09/18/2026
Crossfire Global Ministries Devotional
Two Days Before Yom Kippur — Understanding the Day of Atonement
Main Scripture — Leviticus 23:26–28 (HCSB)
“The LORD again spoke to Moses: ‘The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You are to hold a sacred assembly and practice self-denial; you are to present a fire offering to the LORD. On this particular day you are not to do any work, for it is a Day of Atonement to make atonement for you before the LORD your God.’”
Teaching
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) begins at sundown on September 20. It is one of the most solemn appointed times established by Yahweh/God. It is a day of rest, self-denial, repentance, prayer, and serious examination before Him.
The word atonement describes cleansing from sin and the restoration of a broken relationship. Sin separates people from a holy God, and human effort cannot remove that separation. Under the covenant given to Israel, Yahweh/God established a sacrificial system that taught the seriousness of sin and the necessity of innocent blood for atonement.
Leviticus 16 explains that on this day the high priest entered the Most Holy Place. He first offered a sacrifice for his own sins and then made atonement for the people. One goat was sacrificed, while another—often called the scapegoat—symbolically carried Israel’s sins away into the wilderness. Together, these actions pictured both the payment for sin and the removal of guilt.
The high priest could enter the Most Holy Place only once each year and never without blood. This revealed that access to God could not be approached casually. His holiness required cleansing, obedience, and atonement.
Yet those sacrifices had to be repeated because they pointed forward to a greater and final sacrifice.
Hebrews 9:11–12 (HCSB)
“But the Messiah has appeared, high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation), He entered the most holy place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.”
Yeshua/Jesus fulfills the prophetic meaning of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). He is both our perfect High Priest and the sinless sacrifice. Unlike the earthly high priest, He did not need to offer a sacrifice for His own sins. He entered on our behalf with His own blood and obtained eternal redemption.
His sacrifice was offered once for all. We do not fast, pray, or perform religious works to purchase forgiveness. Forgiveness is received through repentance and faith in Yeshua/Jesus. Our fasting and self-denial are responses of humility and gratitude; they do not replace His finished work.
Wisdom of Solomon 11:23–24 (Ethiopian Canon)
“But You are merciful to all, for You can do all things, and You overlook people’s sins, so that they may repent. For You love all things that exist and detest none of the things that You have made.”
God’s mercy is intended to lead us into repentance. Mercy does not mean sin is unimportant. It means God gives us an opportunity to turn away from sin and return to Him before judgment. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) reminds us never to treat that mercy casually.
Self-denial traditionally includes fasting, but the deeper purpose is humbling the soul before God. A person may abstain from food while continuing to hold bitterness, dishonesty, pride, or hatred. That is outward denial without inward repentance. The fast God desires must be joined with justice, mercy, reconciliation, and obedience.
As the day approaches, prepare by examining your heart. Confess known sin. Forgive those who have offended you. Seek reconciliation where possible. Correct dishonest actions, make restitution when necessary, and release anything that has weakened your fellowship with God. Set aside distractions and make room for prayer, Scripture, worship, and quiet reflection.
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) should not produce fear in those who have placed their faith in Yeshua/Jesus. It should produce humility, gratitude, and holy reverence. We remember the cost of sin, the greatness of God’s mercy, and the complete redemption provided through the Messiah.
The message is clear: the debt of sin was greater than we could pay, but the mercy of God provided what we could never provide for ourselves.
Prayer
Yahweh/God, thank You for providing atonement through Yeshua/Jesus, our perfect High Priest and sacrifice. Search my heart and reveal every sin, offense, and compromise that must be surrendered. Give me humility to repent, courage to make things right, and grace to forgive others. Prepare me to honor Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) with reverence, gratitude, and sincere devotion. Amen.
Prophetic Declaration
I declare that shame, guilt, and condemnation will not keep me from the presence of God. Through Yeshua/Jesus, I receive forgiveness, cleansing, and restored fellowship. I will approach God with humility, honor His holiness, and walk in genuine repentance. Throughout 5787, I will live as one who has been redeemed, restored, sealed in covenant, and equipped to carry His presence.
Apostle Jason A. Peepas
Prophetess Goodnews Ogechi Peepas
Crossfire Global Ministries (CFGM)
Igniting Transformation Through Apostolic and Prophetic Church Planting Globally
