ATONEMENT: WHEN THE EARTH STOOD STILL

“And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.” (Leviticus 16:33, KJV)

ABSTRACT

The Day of Atonement stands as a profound emblem of divine judgment, cleansing, and reconciliation, revealing God’s intricate plan to eradicate sin, restore harmony between humanity and divinity, and prepare the community for eternal joy through Christ’s ongoing intercessory work in the heavenly sanctuary, while calling us to introspection, responsibility, and love toward one another in anticipation of His return.

DAY OF DESTINY DAWNS!

Imagine a day when the very air crackles with divine tension, a day when the fate of a nation hangs in the balance. This was the Day of Atonement, a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, a solemn occasion that transcended mere ritual. “And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: 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.” (Leviticus 16:29-30, KJV) The gravity of this day is further emphasized by the stern warning: “For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.” (Leviticus 23:29, KJV) Ellen G. White illuminates the multifaceted nature of this day, stating, “The work of the day of atonement was a work of cleansing. It was a work of putting away from Israel the uncleanness that had defiled the camp. The work of the day of atonement was a work of judgment. It was a work of separating between the righteous and the wicked.” (Signs of the Times, May 5, 1881) Moreover, she adds, “The work of the day of atonement was a work of reconciliation. It was a work of bringing Israel into a state of unity with God. And this work of reconciliation is the work that Christ is carrying forward in the heavenly sanctuary.” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, p. 119, 1990) Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. This solemn day demands heartfelt repentance and self-examination from the community. Scripture also highlights this with “It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.” (Leviticus 16:31, KJV) and “Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.” (Leviticus 23:27, KJV) Sr. White further explains, “The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin; it would stand on record in the sanctuary until the final atonement.” (The Great Controversy, p. 420, 1888) and “Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. ‘With His stripes we are healed.’” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898) It wasn’t just a ceremony; it was a divine audit, a courtroom drama where the very soul of Israel was laid bare. But how do the trumpets signal the approach of this sacred reckoning?

TRUMPETS THUNDER!

Think of the trumpets as a celestial alarm, a call to attention before the divine court. “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD.” (Leviticus 23:23-25, KJV) This wasn’t just noise; it was a signal, a divine countdown to the solemnity of the Day of Atonement. And as the final trumpet blares, the heavens themselves echo with the declaration: “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15, KJV) Sr. White connects this ancient practice to the three angels’ messages, saying, “The sounding of the trumpet was to call the people to a solemn assembly, to prepare their hearts for the work of the great day of atonement, which was soon to follow. So the message of the third angel is a warning to prepare the people for the judgment which is to take place in the heavenly sanctuary.” (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p. 259, 1884) She further clarifies, “The blowing of the trumpets was a signal to the people to assemble before the Lord. So the messages of the three angels are a signal to the people to assemble before the Lord, to prepare for the judgment.” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, p. 120, 1990) Preparation requires urgent self-reflection and readiness from us. The Bible further supports with “Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the LORD your God.” (Numbers 10:10, KJV) and “Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.” (Psalm 81:3, KJV) Sr. White also states, “The sounding of the trumpets manifestly denotes the order of the commencement, not the period of the duration of the wars, or events, which they represent.” (The Sounding of the Seven Trumpets of Revelation 8 and 9, p. 68, 1859) and “Trumpet after trumpet is to be sounded, vial after vial poured out one after another upon the inhabitants of the earth. Scenes of stupendous interest are right upon us.” (Selected Messages, vol. 3, p. 426, 1980) These trumpets were a stark reminder that judgment was coming, a call to introspection and preparation. But who stands as our advocate in this heavenly courtroom?

HIGH PRIEST HERO!

Picture the high priest, alone, entering the Most Holy Place, a solitary figure representing the entire nation before God. “But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people.” (Hebrews 9:7, KJV) This act foreshadowed the ultimate High Priest, Christ, who entered heaven itself. “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” (Hebrews 9:24, KJV) Sr. White illuminates this connection, stating, “The high priest alone entered the most holy place once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people. So Christ, our High Priest, entered once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (The Great Controversy, p. 418, 1888) She further explains, “The high priest’s entering into the most holy place once a year to cleanse the sanctuary represented the work which Christ is now doing in the heavenly sanctuary. He is pleading the merits of his blood before the Father in behalf of sinners.” (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p. 259, 1884) Intercession relies on Christ’s selfless advocacy for the community. The Word of God likewise declares “And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.” (Leviticus 16:2, KJV) and “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Hebrews 9:12, KJV) Sr. White additionally notes, “The priesthood of the worldly Sanctuary of the first covenant belonged to the sons of Levi; but that of the heavenly, of the better covenant, to the Son of God.” (The Sanctuary, p. 54, 1857) and “I saw the Father rise from the throne, and in a flaming chariot go into the holy of holies within the veil, and sit down…. Then a cloudy chariot, with wheels like flaming fire, surrounded by angels, came to where Jesus was.” (Early Writings, p. 251, 1882) This solitary entry symbolized Christ’s intercession, a powerful reminder of his ongoing work for us. But how does the ritual of the two goats illustrate the fate of sin?

GOATS OF GLORY!

Imagine two goats, one chosen for the Lord, the other for Azazel, a stark illustration of the complex nature of atonement. “And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.” (Leviticus 16:7-8, KJV) The scapegoat, bearing the sins of Israel, was sent away into the wilderness. “And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.” (Leviticus 16:22, KJV) Sr. White clarifies this symbolism, stating, “When, by virtue of the blood of Christ, the sins of the penitent are blotted from the records of heaven, they are to be borne away to the originator of sin. The scapegoat, bearing the sins of Israel, was sent away into a land not inhabited. So will Satan bear the guilt of all the sins which he has caused God’s people to commit.” (The Great Controversy, p. 422, 1888) She further explains, “The sending away of the scapegoat represented the sending away of Satan, the originator of sin. He will bear the guilt of all the sins which he has caused God’s people to commit.” (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p. 264, 1884) Guilt transfers through divine justice to its true source. The Bible further supports with “And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD’s lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering.” (Leviticus 16:9, KJV) and “But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.” (Leviticus 16:10, KJV) Sr. White also affirms, “On the Day of Atonement two kids of the goats were brought to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. The Lord directed, ‘Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat. And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the Lord’s lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 355, 1890) and “The chief service of the day was the offering of the goats. Two goats were selected as much alike as possible. They must be without blemish. Aaron presented them before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle, and lots were cast over them to determine which should be the Lord’s goat, and which Azazel’s, or the scapegoat.” (The Cross and its Shadow, p. 892, 1914) This ritual was a powerful depiction of the transfer of guilt, a foreshadowing of the ultimate judgment. But what final acts complete this sacred process?

SANCTUARY SWEEP!

The high priest’s duties extended beyond the Most Holy Place, encompassing the entire sanctuary, symbolizing the thoroughness of God’s cleansing. “And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.” (Leviticus 16:33, KJV) This work pointed to a greater cleansing, as prophesied in Daniel: “And unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” (Daniel 8:14, KJV) Sr. White emphasizes that this cleansing is a present reality, stating, “The cleansing of the sanctuary, therefore, as stated in Daniel 8:14, is the final work of Christ’s ministration in our behalf. It is the work which is performed preparatory to the second advent.” (The Great Controversy, p. 421, 1888) She further clarifies, “The work of the investigative judgment and the blotting out of sins is to be accomplished before the second advent of the Lord to the earth; therefore it is a work that is now going forward in the sanctuary in heaven.” (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p. 260, 1884) Cleansing demands complete purification through Christ’s ministry. Scripture also highlights this with “And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.” (Leviticus 16:19, KJV) and “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22, KJV) Sr. White additionally teaches, “The legal typical process of defiling and cleansing the Sanctuary through the agency of the priest has been examined.” (The Sanctuary, p. 97, 1857) and “He shall sprinkle of the blood, … and cleanse it, and hallow it. Now the priest could not have removed the idols out of the sanctuary by simply sprinkling blood on them. The blood only sanctified the sanctuary after the idols had been removed.” (In Defense of the Faith, p. 14, 1933) This ongoing work underscores the urgency of our preparation. But what personal response does this divine cleansing require from us?

SOUL SEARCH SURGE!

The call to “afflict your souls” was a summons to deep introspection, a time for soul-searching in the face of divine judgment. “For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.” (Leviticus 23:29, KJV) This call echoes the universal call to repentance: “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” (Acts 17:30, KJV) Sr. White illuminates the nature of this work, stating, “The work of the judgment is a work of searching and of separating. It is a work of separating between the righteous and the wicked. And this work of separation is to be done in the hearts of the people of God.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 690, 1889) She further clarifies, “The work of the judgment is a work of self-examination. It is a work of searching the heart, of confessing and forsaking sin.” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, p. 120, 1990) Self-examination drives true repentance within the community. The Bible further supports with “It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.” (Leviticus 23:32, KJV) and “And ye shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work therein.” (Numbers 29:7, KJV) Sr. White also declares, “Now in the Day of Atonement. We are now living in the great day of atonement, and we should teach the people that confession of sin should now be made, and repentance shown, by deep humility of soul, and forsaking of sin.” (Christ in His Sanctuary, p. 854, 1969) and “The day of atonement … shall be a holy convocation unto you. You shall afflict your souls. Offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord. You shall do no work in that same day; for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the Lord your God. Whosoever will not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. You shall do no manner of work; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and you shall afflict your souls.” (The Cross and its Shadow, p. 940, 1914) This soul-searching is not merely a ritual but a profound examination of our inner selves, a preparation for the divine scrutiny that is now underway. But what follows this solemn introspection?

TABERNACLES TRIUMPH!

Following the solemnity of the Day of Atonement, a time of rejoicing ensued, a celebration of God’s provision and mercy. “Also on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.” (Leviticus 23:39, KJV) This feast pointed to a future time of perfect communion with God: “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” (Revelation 21:3, KJV) Sr. White describes this feast as a time of profound joy, stating, “The Feast of Tabernacles was a season of great rejoicing. It was a time when the people were to remember the goodness of God, and to praise Him for His mercies.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 540, 1890) She connects this feast to the future joy of the redeemed, saying, “This feast was a type of the joy and rejoicing that will be experienced by the redeemed in the earth made new. Then the tabernacle of God will be with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.” (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p. 265, 1884) Rejoicing springs from God’s faithful provision for us. The Word of God likewise declares “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD.” (Leviticus 23:34, KJV) and “Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths.” (Leviticus 23:42, KJV) Sr. White further states, “The Feast of Tabernacles was the closing gathering of the year. It was God’s design that at this time the people should reflect on His goodness and mercy.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 2166, 1898) and “The Feast of Tabernacles was not only commemorative, but typical. It not only pointed back to the wilderness sojourn, but, as the feast of harvest, it celebrated the ingathering of the fruits of the earth, and pointed forward to the great day of final ingathering, when the Lord of the harvest shall send forth His reapers to gather the tares together in bundles for the fire, and to gather the wheat into His garner.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 541, 1890) The Feast of Tabernacles was a celebration of God’s presence, a foreshadowing of the eternal joy awaiting us. But how does this reveal the depth of divine affection?

LOVE’S LEGACY!

God’s love is the very essence of the sanctuary service, a love that transcends human comprehension. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10, KJV) This divine love is a mystery that even angels long to understand. Sr. White emphasizes this, stating, “The plan of salvation, with its vast comprehensiveness, its depths and heights, is fully comprehended by God alone. It is a mystery that angels desire to look into. The theme of redemption will employ the minds and tongues of the redeemed throughout the endless ages of eternity. The love of God, the matchless love of Christ, will be a theme for their deepest study and highest praise.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 740, 1889) She further articulates, “In the gift of Christ, God has poured out all heaven in one vast offering. The cross itself is a mystery to the angels, and will be such to all eternity. It is the theme of their wonder and their song.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898) Divine love manifests through sacrificial redemption for the community. Scripture also highlights this with “The earthly sanctuary was “a figure for the time then present,” in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices; its two holy places were “patterns of things in the heavens;” Christ, our great High Priest, is “a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.” (Hebrews 9:9, KJV) and “For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.” (Hebrews 8:3, KJV) Sr. White additionally explains, “God expressly directed that every offering presented for the service of the sanctuary should be “without blemish.” Exodus 12:5. The priests were to examine all animals brought as a sacrifice, and were to reject every one in which a defect was discovered.” (Christ in His Sanctuary, p. 221, 1969) and “Fathers and mothers should look on their children as younger members of the Lord’s family, committed to them to educate for heaven.” (From Heaven With Love, p. 2245, 1988) The intricate rituals of the Day of Atonement and the subsequent Feast of Tabernacles reveal a love that is both profound and sacrificial, a love that seeks to reconcile humanity to Himself. But what duty does this love inspire in us?

SACRIFICE SUMMONS!

In response to God’s immense love, our responsibility is to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, a complete surrender to His will. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1, KJV) This involves drawing near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22, KJV) Sr. White clarifies, “Our work is not to question, but to obey. We are to walk in the light as God has given it to us, and to leave the results with Him.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 191, 1889) She further explains, “True obedience comes from the heart. It was in the heart of Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him, we are but carrying out our own impulses.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 668, 1898) Surrender aligns our wills with God’s purpose. The Bible further supports with “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2, KJV) and “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25, KJV) Sr. White also states, “The injunction of the apostle is, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Keeping the commandments of God requires of us good works, self-denial, self-sacrifice, and devotion for the good of others.” (That I May Know Him, p. 2199, 1964) and “The silent, fervent prayer of the soul will rise like holy incense to the throne of grace and will be as acceptable to God as if offered in the sanctuary.” (E. G. White’s Quotations—Walk With God, no page, 1900) Our responsibility is to align our hearts with God’s, allowing His will to become our own. But how do we extend this love outward?

BURDEN BEARERS!

Reflecting God’s love, we are called to love and serve our neighbors, bearing their burdens and fulfilling the law of Christ. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, KJV) This love manifests in acts of mercy and compassion. Sr. White emphasizes this, stating, “True religion manifests itself in works of mercy and love. It teaches us to sympathize with the suffering, to comfort the sorrowful, and to minister to the wants of the needy.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 119, 1889) She further clarifies, “The work of Christ’s followers is not merely to preach the gospel, but to do good to others, to relieve the suffering, to comfort the sorrowful, and to minister to the wants of the needy.” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 104, 1905) Compassion drives practical service within the community. Scripture also highlights this with “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3, KJV) and “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:4, KJV) Sr. White additionally notes, “The heaviest burden that we bear is the burden of sin. If we were left to bear this burden, it would crush us. But the Sinless One has taken our place.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 329, 1898) and “It is labor that keeps the strong man strong. And spiritual labor, toil and burden-bearing, is what will give strength to the church of Christ.” (Ellen G. White Quotes, no page, 1900) Our responsibility is to extend God’s love to those around us, demonstrating His mercy through practical acts of kindness and service. But when does this divine reckoning unfold?

JUDGMENT JUNCTURE!

The judgment is not a future event but a present reality, a work of searching and separating that is currently taking place in the heavenly sanctuary. “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17, KJV) This reality is underscored by the message of the first angel: “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” (Revelation 14:6-7, KJV) Sr. White emphasizes the urgency of this time, stating, “The work of the investigative judgment is a work of searching and separating. It is a work of separating between the righteous and the wicked. And this work of separation is to be done in the hearts of the people of God.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 690, 1889) She further clarifies, “The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For years this work has been in progress. Soon—none know how soon—it will pass to the cases of the living.” (The Great Controversy, p. 486, 1888) Urgency compels immediate readiness from us. The Bible further supports with “But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.” (Isaiah 5:16, KJV) and “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31, KJV) Sr. White also teaches, “The righteous are to judge the wicked; yet the righteous are themselves to pass the test of the judgment.” (The Judgment. Its Events and Their Order, p. 14, 1890) and “Ellen White taught that the investigative judgment deals only with the names of those who, at sometime in their lives, have confessed their sins to God.” (The Investigative Judgment in the Writings of Ellen G. White, p. 69, 1990) This understanding calls us to a deep and immediate preparation, a readiness for the divine scrutiny that is presently underway. The Day of Atonement, with its intricate rituals and profound symbolism, reveals the very heart of God’s plan of redemption. “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.” (Hebrews 10:1, KJV) These shadows point to the ultimate reality, Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary.

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17, KJV)

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ATONEMENT: WHEN THE EARTH STOOD STILL

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