The Hebrew word we translate as 'repentance' is teshuva (תשובה, pronounced “teh-shoo-vah”). And teshuva is a lot more than a feeling of guilt or regret. In fact, it derives from the verb 'to return'!
The Day of Atonement was known as a Sabbath, no matter what day of the week it feel on. This meant that no work was to be done.
The fact that no work was to be done reminds us that we can not work to earn our salvation.
We are saved wholly by faith. God called the people to deny themselves and be serious about their sin.
We live in a culture that isn’t serious about our sin. We are so focused on doing things for God…going to church, going on mission trips, being busy…that we don’t spend time being Christ-like.
Repentance isn’t preached- instead, we send a luke warm message to the masses that God loves us as we are. He does. But He can not fellowship with us as we are. We must be cleansed- repentance must happen.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you doubleminded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.” James 4:8-10
We like James 4:10 – but we don’t like verses 8 and 9 so much. To admit we are wrong. To even say we are sinners.
As I look at the Day of Atonement, I am also reminded about how orderly my God is. That He has a procedure for how to do things.
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