Two Days of Atonement

Summary

The sermon contrasts the Old Testament Day of Atonement with the New Testament atonement accomplished by Jesus Christ on the cross. It explains the meaning of atonement as reconciliation and being "at one" with God, highlighting the limitations of the Old Testament sacrifices which were only symbolic and could not perfect the conscience. The New Testament reveals that Christ, as the sinless high priest, offered His own blood once for all, granting believers eternal redemption and direct access to God. The detailed Old Testament rituals, including the high priest's annual entry into the holy place with blood sacrifices, prefigure Christ's ultimate sacrifice and the tearing of the temple veil symbolizing new access to God.