Who Fulfills the Azazel Goat—Satan or Christ? (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeSome say the scapegoat (azazel) prefigures the Devil, others say it has been fulfilled by Jesus. Tradition teaches one thing; Scripture reveals another.
Who Fulfills the Azazel Goat— Satan or Christ? (Part Five)
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeWhile the church of God has long taught that the azazel goat of Leviticus 16 represents Satan, this traditional view has no biblical support.
Who Fulfills the Azazel Goat—Satan or Christ? (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeOn the Day of Atonement, the live goat bears the sins of the nation. Many think this represents Satan as the source of sin, yet Scripture reveals the truth.
Understanding the Azazel Goat
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe goat for azazel (complete removal) bore the sins of the nation out of sight. Jesus Christ likewise had our iniquities laid on Him, and He bore them.
Who Fulfills the Azazel Goat— Satan or Christ? (Part Three)
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeHebrews 9 and 10 clarify the Atonement ritual of Leviticus 16. The author makes no mention of Satan, but says that Jesus bears our sins like the azazel goat.
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.
Why Two Goats on Atonement? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeOn the Day of Atonement, the one goat's blood cleansed the altar of all the sins, while the azazel took them away. Jesus Christ fulfilled both these roles.
The Two Goats of Leviticus 16
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe first goat is a blood sacrifice to cleanse the altar. The second goat—the 'azazel' or 'complete removal'—is led away and freed (not bound by a chain).
The Peculiarities of Atonement
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughFasting teaches us to realize just how dependent we are on God. Every day, every hour, every minute, He supplies us with everything we need for life.
Atonement Goats and Passover Lambs
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Day of Atonement is not about Satan, but about the complete cleansing from sins through Christ. The Passover is not a sin offering, but a peace offering.
Devil in the Details?
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeA mysterious commentary has been used and repeatedly re-quoted as a proof that the azazel goat represents Satan. This source warrants closer inspection.
Who Is Responsible For Sin?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThough Satan influences, the choices an individual make are totally his own, even for those without God's Spirit. We sin when we are drawn away by our own desires.
Inventing Goddesses and Demons
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Jews turned a Babylonian myth of Lilith into a fabrication about a woman before Eve. Some translations suggest Israel sacrificed to a demon named Azazel.
Jesus Christ, the Bearer of Sin
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Messianic prophecy in Isaiah 53, plus the testimony of Peter and the author of Hebrews, show that Jesus fulfilled the azazel goat's role by bearing sin.
Led Outside the Gate
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeJesus permitted Himself to be sent by the leaders and led by their agents in true meekness, submitting to the Father's will, even cleansing those who led Him.
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.
The Day of Atonement and Israel's Future
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe cleansing of Joshua's filthy robes in Zechariah 3 is a future application of the cleansing in Leviticus 16, when Jesus Christ cleanses Israel in the future.
Do Angels Live Forever? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe cannot assume that angels are immortal and share the same kind of spirit God Almighty has; we cannot assume they are indestructible.
Do Angels Live Forever? (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEzekiel 28 reveals that Satan's fate will be ashes in the Lake of Fire; it would be inconsistent with God's character for Him to inflict pain eternally.