Filter by Categories
The Burden of Sin
Sermon by Charles WhitakerThe Scriptures prove that Christ alone bears our sins and takes them from us; we have no power to cast our burdens upon Christ, nor dump sins on the cross.
Why Two Goats on Atonement? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIn the Day of Atonement ritual, the first goat's blood cleansed the altar of sin while the azazel goat took them away. Christ fulfilled both roles.
Principled Living (Part Two): Conquering Sin
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist warns that we must do everything possible to annihilate sin - surgically going right to the heart or mind: the level of thought and imagination.
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.
Is Barabbas the Fulfillment of the Scapegoat?
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeBecause of Matthew's inclusion of a number of Day of Atonement-related symbols, one theory holds that Barabbas was a type of the scapegoat (azazel).
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.
Why Two Goats on Atonement? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIn Israel, sins were symbolically placed on the altar throughout the year. On Yom Kippur, one goat's blood cleansed the altar; the second took away the sins.
Azazel: Beginnings
Sermon by David C. GrabbeWhile there is a handful of common starting places for understanding the azazel, none of them has multiple witnesses of Scripture. We must begin elsewhere.
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.
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.
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.
Deuteronomy, Land Sabbaths, Atonement, and Third Tithe
Sermon by Ryan McClureReflecting on the significance of God's annual Holy Days, the speaker uses the metaphor of The Talent Game (a board game cyclically progressing thorough squares, requiring players to recall teachings of these annual holy days) to identify five key points. 1. Deuteronomy and the Seven-Year Cycle: Deuteronomy 31:9-13 commands the reading of the Law every seven years at the Feast of Tabernacles to instill fear of God and obedience. 2. Land Sabbath and Year of Release: Leviticus 25 commands the land Sabbath, in which the land rests every seventh year, as well as the Jubilee Year every 50th year, inextricably intertwined with the Day of Atonement, promoting ecological rest, debt forgiveness and social equity, reflecting Almighty God's care for creation and justice. 3. Historical events, including economic crises and agricultural problems during Shemitah years, underscore the dangers of ignoring these annual Sabbaths. 4. Day of Atonement and the Two Goats: The atonement and the two goats emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the sole sin-bearer, not Satan, as traditionally applied to the Azazel goat. Atonement signifies complete forgiveness and removal of sin, distinguishing it from the Passover's peace offering. 5. Third Tithe Year: Deuteronomy 26:12 connects the third tithe to the sabbatical cycle, supporting the needy (Levites, strangers, widows, orphans), culminating on the Day of Atonement. God uses these cycles to reinforce understanding and worship, encouraging His people to respond with humility and action, as exemplified by Josiah's reforms, which aligned believers with God's will and spiritual growth through obedience and reverence.