Atonement — Why We Remember

Considering the role that the saints will play at Christ’s return, it becomes plain that Christians remember the day of Atonement to be better prepared to rule with Christ as kingly priests. So what lessons does the day of Atonement teach? What are the functions of priests that those God calls today need to be prepared to undertake? The example of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, make it plain that those who serve God must be knowledgeable and show appropriate respect. God has standards and expectations that we must be aware of, and there are consequences for disregarding God’s instructions when it comes to worshipping in spirit and truth.

The scriptures give physical instructions about the observance of atonement, and each of these rituals has great spiritual meaning. The Day of Atonement is rich in symbolism, that represents the covering of sin and the restoration of the relationship between humanity and God. Are we in a right standing with God, fulfilling our role in a productive relationship, so we can serve Him and bring others into a right relationship with God?