The Day of Atonement: Messianic Foreshadowing

Atonement

Atonement was made for all Israelites (Lev. 23:27–28).

Jesus Christ made an atonement for all.

High Priest

The high priest officiated on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16).

As the “high priest of good things to come” (Heb. 9:11), Jesus provides the infinite Atonement.

White Vestments

The high priest wore holy, white linen vestments (Lev. 16:4).

The “clean and white . . . linen” represents “the righteousness of the saints” (Rev. 19:8).

Sacrifices for Sins

The high priest sacrificed animals to make atonement for Israel’s uncleanness, transgressions, and sins (Lev. 16:6, 11, 15–20).

Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world (see Heb. 7:27); His sacrifice was “neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood” (Heb. 9:12).

Sacred Work on Own

No one accompanied the high priest to the Holy of Holies, where he made an atonement for the people (Lev. 16:15–17, 34).

Jesus trod the winepress alone (see Isa. 63:1–3) when He atoned for our sins.

Mediator

The high priest represented Israel before God (Lev. 16:3, 6, 11).

Christ the high priest represents us before God (see Heb. 7:26–27; 9:11; 1 Tim. 2:5).