“Day of Forgiveness”

As we stand at the threshold between years, we're invited to explore one of the most profound practices in ancient Israel—the Day of Atonement. This wasn't just another religious ritual; it was a powerful annual reset, a divine opportunity for complete forgiveness and cleansing. Leviticus 16 reveals how the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies once a year to make atonement for all the people's sins, but this ceremony was merely a shadow of something far greater. When Jesus Christ became our ultimate High Priest, He didn't need to repeat this ceremony year after year—He accomplished it once and for all. The tearing of the temple veil from top to bottom signified that access to God's presence was now open to everyone who believes. What makes this especially relevant for us today is the call to keep 'short accounts with God'—not letting our sins pile up, but confessing them quickly and receiving His faithful forgiveness. As we close one year and begin another, we're challenged to embrace this same principle: seeking God's forgiveness for ourselves while extending forgiveness to everyone who has wronged us. It's about starting fresh, wiping the slate clean, and entering the new year unburdened by grudges or unconfessed sin. This is the beauty of atonement—complete cleansing, total forgiveness, and a fresh start available to all who come to Jesus.