Messianic Yom Kippur Service 2023 • | Founded in Truth Fellowship

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship centers on the significance of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, through a Messianic Jewish lens, highlighting the role of Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah and High Priest. The speaker, likely Matthew Vander Els, guides the congregation through a service that reflects on the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the cleansing of sins, emphasizing God’s mercy and grace.

The teaching begins with a call for God’s mercy and an acknowledgement of humanity’s lack of good works, urging reliance on God’s righteousness and grace for salvation. The passage from Psalm 24 is referenced, speaking of the King of Glory entering through the gates, identified as the Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord of armies. This sets a tone of reverence and anticipation for the presence of God.

A significant portion of the teaching involves a communal confession of sins, ranging from spoken lies and acts of theft to hateful thoughts and lustful desires. The congregation is invited to respond with “purge it from your sight,” seeking God’s forgiveness and cleansing. This collective acknowledgement of transgressions underscores the importance of repentance on Yom Kippur.

The teaching then moves towards the understanding of Yeshua as the fulfillment of the sacrificial system and the ultimate atonement for sins. He is referred to as the Son, our King and High Priest, whose sacrifice was committed once and for all, allowing for the purging of sins and transgressions. This perspective aligns Yom Kippur with the New Covenant established through Yeshua.

The speaker draws upon Psalm 145 to extol God’s greatness, His everlasting kingdom, and His preservation of those who love Him. This reinforces the character of God as merciful and powerful, deserving of praise. The concept of God being “greatly to be praised” is emphasized, encouraging a spirit of worship and belief.

The teaching further elaborates on the attributes of God, describing Him as holy, the King of kings, the God of Israel, and the Creator. His perfect love, demonstrated through the giving of His only Son, is highlighted, along with His joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. These attributes provide a foundation for understanding God’s willingness to forgive and restore.

The passage from Isaiah 53 is central to the Messianic interpretation of Yom Kippur presented. This scripture speaks of the suffering servant who bears our griefs and carries our pains, who was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities, and by whose stripes we are healed. Yeshua is understood as this suffering servant, whose sacrifice provides atonement for sin.

The teaching also touches upon God’s heart for the Jewish people and the land of Israel. There is a prayer for the return of the fear of Yehovah to their hearts and for the truth of Messiah Yeshua to become a reality for them. The idea of Christians around the world learning Torah and Jewish Israelis being awakened to their Messiah is mentioned as a fulfillment of prophecy. The importance of standing with God’s plan and vision for Israel is emphasized.

The concept of the Jubilee year, as described in Isaiah 61 and Leviticus 25, is introduced as a time of freedom, liberty, and the renewal of hearts. Yeshua’s reading of Isaiah 61 in the synagogue is referenced, where He proclaimed the year of the Lord’s favor and liberation for the captives. This is understood as an inaugurated Jubilee that believers experience daily, representing heaven coming to earth. The teaching anticipates a future return of the King and a greater fulfillment of the Jubilee.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Practice regular self-reflection and confession: Just as the congregation collectively confessed their sins, individuals should regularly examine their actions, thoughts, and intentions and confess them to God.
• Seek God’s mercy and grace: Recognize that salvation and forgiveness are not earned through good works but are gifts of God’s mercy and grace through Yeshua’s sacrifice.
• Extend forgiveness to others: Having received God’s forgiveness, believers are called to extend that same grace and forgiveness to those who have wronged them.
• Live in the reality of the inaugurated Jubilee: Embrace the freedom and liberty that Yeshua has brought, allowing for a renewed heart and a life of service to God.
• Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the salvation of Israel: Recognize God’s ongoing plan for Israel and actively pray for their spiritual awakening and restoration.
• Cultivate a heart of worship and praise: Acknowledge God’s holiness, greatness, and loving-kindness through prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.
• Trust in God’s promises: Remember that God is faithful to His promises and that He has a plan for good and a future of hope for those who trust in Him.
• Bear one another’s burdens: Just as Yeshua bore our griefs and carried our pains, believers are called to support and uplift each other in times of difficulty.
• Live as a new creation: Reflect the transforming power of God’s salvation in daily life, striving to live according to His will.
• Look forward to the return of the King: Maintain hope and anticipation for Yeshua’s return and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom.

References

• Psalm 24: https://biblehub.com/psalm/24.htm
• Psalm 145: https://biblehub.com/psalm/145.htm
• Isaiah 53: https://biblehub.com/isaiah/53.htm
• Zechariah (general reference): https://biblehub.com/zechariah/1.htm
• Isaiah 61: https://biblehub.com/isaiah/61.htm
• Leviticus 25: https://biblehub.com/leviticus/25.htm

Books and Resources Mentioned

• The Bible