What A Day!

What A Day! Understanding Atonement

Bible Passage: Leviticus 16:11-19

Summary: This passage describes the Day of Atonement, focusing on the sacrificial procedures that the priest must follow to atone for the sins of the people, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the necessity of sacrifice.

Application: This sermon can help Christians understand the magnitude of their sins and the depth of God's forgiveness. By recognizing the sacrificial system's significance, individuals can grasp the gravity of their repentance and the joy of atonement in Christ.

Teaching: This sermon teaches the importance of atonement in God's plan and illustrates how the sacrificial system points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the need for confession and the assurance of forgiveness.

How this passage could point to Christ: The procedures outlined in Leviticus directly foreshadow the sacrifice of Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who offers Himself for humanity's sins, fulfilling the need for atonement outlined in the Old Testament.

Big Idea: On this Day of Atonement, we see God's plan for redemption revealed, reminding us of the weight of sin and the joy of being forgiven through Christ's sacrifice.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider exploring the typology of the sacrificial system in the Old Testament and its fulfillment in Christ using your Logos library. Investigate how the concepts of purity and holiness are intertwined with sacrifice and atonement, as well as examining scholarly interpretations of the Day of Atonement's significance in both ancient and contemporary contexts.

1. Preparation and Purification

Leviticus 16:11-14

Maybe consider how these verses describe the preparation of the priest before entering the Holy of Holies as a way to illustrate the seriousness of approaching a holy God and the necessity of purification. This can lead to a deeper understanding of how Christ, our high priest, perfectly mediates between God and humanity, fulfilling this role and granting us access to the Father.

2. Sacrifice and Sins

Leviticus 16:15-17

You could highlight how the sacrificial offering for the people's sins, as described in these verses, points us towards Christ's ultimate sacrifice. This act highlights the seriousness of sin and the grace of atonement available through Jesus, encouraging us to confess and repent while embracing the freedom Christ offers.

3. Cleansing and Newness

Leviticus 16:18-19

Perhaps emphasize the significance of sprinkling blood on the altar, signifying cleansing and sanctification. This vivid imagery foreshadows Christ's bloodshed for our purification, reminding us of the joy of forgiveness and the call to live in holiness. This invites the audience to reflect on their walk with God, encouraged by the promise of being made new in Christ.

Consider a courtroom setting where a judge must pass sentence on a guilty defendant. As the verdict is about to be announced, the defendant’s advocate steps forward, offering to serve the punishment on their behalf. This emotional scene mirrors the Day of Atonement. Just as the high priest would plead for mercy through sacrifice, we have an Advocate in Christ, who took our guilt upon Himself, highlighting why understanding this day is crucial – it reveals the profound love and justice of God.

On the Day of Atonement, the entire nation of Israel would collectively reflect on their sins. Imagine an entire village, coming together in humility; each person acknowledging their failures. They would see the high priest make intercession, signaling their shared need for forgiveness. This day reminds us that understanding our collective sinfulness and God’s provision for atonement emphasizes community accountability in faith, sparking a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God and each other.