Day of Atonement

 

Daniel 8:14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

 

Sanctuary is referring the moving tent of congregation that Moses pitched in the wilderness under God’s instruction. We will exam the sanctuary service on the Day of Atonement shortly.

 

cleanse:

OT:6663 tsadaq (tsaw-dak'); a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense):

KJV - cleanse, clearself, (be, do) just (-ice, -ify, -ifyself), (be turn to) righteous (-ness).

 

From the definition, we can see cleanse means to clean, purify or to make right, to make righteous, to cleanse sins.

 

The cleansing of the sanctuary was to be performed in the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This is explained in Levitus 16 meaning the sanctuary is declared clean.

 

The events leading up to the Day of Atonement is of special interest. The Feast of Trumpet, the ten penitential days, Rosh Hashanah, the 1st day of the 7th month, Tishri, reaches climax with the Day of Atonement.

 

Moses made two silver trumpets. (Numbers 10:2).  These were to be blown at special times of solemnity or joy. They were to remind the Israelites of the power of the Lord their God (Num. 10:10). The trumpets were blown in conquests (at Jericho and against the Midianites). Those who went forward in faith, doing God’s bidding at the blowing of the trumpets, saw the deliverance of the Lord (Josh. 6:4,5; Judg. 7:19-23).

 

The blowing of the trumpets was relayed to all the land of Israel and warned that the Day of Atonement was approaching.

 

“The Day of Atonement (at one ment) is recognized by all the jews as the day of judgment.” (Baeck, L. 1948. The Essence of Judaism, p.167). “Yom Kippur is solemn and is regarded as a day of judgment ....” (Collier’s Encyclopedia, 1965, vol. 23, p.702).

 

Rev 14:6&7 announce the approaching of the God’s day of judgment in the First Angel’s Message.

In our antitypical world, about 10 years before 1844, there was a world wide revival among different denominations announcing the coming of the God’s judgment, the beginning of Adventism movement.

 

Our sanctuary doctrine on the Day of Atonement.

There are 7 annual Sabbaths. Like the New Year’s Day, Jan 1st, they all fall on different day of the week from year to year.

 

The daily sacrifices were not to be interrupted by Day of Atonement or any annual feasts. There was one in the morning, one in the evening. This represents God’s salvation continually available to man.

 

Different types of animals were offered for sin offerings (Lev 4&5). The animals all represented Christ. Dove: loving, lamb: obedient to Father’s will, Bull: laboring, patient,…. In addition to priests and congregation of Israel, the common people (non-Jews) were instructed to offer sacrifice (Lev 4:27). This indicated God’s salvation was not for Jews exclusively but for all mankind even before the death of Christ.

 

And priests partook the flesh of the sin offering in the size of olive---maintained by Jewish rabbis. It’s about the size our communion bread. This symbolizes Christ became sin for us.

 

The blood of the animal from the daily sacrifice was, some poured out at the base of laver, some imprinted onto the horns of altar, some sprinkled onto veils of the sanctuary before the Holy Place (Lev 4:17). Imagine in the hot desert, the odor of the blood in sanctuary would be very strong from all the daily blood offerings. Also, the sins were not merely forgiven and forgotten. Sins were transferred from the sinner to the animal. The blood that carries the sin was also transferred to the Holy Place. If the blood was only poured out and spilled at the base of altar or laver, we would have been of all man the most miserable. Christ ascended to heaven. And this was symbolized in the daily service.

 

Atonement for sins cannot be made without the shedding of blood (Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22). There are several aspects to the atonement:

Sacrificial atonement. When an animal (representing Christ) was sacrificed for sin, its spilt blood was regarded as making atonement (Exod. 29:36). When the sanctuary system of worship was initiated, the offerings were made in the courtyard of the sanctuary signifying that Christ would suffer and die on this earth (Isa. 53:4,5). Christ’s sacrifice was all sufficient (Heb. 10:12).

 

“Christ’s words on the mountainside were the announcement that His sacrifice on behalf of man was full and complete. The conditions of the atonement had been fulfilled; the work for which He came to this world had been accomplished” (White, E.G. 1940. TheDesire of Ages, p.819).

 

When we come to Him in faith, we are released from the guilt of sin and are regarded as if we had never sinned; we are justified (Rom. 5:1; 1 John 1:9).

 

Mediatorial atonement. Following the sacrifice of the animal victim by the penitent believer, the priest performed a work of mediation on behalf of the believer. The Scriptures clearly state that the priest (representing Christ) “made an atonement” (Lev. 4:20,26,31,35; 5:6,10,13,18; 6:7; 7:7). Since the priest did not participate in slaying the victim, we must conclude that the priest’s work was additional to the sacrificial atonement. This phase of the atonement was essential and took place in the first apartment of the earthly sanctuary. It consisted of sprinkling the blood (Lev. 4:5-7,16,17). [Sometimes the blood was not sprinkled in the holy place but a portion of the flesh of the sacrifice was eaten there to make an atonement - Lev. 6:26; 10:17]. This signified that the priest was mediating on the sinner’s behalf. The priest became a sin-bearer in type, representing Jesus.

 

These services represented Christ’s work in the heavenly sanctuary which He was able to undertake by virtue of His death. Christ is hence represented as having a work of mediation in the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary subsequent to His death on the cross (Acts 2:33; 1 John 2:1). The apostle Paul in the epistle of Hebrews informs us also that Christ has a work to perform in the heavenly sanctuary for us (Heb. 9:24). Indeed, we notice that

 

“Jesus is our High Priest in heaven and what is He doing? He is making intercession and atonement for His people who believe in Him. Through His imputed righteousness, they are accepted of God as those who are manifesting to the world that they acknowledge allegiance to God, keeping all His commandments” (White, E.G. 1962. Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p.37).

 

He has promised to give us help in time of need as we plead with Him (Heb. 4:14-16). The sanctifying influence of the Spirit of God in the life will transform us and make us like Christ in character (Acts 26:18; Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 4:6). The righteousness of Christ is imparted to us.

 

Judicial atonement. The work on the Day of Atonement was also a work of making atonement (Lev16:16,30). This work occurred in the second apartment of the earthly sanctuary. It is clear from Leviticus 16 that the work on this special day was a work of judgment (vs.29,30). The destinies of the people were settled on that day (Lev. 23:28-30). This represented the closing work of atonement. This was a time when the high priest made final intercession for all those who by their actions and attitudes signified that they wished to be identified with God’s people. The people may have sinned ignorantly; these sins were also represented before the Lord on this day. The work involved sprinkling the blood of the Lord’s goat on and before the mercy seat (Lev. 16:15). By this it was signified that the just demands of the law were satisfied by the shedding of the blood of the Lord’s goat which represented Christ. In the heavenly sanctuary, Christ entered into this final phase of ministry in 1844 (antitypical Day of Atonement or Judgment) to make final atonement for all who might be benefited by His ministry and for the sins which the people have committed in ignorance (Dan. 8:14; Heb. 9:7; White, E.G. 1950. The Great Controversy, pp.480; White, E.G. 1945. Early Writings, p.253). However, He does not cease His intercession on mankind’s behalf during this phase (Heb. 7:25). Jesus’ intercession on behalf of sinners (Rev. 3:5) ensures that the justice demanded by the law is satisfied by God’s mercy. Thus, the salvation of mankind is assured, as is the safety of the universe against sin arising the second time (Ps. 85:9,10; Nah. 1:9). The mediatorial and judicial aspects of Christ atonement represent His intercessory ministry in heaven. The earthly sanctuary was a pattern of the heavenly, and gives us significant insights into the principles of its operation (Heb.9:23,24; Ps. 77:13).

--- The Pattern of Salvation by Warren A Shipton and George D Jackson, Maranatha Media

 

The Day of Atonement falls on the 10th day of the 7th month, Tishri. It is the most sacred  of  the biblical calendar and is the only fast day of the calendar year. (Lev 23:32, Acts 27:9).  On this day, the high priest washed his body and clad in special linen garments (Lev. 16:2-5). The white linen garment symbolized Christ’s righteousness. And the high priest typified Christ.

 

Only once a year, on the day of Atonement, and only the high priest was allowed to enter into the Most Holy Place (Lev. 16:14,15). This regulation typifies Christ’s continual mediatorial ministry in the Holy Place and Christ judgment in the MHP in the endtime.

 

First the high priest offered a sacrifice (bullock) as a sin offering for himself and his house (Lev. 16:6). Aaron and his family had to be free from sin in order to be accepted in God’s service. This is because Aaron typified the believers before they enter face judgment.

 

After Aaron had interceded for himself and his family, the two goats were brought to the door of the sanctuary and lots were cast. The casting of lots determined which was the Lord’s goat (represented Christ) and which was not. The Lord’s goat was offered as a sin offering (Lev 6:9). Notice only one goat functioned as a sin offering . This offering was for all the people, but sin was not actually confessed over the head of the Lord’s goat (Lev 6:15). Carrying the blood of this goat, the priest entered into the most holy place.

 

The second goat was the “scapegoat” in Hebrew Azazel. When the high priest had made an end to making an atonement for the people and the sanctuary, he symbolically bore all the confessed sins of the congregation in his person. “Christ became sin (offering) for us.” He then placed all these sins symbolically on the head of the second goat. The scapegoat was then led away into the wilderness or land of separation (Lev 6:20-22).

 

This animal was not sacrificed by the shedding of blood, nor is the death of this goat in the wilderness mentioned. The scapegoat took no part in making an atonement for sin (Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22). The Azazel’s goat was a witness and originator and partaker of every sin. The sense in which the word atonement is used in relation to this goat must be viewed in terms of making “reparation for wrong or injury” (Lev 16:10) This represents Satan will ultimately bore all confessed sins and be chain in abyss (this earth desolate) for the millennium. What about the unconfessed sins? Each sinner will bore these sins themselves because they are not confessed and not atoned for. This is the unpardonable sin which is sin never confessed and turned away from.

 

This signifies that every sin is accounted for and price of sins are finally paid for. The believers of Christ are justified in eyes of God. Though the believers were justified when they accepted Christ’s death in their place, God reserved the record of sin by sprinkling and imprinting the blood throughout the sanctuary. It is by examining/investigating every record of sins, the believer is proven to the universe to have been justified in Christ. It is after this act, the record of sins are then eradicated through the act of sending the scapegoat into the wilderness and cleansing of the blood from the veils and sanctuary on this day.

 

One of the lessons learned from the Day of Atonement is that God forgives sin as soon as it is truly confessed and repented. However, the record of these confessed sins remains. This record must also be seen as a record of Christ’s forgiving acts. This is needed to show the accuser and all intelligent beings how sinner were justified for every sin. This record was finally dealt with once a year, when the blood of the Lord’s goat (no sin was confessed over this goat) was sprinkled on and before the mercy seat (Lev. 16:15). This act signified that mercy had satisfied the just demands of the law (the 2 tablets of law stored in the ark under the mercy seat). No record of sins remained at the completion of the ceremony on this day. It is then cast to the sea.

 

This annual ceremony teaches important truths about the heavenly sanctuary (antitype). The cleansing of the earthly sanctuary shadowed the ministry of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary(Heb. 9:23). The Day of Atonement took place before the Feast Tabernacle, Sukkoth. The first falls on the 15th of the 7th month. This indicates the investigative judgment takes place just before His second coming. And it becomes apparent that the record of believers’ confessed sins will be dealt with just prior to the close of this earth probation.

 

“As the priest entered the most holy place once a year to cleanse the earthly sanctuary, so Jesus entered the most holy of the heavenly sanctuary at the end of the 2300 days of Daniel 8, in 1844, to make a final atonement for all who could be benefited by His mediation and then to cleanse the sanctuary” (White, E.G. 1945. Early Writings, p.253).

 

At this time Jesus will make final atonement for His people, final intercession before the Father (Dan 7:9,10; Rev 3:5). In 1Timothy 5:24, we are assured that the confessed sins of the penitent believer are blotted out before the execution of judgment (when the Lord returns to give His rewards).

 

The general probation closes at the end of Day of Atonement after the judgment. However, the unrepentant sinner had already rejected God’s grace by refusing to accept and partake in Christ’s atoning sacrifice. Individuals who were “cut off” were separated from their brethren (as tares separated from wheat at harvest) and judged unworthy of the right to be called Israelites (Gen. 17:14; Exod. 12:15). Since they were no longer God’s chosen children, they were not entitled to the covenant which promises the eternal inheritance (Rom. 8:17; Gal. 3:29). The concept of eternal damnation is clearly taught by these texts, as in its severest application those who were “cut off” were put to death (Exod. 31:14).

 

There is no possible salvation after the close of probation as the multitude knocked on the door of the ark after it had been closed. It can not be re-opened. This is our present-truth message that we should all examine our lives and not to get ready but be ready in these last days.

 

Begin at Daniel 7, Daniel was given visions about Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome and Christ final victory. The vision was explained to Daniel. But Daniel was still troubled.

 

Continues in Daniel 8, two years later, the visions returned to Daniel as he was shown the ram, the goat, 4 horns and the little horn.

 

Daniel heard the question: how long shall the vision be concerning the daily sacrifice, the transgression of desolation….Daniel 8:13

 

The answer:

Daniel 8:14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

 

The explanation was given by Gabriel to to Daniel vs16-26. The vision is about the endtime vs17 & 19. But Daniel didn’t understand. For the ending of this prophecy was given but the beginning was not. He was greatly troubled and felt sick.

 

On to the first year of Darius the Persian king, as the 70years of captivity prophesized by Jeremiah nearing end, Daniel confessed his sins and sins of Israel and prayed to the Lord for his people. At the end of his prayer, Gabriel returned to finish the explanation of the 2300day prophecy.

 

Daniel 9

21 Yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the former vision, being caused to fly swiftly, came near to me and touched me about the time of the evening sacrifice.

22 He instructed me and made me understand; he talked with me and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give you skill and wisdom and understanding.

 

In most translations, vs21 is cross-referenced to Dan 8:16. As we recall, Dan 16-26, Gabriel explained the symbols of the ram, goat, the horns and explained the vision is for the endtime. Daniel understood none of that. For the time prophecy to be understood, now the starting point must be given.

 

23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

….

 

70 weeks was given as the beginning of the time prophecy. The word ‘determine’ comes the meaning: cut-off.

OT:2852 chathak (khaw-thak'); a primitive root; properly, to cut off, i.e. (figuratively) to decree:

 

70 week prophecy was the beginning portion that was cut-off from the 2300day prophecy.

 

When a bible prophecy is declared, it calls for attention, gives warning. It’s not for prediction, but rather when it came to pass, it validates the God’s authority and the bearers of the message.

 

Lets look at the historical fulfillment of the 2300 years prophecy.

 

We know that 70 week/490 year prophecy was fulfilled in history from 457BC to 34AD. God’s probation was closed/finished for the nation of Israel.

 

1260 year prophecy was fulfilled in history from 538AD to 1798AD when the papacy reigned supreme.

 

Having the same starting point as the 70 week prophecy, 2300 year prophecy ended in 1844. Did anything happen in 1844?

 

Lets first consult our ancient handbook of salvation, the earthly sanctuary.

 

There are 5 pillars before the veil of the holy place. And there are 4 pillars before the veil of the Most Holy Place. There are golden angels embroiled on the veil.

 

What we can see vividly is that before a believer meets God when the end comes, he sees the 3 angels.

 

The Three Angel’s message is shown in Revelation 14:6-11.

 

The Three Angel’s message:

The hour of judgment is near: worship the creator.

Babylon is fallen.

Repeats the 2nd angel’s message and warns against receiving the mark of the beast.

 

Now the question is: anything happened in 1844?

 

1. In type, beginning on the Feast of Trumpet, 10 days leading up to the Day of Atonement, trumpets were blown to announce the coming of Day of Judgment.

 

In antitype, beginning at 1833, the Millerites began to proclaim the 1st angel’s message in announcing the coming judgment hour.

 

2. Babylon has been identified and sins of Babylon exposed. This message is still being preached.

 

3. The 3rd angel’s message reinforces the 2nd angel’s message in intensity. This is what we refer as the ‘Loud Cry’. It warns against partaking the sins of Babylon and receiving the mark of the beast.

 

Clearly, there is no denial the 3 angel’s message before the judgment has been preached. So something did happen in 1844 on earth. We can’t see what happened in the heaven. But the bible again tells us in type, the high priest one a year entered into the Most Holy on the Day of Atonement.

 

Lets look at whatelse happened around that time.

 

There are no counterfeit 3 dollar bills. 1. 3 dollar bill does not exist. 2. It has little value. Devil counterfeits everything from God. The greater the importance, the greater intensity of war Devil wages on it.

 

Did the Devil wage a war on the 3 angel’s message religious movement that began around 1844?

 

We know the Devil waged wars on Reformation with great measures.

 

The Jesuit order was founded to counter-act the reformation.

Jesuit inspired Futurism to divert people from biblical interpretation of prophecies.

Renaissance and Medici learning(secular learning) were started to complete with bible learning.

 

The late 1700s, the effort intensified.

 

Freemasonary was established.

Meritorious Order of Rosy Cross or Rosicrucian was established.

Order of Illuminati was established by Jesuit priest Adam Weinshaupt.

The Jacobin Club was founded, later called the League of Just.

Illuminati’s planned, financed and orchestrated French Revolution where God and the bible were thrown out and goddess of Reason of Liberty was worshipped.

 

The year 1844 was particularly interesting. No other year in history where so many important historical events took place.

 

1842, Karl Marx joined the Jacobin Club.

1844, Karl Marx started writing the Manifesto of Communism. Published in 1846.

1844, Sinaitic Text was ‘discovered’ at Mt. Sinai in the monastery of St. Catherine church. Sinaitic Text or Codex Sinaitic is the foundation of all modern (corrupt) translations.

1844, Persian Prophet The Báb announces His revelation, founding Bábism. He announced to the world of the coming of "He whom God shall make manifest." The Baha’i Faith (another Luciferianism) advocates unity of religions. The Baha’i Faith is upheld as the moral standard of United Nations.

1844, Influential North American fraternity Delta Kappa Epsilon is founded at Yale University.

1844, During a meeting held in Nauvoo, the Quorum of Twelve, headed by Brigham Young, is created as the leading body of the Mormon Church.

1844, Charles Darwin began writing the ‘mystery of mysteries’: the Origin of Species.

 

There are only two major movements in the world today: message of unity in the name of love and peace; the message of separation calling God’s people to come out of the Spiritual Babylon.

 

Against the 1844 religious movement, the Devil waged a total onslaught on Jesus Christ and His people. But God’s purpose is being fulfilled and He is in control. It’s comforting to know that we truly live in the time of the end. This is our sanctuary message. When the Third Angel’s message is loudly proclaimed. The latter rain will surely fall on us.