What is the significance of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)?

TL;DR:

The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was Israel’s most solemn day, a yearly ritual for the high priest to atone for the nation’s sins. Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice fulfilled this once-a -year system, offering believers complete forgiveness and direct access to God through faith in Him.

what does the bible say?

The Day of Atonement was instituted as part of the Mosaic Law God gave His people. Also known as Yom Kippur, it is the most holy, solemn day on the Jewish calendar, occurring annually on the tenth day of the seventh month (Tishri) in the Hebrew calendar. In the Old Testament, God made it clear that the Day of Atonement was the only day anyone, specifically the high priest, could enter the portion of the temple or tabernacle known as the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies. In Leviticus 16, Aaron, and subsequent high priests, were instructed to bathe and don special clothes, sacrifice a bull for the sins of the high priest and his family, and bring in two goats. One goat would be sacrificed on behalf of the Israelites’ sin and its blood sprinkled on the Ark of the Covenant. The high priest would put his hands on the other goat's head, confess the sins of rebellion and wickedness of the Israelites upon it, and let it go free into the wilderness. The goat symbolically bore and carried away the people’s sins.

Christians view the Day of Atonement as a foretelling of Jesus' death on the cross, which parallels the sacrifice of the first goat. His shed blood atoned for them all (Romans 5:9). Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice did not cover sins for only a year but was done once and for all (Hebrews 10:1–18). As the second goat took away the sins of the people, Jesus' propitiation did that as well (Hebrews 10:17-18). The annual sacrifice of animals is no longer required (Hebrews 7:23–28; Hebrews 10:1–23). On the cross, Jesus declared "It is finished" (John 19:30); one reason was that the sacrificial system of Leviticus was over.

from the old testament

God instituted the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16:1-34, also known as Yom Kippur. It is the most holy, solemn day on the Jewish calendar, occurring annually on the tenth day of the seventh month (Tishri) in the Hebrew calendar. The Day of Atonement points directly to the Messiah, Jesus.

from the new testament

Christians view the Day of Atonement as a foretelling of Jesus' sacrifice. He became the once-for-all sacrifice and the scapegoat for all who call upon Him (Hebrews 10:1-18).
Jesus' blood was shed, so the annual sacrifice of animals is no longer required (Hebrews 7:23–28; Hebrews 10:1–23).
On the cross, Jesus declared "It is finished" (John 19:30) for many reasons, but one was to say that the sacrificial system of Leviticus was over.
When Jesus declared it over, the curtain that separates the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple, "was torn in two, from top to bottom" (Matthew 27:51). Jesus made a way for anyone who puts their faith in Him to commune with God at any time because their sins have been sacrificed for and done away with (Hebrews 4:14-16; 10:19-23).
Romans 5:9 says, "Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God." Jesus' work is completed. In Him our sin is paid for and removed.

implications for today

Do you ever feel as if you’re always apologizing? Late for an appointment? “Apologies!” Bump into someone accidentally? “Sorry!” Forget a friend’s birthday? “Mea Culpa!”

The thing about human beings is we’re always making mistakes. Morally, we’re always sinning against a holy God. The ancient Israelites had a way of dealing with that—the Day of Atonement. Their sins were placed on two goats—one sacrificed and one set free. The Israelites were good to go . . . until the next year.

Jesus’ sacrifice changed all that. Because of Christ’s shed blood on the cross, those who place their faith in Him are covered in His righteousness once and for all. When we sin, as we will, we must repent, and Christ “is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness ” (1 John 1:9).

Christians today should share that good news of ultimate forgiveness in Christ with those who are still burdened by their sin. This could be Jews who still observe the Day of Atonement or anyone else who believes that works will save them. Christians should point them to the free gift of salvation found only in Christ.

understand

Yom Kippur was Israel’s yearly day to atone for sins through the high priest’s sacrifices.
The two goats symbolized sin removal and foreshadowed Jesus’ sacrifice on the Day of Atonement.
Jesus fulfilled the Day of Atonement once for all, giving believers direct access to God.

reflect

How does knowing Jesus fulfilled the Day of Atonement change the way you view your need for forgiveness?
How are you relying on Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice instead of trying to earn God’s favor through works?
How does the symbolism of the two goats help you understand the completeness of Jesus’ atonement for your sins?

engage

How does the Day of Atonement reveal God’s plan for salvation through Jesus?
What does the transition from the Old Testament sacrifices to Christ’s sacrifice teach us about God’s character and purposes?
How can we help others understand the freedom and access to God that Jesus provides compared to the yearly rituals of Yom Kippur?