{"id":76684,"date":"2022-09-30T00:01:25","date_gmt":"2022-09-30T08:01:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/?p=76684"},"modified":"2022-07-31T09:21:08","modified_gmt":"2022-07-31T17:21:08","slug":"what-about-christians-keeping-the-day-of-atonement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/doctrine\/what-about-christians-keeping-the-day-of-atonement\/","title":{"rendered":"What about Christians keeping the ‘Day of Atonement’?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n1878 painting of Jews in synagogue on Yom Kippur
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

COGwriter<\/a><\/p>\n

The Day of Atonement, called Yom Kippur by the Jews, runs from sunset October 4th through sunset October 5th in 2021.<\/p>\n

A while back, the Temple Institute reported the following:<\/p>\n

\n

Erev Yom Kippur,Tishrei 9, 5780\/October 8, 2019<\/p>\n

When we study the service of the Kohen Gadol<\/em> (High Priest) in the Holy Temple on Yom Kippur, we begin to appreciate the incredible intensity of the day. Having immersed himself for days in preparation for his task, the Kohen Gadol<\/em> must work with the utmost celerity and precision, from the very moment that Yom Kippur commences to its very final seconds. He has no breaks, no time-outs. He has no do-overs and he can’t call a friend if he forgets what to do next. The Kohen Gadol<\/em> must be completely and utterly focused. His mind and body and soul must move in unison, as he advances through the day, one vital task after another. He bears on his shoulders the ultimate responsibility for himself, for his family, for his people, and for the world. His task is enormous. …<\/p>\n

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, for the both the individual and the community; for Israel and for the whole world. It’s the holiest day of year and we fast …<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The Apostle Peter was inspired to write:<\/p>\n

17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:17-21)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Although the Jews do not realize it (but they should, see also Proof Jesus is the Messiah<\/a>), the slain goat in the Atonement ceremony represents Christ who actually dies for our sins. <\/span><\/p>\n

Notice Leviticus 16:15-19:<\/span><\/p>\n

15 Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people, bring its blood inside the veil, do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. 16 So he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, for all their sins; and so he shall do for the tabernacle of meeting which remains among them in the midst of their uncleanness. 17 There shall be no man in the tabernacle of meeting when he goes in to make atonement in the Holy Place, until he comes out, that he may make atonement for himself, for his household, and for all the assembly of Israel. 18 And he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD, and make atonement for it, and shall take some of the blood of the bull and some of the blood of the goat, and put it on the horns of the altar all around. 19 Then he shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times, cleanse it, and consecrate it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel. <\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Christ’s sacrifice is an atonement sacrifice to reconcile us to God. Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote:<\/span><\/p>\n

1<\/span>8 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). <\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Notice also something from the Hebrew scriptures:<\/p>\n

6 In mercy and truth
\nAtonement is provided for iniquity;
\nAnd by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. (Proverbs 16:6)<\/p>\n

2 O You who hear prayer,
\nTo You all flesh will come.
\n3 Iniquities prevail against me;
\nAs for our transgressions,
\nYou will provide atonement for them. (Psalms 65:2-3)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Jesus<\/a> died for our iniquities (for more on prophecies about Jesus check out the free online book: Proof Jesus is the Messiah<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Notice that this was clearly prophesied in the Hebrew scriptures:<\/p>\n

1 Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. 3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.<\/p>\n

4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken. (Isaiah 53:1-8)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And it came to pass.<\/p>\n

Jesus was the atonement:<\/p>\n

10 And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:10, BSB)<\/p>\n

10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:10, NIV)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Notice also:<\/p>\n

6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. (Romans 5:6-11)<\/p>\n

11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.<\/p>\n

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned…<\/p>\n

17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:11-12, 17, KJV)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Jesus was an atonement for us to reconcile us to God.<\/p>\n

The Bible teaches that Jesus kept the Law and did not sin (Hebrews 4:15), hence He kept all the Fall Holy Days including the Day of Atonement. <\/span><\/p>\n

Around the time of Jesus, the Day of Atonement was simply referred as ‘the Fast’ in Acts 27:9, as that was apparently common knowledge among believers. The fact that this day was referred to that way (or even at all) in the New Testament is an indication that it was observed by Christians after Christ’s resurrection. The Bible also clearly shows that so-called Jewish holy days, such as Pentecost<\/a> were observed by Christians after Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:1).<\/span><\/p>\n

Observant individuals affiliated with the Churches of God will fast from sunset after the 9th day of the seventh month until sunset the next night (if they are physically able–nursing mothers, small children, pregnant women, and various afflicted others are not expected to fast–this is consistent with Jewish practices in this area as well). In this fast we go without food or drink. Those afflicted in ways that fasting is inappropriate for them may well be why God used the expression “afflict your souls” that day as opposed to mandating that all MUST fast then.<\/p>\n

Notice also:<\/p>\n

\n

Should children fast? If they are old enough to understand that God requires it on this day, they can be taught to fast for perhaps 12 or 18 hours before allowing them to fast 24 hours.<\/p>\n

God’s law permits certain persons to be exempted from fasting. One category would be persons advised by a medical doctor that it would be physically harmful for them to fast. Babies should never be forced to fast. Most mothers produce enough milk to continue breast feeding throughout a fast day, but some do not. A few may find it necessary to drink a little water to resume feeding. People with medical conditions may need to continue their medication. They would be well advised to check with their family doctor. Diabetics may need to adjust their medication or drink some juices. The government God instituted in His Church empowers the Church to make such exception when necessity demands. (Ambassador College Correspondance Course. Lesson 29 – Day Of Atonement – The World at One with God, 1984)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

As far as the purpose for fasting goes, notice something from the old Worldwide Church of God:<\/p>\n

\n

Humility Through Fasting<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jesus Christ, the future ruler of earth, qualified to rule by being completely submissive to the government of God and perfectly humble. One of His last acts with His disciples included establishing the New Testament Passover ordinance of foot washing to picture humility. His suffering and death to pay the penalty of human sin was an act of extreme humility, of complete submission to His Father’s will, of perfect love for us. True Christians in like manner must become humble to rule with Christ. No ruler in God’s Kingdom can be arrogant or selfish (Mark 10:42-45).<\/p>\n

Fasting on the Day of Atonement is a vivid reminder of the state of mind necessary for salvation\u2014of humility, godly sorrow, earnestly seeking God and His way. (Ambassador College Correspondance Course. Lesson 29 – Day Of Atonement – The World at One with God, 1984)<\/p>\n

Fasting is not penance \u2014 NOT a hunger strike to force your own will on God. Mahatma Gandhi fasted that way. A Christian is to fast in order to humble his or her own fleshly mind with its carnal will and to draw closer to God. To acknowledge his or her own nothingness and ask for GOD’S strength.<\/p>\n

Jesus Christ received the strength to resist the Devil’s strongest temptation by fasting 40 days and nights! Spiritually, He was at His strongest at the end of 40 days, because He was completely humble before God. God, of course, doesn’t ask or expect us to fast 40 days. He only commands one day of us each year, though we are also told to fast voluntarily at other times. (Ambassador College Correspondance Course. Lesson 37 – Day of Atonement – AT-ONE-MENT WITH GOD! 1969)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Real humility is not some outwards show, but a realization of the truth. One such truth is that we, of ourselves, cannot save ourselves from our sins. Fasting should help us draw closer to God.<\/p>\n

Fasting, or otherwise being afflicted, reminds us that we are to come to God on His terms as only God can save.<\/p>\n

The New Testament shows that the the Gentile Gospel writer Luke knew about the Day of Atonement, when he wrote:<\/p>\n

\n

9 … sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over (Acts 27:9).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

What was Luke referring to according to Protestant commentators? Why the day of Atonement. Notice two such commentaries (note italics<\/em>\/bolding<\/strong> are from the sources cited):<\/p>\n

Acts 27:9-11 … Sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was already past<\/em>, that is, the famous yearly fast of the Jews, the day of atonement, which was on the tenth day of the seventh month, a day to afflict the soul<\/em> with fasting (from Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.).<\/p>\n

Acts 27:8-9 … The fast<\/strong> to which Luke refers is the Day of Atonement (from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1962 by Moody Press).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The fact that Luke (who wrote in Greek) used that term for a Christian audience (Acts 1:1) demonstrates that the Day of Atonement was known, recognized, and observed by early Christians. He presumed that Christians would realize when “the Fast” was as they would have been keeping it. If they had not been keeping it, then Luke probably would have used a different expression. But he did not as he knew his Greek-reading Christian audience would understand what he was referring to.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, notice some statements from the Apostle Paul:<\/p>\n

\n

17… Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers (Acts 28:17)<\/p>\n

4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. (Philippians 3:4-6)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Since Paul kept the customs of his people, he, too, kept all the Fall Holy Days including the Day of Atonement. If not, he could not have made that statement which is in Acts 28:17 nor the ones about being blameless in the law in Philippians 3:4-6.<\/p>\n

On the Day of Atonement, the Bible says to “afflict your souls” (Leviticus 23:32).<\/p>\n

In Isaiah 58:5 the Bible teaches that a fasting day is a day to afflict one’s soul. Furthermore, notice something else from Isaiah:<\/p>\n

12 And in that day the Lord God of hosts
\nCalled for weeping and for mourning,
\nFor baldness and for girding with sackcloth.
\n13 But instead, joy and gladness,
\nSlaying oxen and killing sheep,
\nEating meat and drinking wine:
\n“Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”<\/p>\n

14 Then it was revealed in my hearing by the Lord of hosts,
\n“Surely for this iniquity there will be no atonement for you,
\nEven to your death,” says the Lord God of hosts. (Isaiah 22:12-14)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Notice that not avoiding food when told to is equated to having no atonement. And while the word translated as atonement in Isaiah 22:14 is not the identical Hebrew word in Leviticus 23, it is similar and apparently has similar connotations.<\/p>\n

As mentioned before, the Day of Atonement was called “the Fast” in Acts 27:9.<\/p>\n

Therefore, those in the Church of God who are faithful and able fast on the Day of Atonement. That is, they avoid all food and drink for the entire 24 hours of that day.<\/p>\n

Are there any benefits associated with that?<\/p>\n

First notice what the Bible teaches:<\/p>\n

\n

5 Is it a fast that I have chosen, A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, And to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the Lord?<\/p>\n

6 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’<\/p>\n

“If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday. 11 The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. 12 Those from among you Shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In. (Isaiah 58:5-12)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

So, the Bible teaches both physical and spiritual benefits and responsibilities from fasting.<\/p>\n

Notice some comments from the old Radio and Worldwide Church of God:<\/p>\n

Guidelines for Effective Fasting<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Fast often. When using any tool, physical or spiritual, practice makes perfect.
\nThe apostle Paul fasted often (II Corinthians 11:27), and we should, too. That doesn’t mean we should become pharisaical and set a rigid schedule for ourselves (Luke 18:9- 14). Our attitude as we fast, and not the number of times or when we fast, is what is important. When we fast often, our bodies get more accustomed to going without food for a period of time.
\n\u2022 Avoid “desperation” fasting. Fasting is certainly important in times of trial and distress, but if we only resort to fasting in times of emergency, we are telling God that we are more interested in getting what we want than in drawing closer to Him.
\n\u2022 Fast a day at a time. One day is an acceptable length for a spiritual fast, although more time, such as two or three days, may be appropriate on occasion.
\n(Robert J Millman. The Way to Spiritual Growth \u2013 Fast. Good News, May 1984)<\/p>\n

How Often Should We Fast?<\/strong>
\nThe question often arises, how often should I fast? Nowhere in the Bible do we have an exact statement of how often we should fast. Yet, we have several examples which will help us to understand how often we should practice fasting in our lives. As we have previously seen, the Apostle Paul fasted OFTEN (II Cor. 10:27). The Apostle Paul had no specific command in the Old Testament teaching him how often he should fast. However, Paul was acutely aware of the race he was running and how diligently he needed to strive in order to enter God’s Kingdom. He considered it necessary to fast often \u2014 even in the face of the trials and afflictions he constantly endured \u2014 in order to maintain the spiritual strength he needed to continue serving God and finally to achieve the crown of righteousness.
\nThe Gentile, CORNELIUS, lived such a life of service and overcoming before God that God considered it important enough to send an apostle \u2014 Peter \u2014 to preach to him the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and to baptize him and his family. It is significant that Cornelius had been praying and FASTING before God when God finally elected to send the Apostle Peter to him (Acts 10:30).
\nIt was when the prophet Daniel elected to set his heart to understand, and to CHASTEN himself before God with fasting, that God sent the angel Gabriel to reveal to Daniel some of the most vital prophecies of the Bible. See Daniel 10:2, 3, 12. The purpose of fasting is not to punish ourselves in a form of penance, but to draw closer to God by getting away from the world.
\nThe prophet Elijah also sought God in prayer and fasting forty days and forty nights on Mt. Horeb and received the vital answer he sought.
\nFasting has certainly played a vital part in the lives of those God has used down through history. From these examples, the principle we should apply in determining how often to fast should be based upon the needs in our lives. Our routine of fasting should certainly be frequent enough and of long enough duration to keep ourselves close to God and in the vital spiritual condition that will enable us to overcome and endure to the end. (Portune A. WHY Should We Fast? Good News, June 1961)<\/p>\n

Fast regularly enough for the body to adjust itself to the idea. Some people who think they are about to die when they fast could actually find it easy if they fasted a day every month or two. (Meredith RC. But by Prayer and Fasting. Good News, April 1979)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Here are some comments from Herbert W. Armstrong about fasting:<\/p>\n

\n

FASTING AND PRAYER: There is . . . NOTHING like fasting and prayer for drawing close to God, re-establishing contact, being filled with His Spirit. For this purpose it is better to fast completely — no fruit-juice of any kind. In Bible times they sometimes fasted without even water, but sometimes water was used. Personally I think results will be obtained if one drinks water, but nothing else.<\/p>\n

For purely spiritual purposes a fast of from one to three days is usually sufficient. You may expect headaches, and a very thick-headed feeling the first few days. It is not pleasant. It is, in Bible language, AFFLICTING THE SOUL. It takes courage and will-power, and self-denial. I recommend, for this purpose, dividing your time three ways: about one third in studying the subject of fasting in the Bible, and other Bible study. Use a good concordance, and your marginal references if your Bible has them. If not you should get one which has. Look up all you can find under fasting. Then about a third of your time in meditation — turning over in your own mind by yourself WHY you have not been closer to God, thinking out just HOW you have been letting the worldly things creep in, meditating on what you have read in the Bible, applying it to yourself and your spiritual condition. Then, spend one full third of your time in earnest PRAYER.<\/p>\n

Did you ever spend one solid HOUR in prayer, alone with God in some private room, on your knees? Very few ever have. If you haven’t, the first time you do it you’ll find it will take as much will-power and self-denial as forcing yourself to stay on a fast and resisting that gnawing hunger feeling. In five or ten minutes, or less, every excuse in the world will come into your mind. You aren’t in the mood now — why not do it later? You just think of something that ought to be done, and you think you must go do it right now. Yes, I know what will come to your mind, for I have done it and I know by experience. But if you will resist every temptation, and STAY on your knees, even though you think your prayer isn’t going as high as the ceiling, in at least 30 or 40 minutes the devil will probably give up and let you alone and you’ll find you are establishing contact with God, and you’ll find you are beginning to really ENJOY talking to Him — just pouring out your soul to Him — telling him all about it. Pause, once awhile, and meditate, and let God talk to you. (Armstrong HW. Importance of Fasting.<\/a> July 7, 1948)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

In addition to humbling ourselves and helping us to realize how much we need to rely on God and drawing closer to him, fasting is considered to have certain physical benefits.<\/p>\n

Yes, Christians should keep the Day of Atonement.<\/p>\n

We in the Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> continue to keep the Day of Atonement in the 21st century.<\/p>\n

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Some items of related interest may include:<\/em><\/p>\n

The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance <\/a> The Jews call it Yom Kippur<\/em>, Christians “The Day of Atonement.” Does it have any relevance for Christians today? Here is a link to a related article in the Spanish language: El D\u00eda de Ayuno \u2013Su significado cristiano<\/a>. Here is a link to the sermon: God\u2019s Atonement and Fasting Plan<\/a>.
\nSermon: The Bible and the Day of Atonement<\/a> The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians \u201cThe Day of Atonement.\u201d Does it have any relevance for Christians today? Was it observed in the New Testament? What did some of the ancient Hebrew ceremonies surrounding it mean? Does one goat in Leviticus represent Jesus and the other Satan? How does the New Testament help answer this?
\nThe Atonement Plan<\/a> How does the Day of Atonement tie into God’s plan of salvation? A sermon of related interest is titled God’s Atonement Plan<\/a>.
\nAtonement Offertory<\/a> Should an offering be taken up on the Day of Atonement? What does the Bible seem to teach about that? Was Jesus a type of atonement offering? If you send an offering, how does that support the work? Does God need your money or do you need to give? Dr. Thiel goes over scriptures and facts related to this. Here is a link to the donation page of the Continuing Church of God, which includes the ability to use PayPal: http:\/\/www.ccog.org\/donations\/<\/a>
\n<\/a><\/b>Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing<\/em> Church of God Differs from Protestantism<\/a> The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real <\/em>Church of God differs from mainstream\/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History<\/a>; The First Protestant, God\u2019s Command, Grace, & Character<\/a>; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon<\/a>; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter<\/a>; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism<\/a>; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday<\/a>; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God\u2019s Plan<\/a><\/a>; Seventh Day Baptists\/Adventists\/Messianics: Protestant or COG?<\/a>; Millennial Kingdom of God and God\u2019s Plan of Salvation<\/a>; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats<\/a>; The Godhead and the Trinity<\/a>; Fleeing or Rapture?<\/a>; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences<\/a>.
\nBeliefs of the Original Catholic Church<\/a>. Did the original \u201ccatholic church\u201d have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term \u201ccatholic church\u201d to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?<\/a>, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover<\/a>, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?<\/a>, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy<\/a>, Early Heresies and Heretics<\/a>, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats<\/a>, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more<\/a>, Saturday or Sunday?<\/a>, The Godhead<\/a>, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession<\/a>, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List<\/a>, Holy Mother Church and Heresies<\/a>, and Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs<\/a>.<\/a><\/a>
\nUniversal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God\u2019s plan of salvation<\/a> Will all get a fair chance at salvation? This free book is packed with scriptures showing that God does intend to offer salvation to all who ever lived\u2013the elect in this age, and the rest in the age to come. Here is a link to a related sermon series: Universal Offer of Salvation 1: Apocatastasis<\/a>, Universal Offer of Salvation 2: Jesus Desires All to be Saved<\/a>, Mysteries of the Great White Throne Judgment (<\/a>Universal Offer of Salvation part 3)<\/a>, Is God Fair<\/a>, Will God Pardon the Ignorant?<\/a>, Can God Save Your Relatives?<\/a>, Babies, Limbo, Purgatory and God\u2019s Plan<\/a>, and \u2018By the Mouth of All His Holy Prophets\u2019<\/a>.
\nMichael’s Feasts and Fasts Quiz<\/a> 15 questions, amusing wrong answer screens.
\nMichael’s Day of Atonement Quiz<\/a> Another free on-line Bible quiz by my son Michael.
\nMichael’s Feasts and Fasts Quiz<\/a> 15 questions, amusing wrong answer screens.
\nImportance of Fasting <\/a>An old article by Herbert W. Armstrong<\/a> on this subject. Here is a link to it in Mandarin Chinese \u7981\u98df\u7684\u91cd\u8981\u6027<\/a>.
\nIs There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible?<\/a> This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days<\/a>. (Here is a related link in Spanish\/espa\u00f1ol: Calendario Anual de Adoraci\u00f3n \u2013Una cr\u00edtica basada en la Biblia y en la Historia: \u00bfHay un Calendario Anual de Adoraci\u00f3n en la Biblia?<\/a>
\nDid Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days?<\/a> The ‘Fall’ Holy Days come every year in September and\/or October on the Roman calendar. Some call them Jewish holidays, but they were kept by Jesus, the apostles, and their early faithful followers. Should you keep them? What does the Bible teach? What do records of church history teach? What does the Bible teach about the Feasts of Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day? Here is a link to a related sermon: Should Christians keep the Fall Biblical Holy Days<\/a>?
\nThe Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets?<\/a> Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not? What does the Feast of Trumpets, which the Jews call Rosh Hashanah, help teach?
\nThe Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians?<\/a> Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach? A related sermon video is Feast of Tabernacles from Israel<\/a>.
\nThe Last Great Day: Shemini ‘Azeret<\/a> What is the ‘eighth day’ of the Feast? What does it help picture? A sermon on this topic is also available: Shemini Azaret: The Last Great Day<\/a>.
\nChristians are to Be Strangers and Pilgrims?<\/a> Should Christians sojourn? What does the Bible and Feast of Tabernacles teach? A related video sermon is titled Christian Pilgrims<\/a>.
\nHoly Day Calendar<\/a> This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2033, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur \ud83d\ude42 In the Spanish\/Espa\u00f1ol\/Castellano language: Calendario de los D\u00edas Santos<\/a>. In Mandarin Chinese: \u4f55\u65e5\u662f\u795e\u7684\u5723\u65e5\uff1f \u8fd9\u91cc\u662f\u4e00\u4efd\u795e\u7684\u5723\u65e5\u65e5\u5386\u4ece2013\u5e74\u81f32024\u5e74\u3002<\/a>.
\nThe Gospel of the Kingdom of God<\/a> This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to four related sermons: \u00a0The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!<\/a>, The World\u2019s False Gospel<\/a>, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments<\/a>, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where is the True Christian Church Today?<\/a> This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? <\/a>Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: \u00bfD\u00f3nde est\u00e1 la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy?<\/a> Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE?<\/a> Here is a link in the French language: O\u00f9 est la vraie \u00c9glise Chr\u00e9tienne aujourd\u2019hui?<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/strong>Continuing History of the Church of God<\/a> This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D<\/a>. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries<\/a> and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries<\/a>. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuaci\u00f3n de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios<\/a>, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes<\/a>, and Ekegusii Omogano Bw\u2019ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete<\/a>.
\n<\/strong>CCOG.ORG<\/a> Continuing<\/a><\/em> Church of God<\/a> The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

1878 painting of Jews in synagogue on Yom Kippur COGwriter The Day of Atonement, called Yom Kippur by the Jews, runs from sunset October 4th through sunset October 5th in 2021. A while back, the Temple Institute reported the following: Erev Yom Kippur,Tishrei 9, 5780\/October 8, 2019 When we study the service of the Kohen […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-76684","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-doctrine"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76684","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=76684"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76684\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":76685,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76684\/revisions\/76685"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=76684"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=76684"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=76684"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}