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The Day of Atonement and Israel's Future
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16 focuses on the national cleansing of Israel, emphasizing the congregation, the people, and the children of Israel as a whole. On this solemn day, the high priest made a sin offering for himself and for the entire nation, addressing unintentional sins as a means of annual purification. This day serves as a reminder of Israel's failures, including the priesthood's shortcomings, exemplified by the death of Aaron's sons for offering profane fire, and the nation's disobedience, possibly linked to the golden calf incident when Moses had to receive the law a second time from God. Historically, Israel's inability to obey God's voice and walk in His ways led to the addition of the Levitical priesthood and sacrifices as a disciplinary measure. The Day of Atonement symbolically deals with sin through sacrificial animals, underscoring the nation's near destruction due to sin and the mercy of God through Moses' intercession. It is a day of no work, reflecting the uselessness of human effort in achieving atonement and the defilement inherent in human works, as seen in the actions of Aaron and his sons. Looking to the future, Zechariah 3 envisions a cleansing of Israel, starting with the high priest and extending to the nation, where God Himself removes iniquity in one day without animal sacrifices, pointing to a divine atonement. Daniel 9:24 further prophesies a time when transgression will end, sins will be reconciled, and everlasting righteousness will be brought in for Israel, closely aligning with the themes of the Day of Atonement. Prophetic writings in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel also speak of a future national cleansing, where God will blot out Israel's transgressions, cleanse them from iniquity, and pardon their sins, ensuring reconciliation with Him. This future atonement, provided directly by God, will reconcile Israel to Him, setting the stage for a peaceful millennium where the people are at one with their Creator through His divine provision.
144,000 of the Tribes of Israel
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe attributes of the 144,000 in Revelation 7 and 14 are found in prophecies of Israel, indicating that a humbled remnant of Israel will turn to God.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Fourteen): Israel Redeemed
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod employs a winnowing process in selecting those who will enter the Millennium. The process includes punishment for Israel's failure to serve as priests.
Cleansing God's People
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeHaggai received the last two prophecies on the same day. Haggai 2:10 and 20 identify that day as the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, called Kislev.
The Appointed Time for Israel
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Clyde FinkleaIn Leviticus 23, God's festivals are called appointed times. One appointed time for ancient Israel was the fulfillment of the 70 Weeks prophecy of Daniel.
Who Fulfills the Azazel Goat— Satan or Christ? (Part Four)
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeThe Day of Atonement is not fulfilled with the binding of Satan. Rather, there are numerous prophecies of God atoning for the sins of physical Israel.
Azazel: Endings
Sermon by David C. GrabbeOne goat had to die for cleansing; the other goat had to remain alive for bearing the sins away. Jesus fulfilled both roles. Satan's binding atones for nothing.
Rejoice and Fear God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must fill our lives with peace, repenting, changing our attitude, and voluntarily yielding to God before we can produce the fruits of righteousness.
Reconciliation (Part Two): Christ's Work
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAfter reconciliation, there can finally be a meeting of minds as we are fashioned into a new creation, invited to sit in heavenly places, created for good works.
The Needed Dimension
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnless we humbly submit before God, all of His efforts go for naught. God will not give His Spirit to those who will not obey Him.
Rejoice in God's Feast
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod can take satisfaction that He is doing the right thing, and thus His rejoicing can even come from painful judgments. Sacrificing and rejoicing are linked.
'Done Away' Is Incorrect
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Protestantism alleges that God's law is 'done away.' What Scripture shows, though, is that some aspects are not required presently, but God's law is eternal.
Born Again (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Baptism and being born again were already understood by the Jews, but the traditions had evidently blinded people to some additional spiritual nuances.
Whose Side Are We On?
Sermon by Bill OnisickWhen we step into the role of the accuser, especially when we dare to accuse our spiritual siblings, we are acting on behalf of Satan the devil.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere are varieties of spirit, motivating people to 'go with the flow' and conform to a sheep-like mob psychology. Satan's spirit encourages sinfulness.
Jesus on His Second Coming
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOnly the Father knows the precise time of Christ's return, but the message to all Christians is to be vigilant and busy overcoming that we may see Him in glory.