It is the season of festivals, therefore we are going to look at festivals in the bible – this week it’s the Day of Atonement.
The Day of Atonement was the only day on which the high priest could enter the tabernacle’s inner sanctuary and come before the ark of the covenant, according to Leviticus 16.
First, the high priest had to observe purifying rituals and dress in special white clothing. He then burned incense before the mercy seat and offered sacrifices for himself, his family, the nation of Israel, and even the tabernacle and altar.
A lottery between two goats was held. One goat was condemned as a sin sacrifice for the nation, and the remaining goat was called the scapegoat.
With his hands held on the head of the scapegoat, the high priest confessed nation’s sins. The scapegoat was then taken to the wilderness and released, symbolizing the removal of sin.
In the New Testament we find that Jesus has offered himself as the sacrifice so our sins are forgiven.
As we have been forgiven, so we should forgive others.