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Duty of the Congregation on the Day of Atonement
I. Introduction: Review
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:10
1. We came to the question of what is the duty of congregation on the Day of Atonement.
a. God expects the people to serve Him every day of the year. Romans 6:16-18.
(1) But there are special requirements on the Day of Atonement.
b. So it is in this Day of Atonement on this side of 1844 that God has special requirements that are different than in any other age.
2. The congregation is not accepted as a whole but individually. Leviticus 23:29, 30.
a. "So today each one answers for himself before God. We must not content ourselves by doing just as our fathers did, who passed away before the judgment opened in the court of heaven. God requires special service of His people now. They are to live while their cases are being decided in heaven, and Satan brings to bear upon the last generation, which are weaker physically than any previous generation, all the wisdom he has gained in a six thousand years’ warfare." Cross and Its Shadow, p. 221:1.
b. The matter is so serious because, as we studied last time, we will have to live without a Mediator.
c. This experience, being without a Mediator will be different than any other since the beginning of world (with sin).
d. "There are many reasons why God in His infinite mercy has enjoined special duties upon the last generation, that they might be more strongly fortified against the attacks of the enemy, and not be overthrown by his devices." Cross and Its Shadow, p. 221:1.
e. The individual who did not keep that day as commanded was cut off. Leviticus 23:27-30.
f. Even so, although Christ’s work must be grasped by faith. Hebrews 11:6; 1 John 5:4.
(1) That faith must work. Romans 3:31; James 2:17.
3. Let’s keep in mind that that day was an example and shadow of the real work in heaven. Hebrews 8:4, 5.
II What Was Required on Day of Atonement?
* Holy convocation. Leviticus 23:27.
* Afflict your soul. Leviticus 23:27.
* Offer an offering by fire. Leviticus 23:27.
* Do no servile work. Leviticus 23:28.
1. Holy convocation = holy gathering = assemble for religious worship.
a. During the time of High Priest’s work. Hebrews 10:21.
(1) The High Priest is Jesus. Hebrews 3:1.
b. During the Day of Atonement, we are especially to draw near by faith. Hebrews 10:22.
(1) If we don’t, then an evil conscience remains.
(a) After a while, people who do not want to meet together with those of like precious faith for fear of being rebuked—fear of having their conscience bothering them—they soon don’t meet at all.
(2) We must be washed with water.
(a) What are we washed with? Revelation 1:5; 7:14; John 15:3.
(b) What are we washed from? 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 19, 20.
c. In meetings we are to provoke one another to love and good works. Hebrews 10:23, 24.
(1) This is so we may hold fast our profession.
d. Especially as we see that day approaching. Hebrews 10:25.
(1) We should long to meet with those of like precious faith even if it be two or three. Matthew 18:19, 20.
(a) "Those to whom the message of truth is spoken seldom ask, ‘Is it true?’ but, ‘By whom is it advocated?’ Multitudes estimate it by the numbers who accept it; and the question is still asked, ‘Have any of the learned men or religious leaders believed?’ Men are no more favorable to real godliness now than in the days of Christ. They are just as intently seeking earthly good, to the neglect of eternal riches; and it is not an argument against the truth, that large numbers are not ready to accept it, or that it is not received by the world’s great men, or even by the religious leaders." Desire of Ages, pp. 459-460.
(b) "This first requirement is a spiritual thermometer by which every Christian can test his spiritual condition. If he absents himself from the worship of God, because he takes no pleasure in it, his spirituality is very low." Cross and Its Shadow, p. 222:3.
2.
Afflict your soul (individually). Afflict = anah (aw-naw) = to depress: abase self, afflict (-ion, self), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, submit, weaken, x in any wise.a. "Each individual was to ‘afflict’ his soul—search his heart, and put away every sin, spend much time in prayer. With this was connected abstinence from food. This was so forcibly impressed upon the minds of ancient Israel that even at the present day, the Jews fast upon the tenth day of the seventh month.
"The individual who realizes that the judgment is going on in the heavenly sanctuary, and that his name will surely be presented before that great tribunal will search his heart and pray earnestly that God will accept him." Cross and Its Shadow, pp. 222-223
(1) We often need to meditate on the priestly work of Christ. Hebrews 12:2—3:1.
b. 24 hour fast showed complete control of appetite.
(1) In Paul’s day. 1 Corinthians 9:27.
(2) How much more on the Day of Atonement. Acts 27:9 (mgn).
(a) So the Day of Atonement was referred to as the fast day by the time of the apostles.
c. In that day we are to fast. Joel 2:15.
(1) Which day: Joel 2:28-32.
(a) Sun and moon (May 19, 1780).
(b) This was just before the Day of Atonement.
d. How are we to fast? Isaiah 22:12, 13.
(1) Which day is this? Isaiah 22:22—Revelation 3:7, 8.
(2) In our study this is Autumn of 1844.
(3) In our day, a fast is called for—an abstinence from flesh foods. "The true fasting which should be recommended to all, is abstinence from every stimulating kind of food, and the proper use of wholesome, simple food, which God has provided in abundance." Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 188:3.
e. Not only flesh foods but also Luke. 21:34-36.
(1) Lest that day come upon you unawares.
(2) Which day? His second coming (and just before that, His closing work of atonement.)
(3) No surfeiting (over eating) nor drunkenness.
(4) So on the Day of Atonement, we are not only to abstain from flesh foods but also from overeating for it is classed with drunkenness. Proverbs 23:20, 21.
f. "Our first parents failed on the test of appetite; (Genesis 3:1-6) but where they failed, Christ triumphed (Matthew 4:3,4). And it is possible for a Christian, with the indwelling Christ in the heart, to be complete master of his appetite,—to abstain from all food that is injurious, however much the natural appetite may crave it, and not to overeat of good food." Cross and Its Shadow, p. 226:1.
g. We need clear minds in this solemn time of Investigative Judgment in which we live.
3. Next requirement was to offer an offering by fire unto Lord.
a. Now we bring no more animal sacrifices. Hebrews 9:26.
b. But what is our offering by fire? Psalm 51:16-19—1 Thessalonians 5:23—Romans 12:1.
(1) If our bodies are a living sacrifice, we must take care of them especially on this day of Atonement.
(2) How is it made by fire? 1 Peter. 4:12.
4. Ceremonial Sabbath—Leviticus 23:28, 30-32.
a. No manner of work whatsoever. Leviticus 23:30.
b. "All work was laid aside, and the entire thought was given to seeking God and serving Him. God’s work was given the first thought during the entire day." Cross and Its Shadow, p. 227:1.
(1) This does not mean that in our real day of Atonement we are not to do any work connected with the cares of this life. Romans 12:11.
(2) But rather seek first. Matthew 6:31-34.
(3) Warning given not to get too involved in worldly affairs. Luke 21:34.
(a) "Satan is liable to entrap more well-meaning people in this snare than in any other of his many deceptions. He often persuades good people that the daily cares of the household are so important that they have no time to study God’s word and pray, until, for lack of spiritual food and communion with God, they become so weak spiritually that they accept the doubts and unbelief the enemy is constantly presenting. When the time comes that they think they do have time to study their Bibles, they find they have lost all relish for God’s word." Cross and Its Shadow, p. 228:1.
III. Conclusion:
1. It is only for those who fulfill all these conditions that Christ will confess their sins over the scapegoat. And what will be the result? Leviticus 16:22, 29, 30.
a. Notice the pronouncement then made to them just before Jesus comes. Revelation 22:11-14.
2. Therefore: 2 Peter 1:10