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The Day of Atonement and the year 1844 are related through a specific interpretation of biblical prophecy held by some Christian groups, notably within the Seventh-day Adventist tradition. This interpretation connects the Day of Atonement, an important Jewish feast day described in the Old Testament, with a prophetic event that is believed to have occurred in 1844, which is considered significant in their eschatological framework. To understand this relationship fully, we need to delve into the following areas:
- The Day of Atonement in the Old Testament
- The 2300-Day Prophecy
- The Significance of 1844
- The Theological Implications
- Contemporary Views and Interpretation
The Day of Atonement in the Old Testament
1. The Purpose of the Day of Atonement
The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was an annual event in the Jewish calendar designed for the atonement of the sins of the people. It was observed on the 10th day of the 7th month (Tishri) and involved several key rituals.
“Also the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the LORD your God.'” (Leviticus 23:26-28, NKJV)
On this day, the high priest would perform rituals to cleanse both himself and the sanctuary from the sins of the people.
2. Rituals and Symbolism
- The Sin Offering: The high priest would offer a bull for his own sins and the sins of his family.
- The Scapegoat: A goat was chosen by lot to be the scapegoat, symbolically carrying the sins of the people into the wilderness.
“Then Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats: one lot for the LORD and the other lot for the scapegoat. And Aaron shall bring the goat on which the LORD’s lot fell, and offer it as a sin offering. But the goat on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make atonement upon it, and to let it go as the scapegoat into the wilderness.” (Leviticus 16:8-10, NKJV)
These rituals symbolized the removal of sin and the restoration of purity and relationship with God.
The 2300-Day Prophecy
1. The Basis of the Prophecy
The 2300-day prophecy is found in the Book of Daniel, specifically in Daniel 8:14.
“And he said to me, ‘For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.'” (Daniel 8:14, NKJV)
This prophecy is interpreted by some Christian groups, particularly the Seventh-day Adventists, as a period leading up to a significant event in heavenly sanctuary ministry.
2. The Interpretation of the Prophecy
The 2300 days are interpreted as years, based on the principle of prophetic day-year ratio (Ezekiel 4:6 and Numbers 14:34).
“And he said to me, ‘Know, therefore, and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times.'” (Daniel 9:25, NKJV)
The starting point for the 2300-day prophecy is usually considered to be 457 BC, the year when the decree to rebuild Jerusalem was issued. Adding 2300 years leads to the year 1844.
The Significance of 1844
1. The Adventist Interpretation
Seventh-day Adventists, following the work of William Miller and the Millerite movement, believe that the year 1844 marks the beginning of a significant phase in Christ’s heavenly ministry. They teach that the prophecy in Daniel 8:14 points to the “cleansing of the sanctuary,” which marks the beginning of the investigative judgment in heaven.
2. Investigative Judgment
The investigative judgment is a belief that in 1844, Jesus Christ began a new phase of His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. Christ began to examine the records of the faithful to determine who would be granted salvation.
“And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: When you come into the land which I give you, then you shall make an offering to the LORD of the first of your dough, a heave offering; and as a heave offering you shall offer it to the LORD.'” (Numbers 15:18, NKJV)
This belief is grounded in the idea that the “cleansing of the sanctuary” mentioned in Daniel 8:14 refers to a heavenly process of judgment and purification rather than a literal cleansing of an earthly temple.
The Theological Implications
1. Atonement and Judgment
The connection between the Day of Atonement and 1844 emphasizes the concept of judgment and atonement. In the Old Testament, the Day of Atonement involved ritual purification and atonement for sins. The 1844 doctrine is seen as a heavenly parallel where Christ began a final phase of atonement and judgment.
2. The Nature of the Sanctuary
The transition from the earthly sanctuary practices to the heavenly sanctuary is a crucial aspect. The earthly rituals, including the Day of Atonement, were symbolic of a greater heavenly reality.
“Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the LORD erected, and not man.” (Hebrews 8:1-2, NKJV)
The belief in the heavenly sanctuary and the investigative judgment reflects an understanding that the Old Testament practices were types and shadows pointing to a greater, more profound reality in Christ’s ministry.
Broader Themes
The Seventh-day Adventist Church maintains that the 1844 doctrine is a central part of its theology. They emphasize the importance of living in light of the investigative judgment and maintaining a faithful relationship with God.
The connection between the Day of Atonement and 1844 reflects broader themes in Christian theology concerning judgment, atonement, and the fulfillment of prophecy. The interpretation of these events influences how believers understand God’s plan for salvation, judgment, and the nature of Christ’s ongoing work in the heavenly realm.
Conclusion
The relationship between the Day of Atonement and the year 1844 centers on the interpretation of biblical prophecy and the belief in a heavenly phase of atonement and judgment. The Day of Atonement, as described in the Old Testament, was a significant ritual for the atonement of sins and the purification of the sanctuary.
The Seventh-Day Adventists teach that the 2300-day prophecy in Daniel 8:14, interpreted as 2300 years, points to the year 1844 as a pivotal moment in the heavenly sanctuary ministry. This interpretation connects the ancient practice of the Day of Atonement with a new understanding of Christ’s role in heavenly judgment and atonement.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team