 6.
OUR DUTY ON HEAVENLY DAY OF ATONEMENT
- The Israelites left ordinary labors
on annual Day of Atonement, fasted, gathered around sanctuary,
afflicted their souls. Lev. 16:19-31; 23:27-31.
- Afflicting soul means to "abase
self"' (Isa. 31:4); "chasten self" (Dan.10:12);
"humble one's soul" (Ps. 35:13); "chasten
thyself" Dan. 10:12.
- This experience included health
reform and simplicity of diet. Dan.10:2, 3. (Vegetarian diet;
elimination of excessive sugar, no alcohol, that the mind might be
clear). These duties on the Day of Atonement are not
"works" by which to earn salvation but give evidence of
cooperation with High Priest in His work.
- Day of Atonement only day on which
God commanded fasting. (Compare Acts 27:9; Isa. 58:3-5; Eze. 8:21).
- Dress reform, using simple clothing,
accompanied "affliction of soul." Ps. 69:10; 1 Kings
21:27; Joel 1:13; Jonah 3:5; Judges 20:6; 1 Sam. 7:6; Neh. 1:4.
- In times of spiritual emergency,
God's people did not wear jewelry. Isa. 3:16-24; Ex. 33:4-6. (The
Day of Atonement is therefore the real reason why Seventh-day
Adventists adopt a health reform diet, do not use tobacco, drugs, or
alcohol, nor wear jewelry or seek worldly greatness or wealth).
Note: Israel were permitted to wear
jewelry, eat flesh, and even drink moderately throughout the year, BUT NEVER ON
THE DAY OF ATONEMENT. Although Christian people through the centuries have used
these things, those who cooperate with Christ in His closing work of atonement
in preparation for His soon coming will gladly lay them aside.
Repentant Israel came close together in
repentance, in unity and harmony of fellowship, on Day of Atonement. So today
God's people are to come close together in unity for the finishing of His work.
Lev. 23:27; Eph. 4:11-16.
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