RPG Adults
AN ATONEMENT FOR ALL!
SATURDAY, MAY 25
Leviticus 16
Romans 5:12-21
“For on that day shall the priest make an
atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may
be clean from all your sins before the LORD.”
AN ATONEMENT FOR ALL!
The offerings on the Day of Atonement were conducted by the high priest only. The significance was the atonement for all who lived in the Land of Promise which also included the holy sanctuary, the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, the priests, and all the people of the congregation. It was a day when the souls of everyone were afflicted. No work was to be done by all the Israelites and non-Israelites. The non-Israelites worked for the Israelites since only Israelites could own the Land. If God had permitted these non-Israelites to work, then it would be by default the Israelites who were working! They benefitted from their servants’ work. This day was the Sabbath of Sabbaths to Israel.
How was it an atonement for all? The Land of Promise was the domain in which this Day of Atonement applied. It did not apply to anyone outside of the Land. But once they were in the Land, they were bound by this observance. The significance was that the Land was a place of holiness. All who lived in the Land were reminded of their holy status. Israel was the place where the truth was revealed, taught and obeyed. It was the place where the door to heaven was found. Israel was reminded of this responsibility through the Day of Atonement. Outsiders were witnessed to of their need to be saved through Christ alone when they learned about the Day of Atonement and how it was observed by God’s people.
This atonement for all did not mean that all were saved, but that all could be saved. The truth of the Gospel was taught and vividly demonstrated by the Levitical system of sacrifices in God’s Word. To those who are born again in Christ, it reminds them of their day of atonement when they accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour. It will have a spiritual significance to those who are born again. To those who are not, it is only a holy day. Which group do you belong to?
MEMORISATION: Leviticus 16:3
PRAYER: May I never forget my day of atonement as I live for Thee, Father. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.