The Day of Atonement involves not only the forgiveness of sin, but also pictures the removal of Satan, the primary cause of sin, and the reconciliation of God with humanity. Although our human nature has a part to play in our sins, Satan bears great responsibility for influencing mankind to disobey God, beginning with tempting Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. If God does not remove him, as the original instigator of sin, mankind will continue to fall back into disobedience and suffering.
Even though many people doubt the existence of a devil, the Bible reveals Satan as a powerful, invisible being who can sway mankind. Revelation 12:9 tells us his influence is so great he “deceives the whole world,” blinding people to the understanding of God’s truth. The Apostle Paul also warned us to beware of the deceitful methods of the devil: “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3, NIV).
Paul further explains Jesus Christ will deliver us from the influence of the devil (Ephesians 6:13-18), but we must do our part by actively resisting him and the pulls of the flesh (James 4:7). The Day of Atonement looks forward to the time when Satan’s deception will be removed and he will no longer be free to influence and deceive mankind (Revelation 20:1-3).
We are given specific instructions as to when and how we are to keep this annual festival. “Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement,” God says. “It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls …” (Leviticus 23:27). To ‘afflict your soul’ means to go without food and water and God instructs us to fast during this specific 24 hours, expressing our humble desire to draw closer to God and looking forward to the time when Satan will be banished. Fasting helps us remember how temporary our physical existence is, and how much we need God as the giver and sustainer of life. Without food and water, we would soon perish.
It is because Satan, the Devil, is still alive and well on this planet Earth, instigating evil and suffering, that we look forward to the Day of Atonement. We observe it with the understanding that we have of Jesus Christ as our high priest and our soon-coming king, who when he does return, will bind Satan, and remove his influence from mankind. The world will then begin the process of becoming at one with God.
The Day of Atonement pictures the loving reconciliation all people can have with God through Christ’s sacrifice, and shows the remarkable truth that Satan, the author of sin, will eventually be removed so that humanity can at last attain reconciliation with God on a universal basis. It serves as a vital preparatory step in anticipation of the next milestone in God’s Holy Day plan, depicted by the Feast of Tabernacles. This year the Day of Atonement falls on Saturday, October 12, beginning the evening before at sundown.
