DAY OF ATONEMENT (4)

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the only one of God's commanded holy days where a fast is required. No work whatsoever may be done on the day.

i) The tenth day of the seventh month is the day when the annual ritual is to be performed to take away the sins of the people. On that day do not eat anything at all; come together for worship, and present a food offering to the Lord.

ii) 28 Do no work on that day, because it is the day for performing the ritual to take away sin. 29 Any who eat anything on that day will no longer be considered God’s people. 30 And if any do any work on that day, the Lord himself will put them to death. 31 This regulation applies to all your descendants, no matter where they live. (Leviticus 23)

1. Fasting

a) Fasting means going without food or water for a period of time. On the day of Atonement believers fast for a full 24 hour period. The primary reasons Christians fast on Atonement:

1. Fasting on the day is commanded by God
2. Fasting focuses our mind on what GOD is doing
3. Fasting helps awaken in us mercy and compassion

The End ...