High Priest – Levitical high priest entered the earthly Holy of Holies once a year. – Jesus, the “great high priest” (Hebrews 4:14), enters the heavenly sanctuary. • Animal blood vs. Christ’s blood – Leviticus 16 details animal sacrifices to cover sin temporarily. – Hebrews 9:14 “How much more will the blood of Christ… cleanse our consciences from dead works?” • Annual observance vs. completed act – Yom Kippur repeated every year. – Hebrews 10:12 “After He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, He sat down at the right hand of God.” • Sabbath-like rest vs. gospel rest – Physical cessation from labor (Leviticus 23:28). – Hebrews 4:9-10 points to a spiritual rest for believers who cease from their own works and trust Christ’s finished work. Results of the Perfect Atonement • Forgiveness of sins—Acts 13:38-39 • Reconciliation with God—Colossians 1:20-22 • Bold access to God—Hebrews 10:19-22 • Freedom from guilt—Romans 8:1 • Call to live holy lives—Titus 2:14 Living in the Light of Fulfilled Atonement • Rest in Christ’s completed work rather than striving for acceptance. • Approach God with confidence, knowing the atonement “has been made for you.” • Celebrate the substance, not merely the shadow (Colossians 2:16-17). • Proclaim the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) so others may enter this rest. |
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