Yom Kippur question

[TracysTribe3]

For those who observe Yom Kippur I'd like to respectfully ask why you do it, since being an MJ, your sins are already atoned for. Or do you observe it more for reasons of tradition? I understand the 10 days before - that makes sense to me to still observe but not necessarily the day of atonement.

TIA,

Tracy

[visionary]

Who says the sins are atoned for....are we not to look forward to the day when all this sin problem will be layed at the feet of Satan and he is held responsible for it all.

[ShirChadash]

One thing that occurs to me is that we enjoy and remember that we are atoned for by Yeshua, and brought near into relationship with HaShem every day, but we believers rarely sit down and examine ourselves, ponder the very real consequences of sin (death), focus on the Righteous Judge that HaShem is (we tend to focus more on the Loving Father, which He also is, no doubt).

I have read that even unobservant Jews who do not go to synagogue for much of anything else throughout the year, will attend Yom Kippur services, nonetheless. It's a beautiful thing, to me, to know that HaShem's people Israel spend these days repenting and seeking the Father's face. I fast to show my love and solidarity for His people Israel. But that is not all. To me, it is right and fitting for me to spend a day standing before my G-d and aware of how much the sin in my life costs me and others around me. Since we are so far from a synagogue, we are unable to attend anywhere and so we do the best we can, and fasting is certainly legitimate, considering (in my family) we fasted as believers for a great many other things.

Yeshua Himself indicated that some sins do not come out except by prayer and fasting. And judging from the relevant passage, prayer and fasting and belief are closely linked. (cf: Matthew 17:1-27) So I figure, it is a precious thing to HaShem that His people turn to Him while He is near and seek His face and repent. The Awesome Days are all about discovering, addressing and rooting out sin in ones life. As I think of it, it is a strong death blow to sin when one repents of his failings and doubles his efforts to walk the straight way that Torah lays out for man to walk, fasts, stands before HaShem, admits that he has failed and sinned, cofesses his sins, etc., and seeks HaShem's mercy.

hope that answers well...

[Katydid]

Why as a Christian do you celebrate Christmas? Christ was already born. What is the point in remembering it? Yom Kippur to me is the same, it is in rememberance to the sacrifice that Yeshua made. I remember it by fasting and studying that day. He made an eternal sacrifice, I take one day and sacrifice of myself. Also, we are forgiven IF we repent, it is good to have one day (at least) to reflect on the ways that my actions have been displeasing to HaShem. Also to think of ways to improve myself the next year.

[visionary]

There is a difference between atoning and atonement. One is the process and the other is the completion. When we become one with God then the atonement is complete, the marriage has been consumated.

[TracysTribe3]

Thanks for the insights, esp you Zemirah, you explained it so well. I just thought that since we can repent and are forgiven at any time, Yom Kippur wouldn't be necessary except for strictly as a tradition. Now I see it more fully. Please pardon my ignorance about Judaism/MJ - that's why I come to this forum - to learn and there's a treasure of wisdom here.

Tracy

[ShirChadash]

Don't sweat it, Sweetie -- we're all learning and it's really neat how G-d draws us and teaches us in differing areas! I haven't a clue about much at all with regard to MJ and Judaism, to be honest, and yet I know it doesn't matter as long as I keep learning and embracing. :) :hug: Thanks for coming and asking here, and know you are welcome!