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Day of Postponement
by Marc S. Handelsman
Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, but are our sins really forgiven? Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement was first recorded in Exodus 30:10, and amplified further in Leviticus 16:29-34 and 23:26-32. The first Yom Kippur sacrifices were performed in the Tabernacle and then in the First and Second Temples. After the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in A.D. 70, rituals in synagogues replaced annual Yom Kippur sacrifices. Nonetheless, it is clearly written that an annual atonement must be made with the blood of the atoning sin offering for the generations to come, and it is most holy to the LORD. (See Exodus 30:10) "For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you upon the alter to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that maketh atonement by reason of the life." (Leviticus 17:11, JPS) There are several reasons why the current observance of Yom Kippur is the "Day of Postponement of Atonement." No one will receive true forgiveness of sin without a blood sacrifice for atonement. Without a blood offering there is no payment for sin. Yom Kippur was to be followed exactly as God instructed Moses in the written word. God has not changed the rules, but people have altered them. It is written, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you." (Deuteronomy 4:2, JPS) The sacrificial system has been defunct for almost two thousand years. Prayers of forgiveness and acts of charity have become substitutes for blood offerings. Some well-meaning folks try to offer sacrifices to cover their sin by killing chickens. Current Yom Kippur observances are not enough to cover up the guilt of sin. As a result, Yom Kippur has become the "Day of Postponement." After the Second Temple was destroyed, the Jewish people were confronted with two challenges: either remain in compliance with God’s decrees, or formulate additional rules to compensate for the lack of an annual sacrifice. Thankfully, God provided a provision to continue with a blood offering for a genuine "Yom Kippur." In conclusion, an historical reality occurred which provided a way for the Jewish people and all mankind to have genuine atonement for sin. Approximately forty years prior to the end of the sacrificial system, God provided a sacrifice for all people. The historical events of the death, burial, and resurrection of Yeshua (Jesus) proved that God did not postpone our atonement. The only way to have your "Yom Kippur" is to place your trust in Yeshua (Jesus), alone, for your salvation. Finally, it is written, ". . . Here I am, I have come to do your will . . . And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus the Messiah once for all." (Hebrews 10:9-10, NIV)Marc lives in Pittsburgh, PA and graduated with a B.A. in History from the University of South Florida and earned a Diploma in Biblical Studies at the Friends of Israel’s Institute of Biblical Studies. His testimony has positively impacted the brethren at his church. You can read more about his testimony here. Copyright 2002
- Romans 1:16, NIV |