1 John 2:2 says,

“He [Jesus] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”

Bless the Lord for becoming our atonement in Christ!

Moreover, the Day of Atonement in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) was a robustly significant celebration. Atoning for the people’s sins was only part of it’s significance. Historically, the Jews have seen Yom Kippur as a time for a sort of reset.

• They reset their attention on God’s will, recognizing how far they had swayed from God over a single year’s time.
• They reset their submission to God’s kingship, acknowledging their need for obedience to their supreme deliverer.
• They reset their commitment to obedience to God. It is so easy to become haughty and self-centered, falling into a life of disobedience to God.

I want to invite you to reflect with me on the Celebration of Yom Kippur (Atonement) in the Hebrew Bible in light of the current state of affairs in the United States and around the world. Our world is hurting.

We need a reset!

God presents to us a way forward in resetting:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Lord, may this nation and our world experience a reset in Jesus’ name. We cannot depend on human efforts and big promises. We need You, Lord, Amen!

Grace and peace,

Dr. Antipas