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Afflicting Our Souls
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOn the Day of Atonement, God commands us to afflict our souls, a directive repeated three times in six verses in Leviticus 23, emphasizing its importance as a hallmark of this solemn Sabbath. This affliction, also mentioned twice in Leviticus 16, is central to the day's observance, alongside refraining from work and attending holy convocation. The purpose of afflicting our souls is to humble ourselves, to deny our inner self—both physically and mentally—as a means of spiritual growth. In Isaiah 58:3, there is a direct correlation between fasting and afflicting our souls, showing that to afflict the soul is to fast completely, abstaining from food and water. This act is meant to be more than physical denial; it involves humbling, oppressing, or denying the life force or inner self, affecting both body and mind. The Hebrew term for afflict, "ana," means to humble or deny, while "nephesh" refers to the soul or inner self, indicating a deep internal impact. This affliction extends to our thoughts and emotions, as fasting can cloud the mind and reveal our physical frailty, reminding us of our dependence on God for sustenance and life. Afflicting the soul through fasting is intended to produce humility, piety, grief, repentance, and a seeking of God's will through prayer. It is a tool to draw us closer to Him, to motivate change, and to prevent His wrath by fostering submission and growth in character. However, as seen in Isaiah 58, fasting can become an empty ritual if done hypocritically, without true internal change. God rejects such fasting, as it fails to affect the heart or produce genuine repentance and humility. Jesus Christ, in Matthew 6, teaches that fasting should be a private, spiritual act between the individual and God, not a public display for human praise. It is an internal good work, done by and for the inner self, to build character and deepen one's relationship with the Father and with Him. In Luke 5, He explains that fasting was unnecessary for His disciples while He was physically present, likening His ministry to a wedding feast of joy and abundance. Yet, after His departure, fasting becomes necessary to overcome the disadvantage of His physical absence, helping believers maintain a close relationship with Him and the Father. Jesus also introduces a renewed understanding of fasting, returning it to its original purpose as hinted in Isaiah 58:6-12. This godly fast is not about outward show but about breaking the bonds of wickedness within oneself, leading to a change in attitude toward others—promoting humility, sacrifice, and a willingness to help. Such fasting acknowledges the reality of our human nature and sinfulness, fostering deep repentance and gratitude toward God for His calling and aid. It spurs us to work with Him to repair breaches in character and relationships, ultimately bringing blessings to ourselves and future generations through humble submission.
Holy Days: Atonement
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughAtonement, a day of fasting, pictures God's solution to the problem of human sin. This Bible study shows why this solemn day is so vital!
Humbleness is Our Only Path to Holiness
Sermonette by Bill OnisickFor to come near to God, we must be thoroughly cleansed inside and out. Self-affliction, enabled by fasting, creates humility—the only path to holiness.
The Forgotten Promises
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerRegular fasting should be among the most essential and effective items in our spiritual toolbox, one we use to draw close to God.
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.
Fasting
Sermonette by James BeaubelleThe best offering we can present is a humble and contrite heart, attainable through fasting, if done without pride and self-seeking.
The Price of Atonement
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughA suitable sacrifice had to be offered so that the sins of mankind could not only be covered, but be completely paid for, forgiven, removed, and forgotten.
The Fall Holy Days
Article by John ReissThe four autumnal holy days - Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Eighth Day - generally represent God's plan of salvation for humanity.
Atonement: Physical and Spiritual Cleansing
Sermonette by Ryan McClurePhysical fasting provides insights to a parallel spiritual process of cleansing and removal of sin. Our High Priest commands us to let go to lighten our burden.
Isaiah 58 and Fasting
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFasting puts us in a proper humble and contrite frame of mind, allowing God to respond to us, freeing us from our burdens and guiding us into His Kingdom.
Fast or Famine
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod has used famine as one of the tools to get the Israelites' attention when they violated the terms of the Covenant with Him, forsaking His holy law.
Psalms: Book Four: All His Benefits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll that we have has come from others, especially God. The Day of Atonement points out how needy and dependent on God we are; fasting shows our frailty.
All Flesh Shall See the Salvation of God
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMoral failure compounds when self-loathing sabotages happiness. Only atonement can turn this depression around, providing the comfort of mental and spiritual health.
Seeking God's Will (Part Four): Sacrifice
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOn the Day of Atonement, we are to afflict our souls by fasting. We do no work, signifying that we did absolutely no work to attain our salvation.
A Day Without Work
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRefraining from work on the Day of Atonement symbolizes our inability to atone for our sins. We, humble and poor in spirit, depend upon God for everything.
Faith and Spiritual Focus
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFasting is not for pressuring God or attempting to put Him in debt, but instead to reveal what we really are, clothing us with the humility to yield to Him.
Why Trumpets?
Sermonette by James BeaubelleThe Feast of Trumpets depicts a time when angelic beings sound an alarm, warning God's saints to prepare to put themselves under His sovereign rule.
Pride, Humility, and Fasting
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe intent of fasting is to deflate our pride—the major taproot of sin—the biggest deterrent to a positive relationship with God. Humility heals the breach.
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.
What We Can Learn From This Day of Atonement
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's solution to mankind's separation was sending a second Adam, Jesus Christ, to make reconciliation possible. Fasting shows our dependence on God.
A New Beginning
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAtonement represents a new beginning when people of the world would be reconciled to God and freed from their bondage, reflecting the year of Jubilee.