Negative Eschatology: Embracing the Mysteries of Our Afterlife
by Reinder BruinsmaΒ |Β 30 July 2025Β |Β Β Professor Rik Torfs belongs to that small group of erudite people who have the gift of communicating their insights in accessible, enriching, and often surprising ways. He is a Belgian professor in canonical law. I became acquainted with him in 1997 when I was involved with the […] Source: https://atoday.org/negative-eschatology-embracing-the-mysteries-of-our-afterlife/
AWR360Β° Brings Hope to an Unreached Area
Shangilia Liama and her group arrived at a place called Oporoi to visit the Morans who live there. When they arrived, the Morans welcomed them very kindly. The group gave the Morans Godpods, which they plan to listen to and then share their report. The Morans are very thankful to AWR for bringing the Godpods. They are excited to hear God's Word from the devices and feel grateful. They look forward to listening to God's message. #AWR360 #BroadcastToBaptism Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Tqun_8MkOQo
Lesson 5.Passover | 5.5 The Divine Judgment | π EXODUS | LIVING FAITH
Lesson 5: Passover
5.5 The Divine Judgment
Divine Judgment β When Justice Is Revealed
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Introduction
The tenth and final plague was the climax of God’s intervention against Egyptβs oppressive system. What began as a promise of liberation now finds its radical fulfillment: the Egyptian firstborn die β a deeply shocking but justified judgment.
Why did God strike the firstborn specifically? What does that tell us about justice, retribution β but also hope? And what does it mean for us today, in a world full of injustice, pain, and consequences?
This lesson brings us to a point where we begin to grasp the weight of sin and the depth of divine justice β and at the same time realize: salvation comes through the blood of a lamb.
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Bible Study: Exodus 12:29β30 + Hebrews 11:28
Theme: βThe Judgment on the Firstborn β Final Consequence or Final Chance?β
Text Base: Exodus 12:29β30 / Hebrews 11:28 / Exodus 1:16β22 / Exodus 15:11 / Exodus 18:11
1. Historical and Biblical Context
The story of the ten plagues is not a myth or a fable β it is God’s direct confrontation with a system of oppression that defied life, freedom, and truth.
Pharaoh was more than just a man β he embodied a divinely legitimized system of power that enslaved his own people and others. The tenth plague was not only directed at Pharaoh himself, but at everything he represented:
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Power without justice
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Religion without truth
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Progress without regard for life
Godβs decision to strike the firstborn was not cruel β but consistent. It was the final step, after God had warned, waited, and called out nine times before.
2. Why the Firstborn?
In ancient Near Eastern culture, the firstborn carried the familyβs legacy, identity, and hope. They symbolized:
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The future of the family
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The continuation of the lineage
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The pride and status of the parents
In Egypt, this had religious implications:
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Pharaohβs son was considered divine
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Goddesses like Isis, Heqet, and the god Min were seen as protectors of life, fertility, and children
So the tenth plague was:
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A blow to Egyptβs religious foundations
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An exposure of the godsβ powerlessness
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A reflection of Egyptβs own sin β they had murdered Israelβs firstborn (see Exodus 1:16β22)
Godβs judgment is never arbitrary β it is both mirror and response.
What a person sows, that will they also reap.
3. Passover as a Gift of Grace in the Midst of Judgment
God could have judged without warning.
But instead, He offers salvation β through a sacrifice, a lamb, through faith and obedience.
Passover was:
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A sign of faith β not understanding saved them, but trusting did
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A sign of separation β those who obeyed were under divine protection
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A sign of redemption β not through effort, but through the lambβs blood (Hebrews 11:28)
β€ Protection from destruction didnβt depend on origin, status, or knowledge β only on the blood.
Parallel to the gospel:
Jesus is our Passover Lamb (see 1 Corinthians 5:7).
Only His blood saves us from eternal judgment.
Yes, God judges β but He offers protection first.
4. The Character of God in Judgment
We must learn to see God not only as βlovingβ β but as holy, just, slow to anger, and rich in mercy.
God is no tyrant β but He is also not a passive observer.
In Exodus 12:29β30, we see:
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Godβs resolve β He acts when the time is right
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Godβs control β He chooses the target (firstborn), the time (midnight), the scope (all of Egypt)
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Godβs patience β He had warned them nine times before
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Godβs grace β He offered a way of salvation beforehand
God does not judge out of anger β but out of justice.
And His justice is never separate from His mercy.
5. Judgment as a Response to Systemic Sin
The tenth plague did not strike only individual sinners β but an entire system, which over generations had:
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Killed children
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Enslaved peoples
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Ignored the voice of God
Godβs judgment strikes structures β not just actions.
This is true today too:
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Systems that destroy life (human trafficking, environmental abuse, exploitation)
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Systems that suppress truth (propaganda, censorship, persecution)
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Systems that prioritize power over people
God does not remain silent β at some point, He speaks through events, upheaval, and judgment.
6. What Does This Have to Do with Us?
The story of the ten plagues is not just history β it is prophecy.
Even today, there are modern-day Pharaohs β in politics, economics, ideology.
Even today, innocent blood cries out from the ground to God.
Even today, God offers protection β but not forever.
The real question is:
βAm I under the protection of the Lamb β or living in my own strength?β
7. The Deep Truth of Passover
God saves through substitution.
An innocent dies β so the guilty may live.
A lamb sheds its blood β so destruction passes by.
What happened literally in Egypt happens spiritually today:
Whoever trusts in Christ is no longer under condemnation β but under grace.
8. Spiritual Lessons for Today
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Judgment is real β but never without warning
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Faith is shown through obedience
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Our decisions deeply impact others
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No idol, no technology, no achievement can save β only the blood of Jesus
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God’s goal is always salvation β never destruction
Final Thoughts
The tenth plague may be one of the hardest stories in the Bible β but it is also one of the clearest revelations of the gospel.
God judges β yes.
But first, He calls.
He warns.
He offers salvation.
He waits.
But when the measure is full, He acts β justly, righteously, and decisively.
What does this mean for you today?
Are you ready?
Are you under the protection?
Or are you deaf to God’s warnings?
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Answers to the Questions
Question 1: Why the Firstborn?
Godβs decision to strike the firstborn in the tenth plague was not random or cruel β it was deeply symbolic, just, and purposeful. It was the final step in a long process of divine warnings, patience, and mercy.
In ancient society, the firstborn:
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Carried the blessing
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Represented the familyβs hope
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Were heirs and symbols of the future
In Egypt, the firstborn had divine significance:
Pharaohβs firstborn was considered the son of a god. Pharaoh himself was seen as the incarnation of gods like Ra or Horus.
Striking the firstborn exposed the powerlessness of Egyptβs religion. Gods like:
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Isis (protector of children)
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Heqet (goddess of birth)
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Min (god of fertility)
β all were powerless to save. The plague was a judgment on Egyptβs gods, not just its people (see Exodus 12:12).
It was also a response to the killing of Israelβs sons by Pharaoh (Exodus 1).
This was not vengeance β but restorative justice:
“What a man sows, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
But God did not act without restraint: He gave nine chances to repent β nine warnings. Only after all were rejected did judgment fall.
It struck at:
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The heart of Egyptian identity
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The pride and religious arrogance of the system
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The Pharaohβs god-like self-image
And it stood for the sake of the oppressed β those whose children had been killed.
Hebrews 11:28 reminds us that Moses, by faith, kept the Passover so that βthe destroyer would not touch the firstborn.β Godβs judgment makes a distinction β and obedience through faith brings protection.
Israel was not better β but they trusted the blood of the Lamb.
Question 2: How Have Others Suffered from Your Sins?
This question invites honest reflection β not as theory, but personal experience.
How have we suffered from othersβ sins?
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Weβve been lied to β and trust broke
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Wounded by harsh words
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Abandoned or disappointed by loved ones
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Hurt by injustice β in families, workplaces, or society
Some wounds heal slowly, or never fully. They shape our view of people β and sometimes, of God.
But also:
How have others suffered from our sins?
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We spoke impatiently when someone needed comfort
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Acted selfishly when someone relied on us
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Crossed lines that hurt someoneβs dignity
Our actions leave marks β seen or unseen.
God knows every consequence.
Sin is never private β it spreads like a virus.
It hurts the guilty β and also the innocent (as in the tenth plague).
Our Only Hope?
Not in self-help.
Not in remorse.
Not in trying to earn justice.
Our only hope is what Israel had:
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A lamb
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Blood on the door
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A sacrifice that dies in our place
Jesus Christ is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).
His blood speaks life, not death.
It protects us not just from earthly destruction β but from eternal judgment.
It covers our guilt β and heals the wounds others caused us.
Godβs grace means:
β I am not forever defined by my failures.
β I can receive forgiveness β and extend it.
β I donβt have to live in bitterness β but seek reconciliation through Godβs help.
Our hope is not βimprovementβ β but redemption.
And it is a gift β to all who step under the blood by faith.
Summary of Both Questions
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Godβs judgment on the firstborn was just, necessary, and intentional
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It was the final act after immense patience and mercy
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The firstborn symbolized Egyptβs power and pride β the core was struck
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Passover was the way to salvation β through blood, not merit
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Our only hope today is also in Christβs sacrifice
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Sin has consequences β but grace has the final word
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Spiritual Principles
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Godβs judgment is just and specific β never arbitrary
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Sin has consequences β for us and others
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Idols β even modern ones β are powerless in times of crisis
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Mercy and protection are found only under the Lambβs blood
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Faith acts β itβs not enough to know truth; we must live it
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Application for Daily Life
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Reflect honestly: What decisions of yours have harmed others? Ask God (and possibly people) for forgiveness
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If you’re suffering because of others: Bring your pain to God β He sees the injustice and will act
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Identify modern idols: success, control, security, image β they canβt save you
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Trust in Christ β actively, daily, with gratitude
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In suffering, remember: God sees you β and His judgment also brings hope for the oppressed
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Conclusion
The tenth plague was God’s judgment β clear, just, and inescapable.
But it was also a signal of protection for those under the blood of the Lamb.
The question is not if judgment will come β
but where will you stand when it does?
Only under Godβs protection is there safety.
And only there does true hope begin.
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Thought of the Day
βWhat a man sows, he will reap. But through Christ, even the seeds of guilt can grow into a harvest of grace.β
31.07.2025 β Leviticus Chapter 16 | BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
July 31, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Leviticus 16 β The Day of Atonement β Holiness, Grace, and Cleansing
A look at Godβs plan for cleansing and restoration in Leviticus 16 β and what it means for us today
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Bible Text β Leviticus 16 (KJV)
1 And theΒ LordΒ spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before theΒ Lord, and died;
2Β And theΒ LordΒ said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.
3Β Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.
4Β He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.
5Β And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.
6Β And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.
7Β And he shall take the two goats, and present them before theΒ LordΒ at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
8Β And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for theΒ Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
9Β And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which theΒ Lord‘s lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering.
10Β But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before theΒ Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.
11Β And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself:
12Β And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before theΒ Lord, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:
13Β And he shall put the incense upon the fire before theΒ Lord, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not:
14Β And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.
15Β Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:
16Β And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness.
17Β And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.
18Β And he shall go out unto the altar that is before theΒ Lord, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about.
19Β And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.
20Β And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat:
21Β And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness:
22Β And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.
23Β And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there:
24Β And he shall wash his flesh with water in the holy place, and put on his garments, and come forth, and offer his burnt offering, and the burnt offering of the people, and make an atonement for himself, and for the people.
25Β And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar.
26Β And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp.
27Β And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung.
28Β And he that burneth them shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.
29Β And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:
30Β For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before theΒ Lord.
31Β It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.
32Β And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest’s office in his father’s stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments:
33Β And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.
34Β And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as theΒ LordΒ commanded Moses.
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Introduction
In a world marked by guilt, separation, mistakes, and failure, the question arises:
How can humanity be reconciled to a holy God?
Leviticus 16 offers a profound answer to this question:
Through a holy sacrifice, through a mediator, through cleansing β and through grace.
This chapter describes the annual Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur β the highest holy day in the Jewish calendar. It was a day of cleansing, a day of fasting, a day of decision β and at the same time, a prophetic picture of what Jesus Christ has fulfilled for us.
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Commentary
1. Holiness and Access to God (verses 1β4)
God makes it unmistakably clear: no one may enter His presence carelessly or at any time.
Aaron, the high priest, may only enter the Most Holy Place once a year β and only under strict conditions:
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With ritual washing
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Wearing holy, simple linen garments
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Carrying sacrificial animals
This shows us: Godβs presence is not a place for human pride or presumption.
Access to God requires purity, humility, and obedience.
2. The Sacrifices: Atonement for the Priest and the People (verses 5β19)
Aaron must first bring a sacrifice for himself and his household β before he can intercede for the people. Then two goats come into play:
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One for the Lord, sacrificed as a sin offering
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One for Azazel, the “scapegoat”, sent into the wilderness
Aaron sprinkles blood on the atonement cover (mercy seat) to make atonement for the people. He also purifies the sanctuary, the altar, and the utensils β because even the place of worship had been defiled by the sins of the people.
Blood = life.
It is through the shedding of blood that forgiveness is made possible (cf. Hebrews 9:22).
The scapegoat symbolizes this: our guilt is carried away.
3. Symbolic Removal of Sin (verses 20β22)
Aaron places all the guilt of the people on the live goat β through the laying on of hands and confession.
A designated man then leads the goat into the wilderness, far from the camp. The message:
God removes sin completely β not just symbolically, but truly.
Psalm 103:12 β βAs far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.β
God doesn’t just want to forgive, but to cleanse, free, and relieve us.
4. Cleansing and a New Beginning (verses 23β28)
After completing his duties in the sanctuary, Aaron removes the holy garments, washes, offers the burnt offering, and burns the fat β a sign of total devotion.
Atonement doesn’t end with ritual β it leads to renewed life.
Even the man who led the goat away, or who burned the animal carcasses, must wash and purify himself β sin defiles everything, even the helper.
5. An Eternal Law and Its Prophetic Fulfillment (verses 29β34)
Yom Kippur was a perpetual ordinance:
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Once a year
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On the 10th day of the 7th month
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A day of self-examination, fasting, and rest
And yet Israel knew: the sacrifices had to be repeated every year β because they could not fully cleanse (cf. Hebrews 10:1β4).
Only in Jesus was this perfectly fulfilled.
Hebrews 9:12 β βNot with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, and obtained eternal redemption.β
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Summary
Leviticus 16 describes Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
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Access to God is only possible through purity and sacrificial blood.
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Two goats represent atonement and the removal of sin.
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God requires not only outward rituals, but inward repentance and holiness.
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The annual rite prophetically points to Jesus Christ, who has atoned once for all.
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Message for Us Today
Even today, we need atonement β with God, with others, and with ourselves.
We carry guilt β sometimes visible, often hidden. We try to repress it, compensate for it, or justify it.
But God says:
Come to Me with it all β I have prepared the way.
Not through performance.
Not through self-denial.
But through the blood of My Son.
Jesus is our High Priest, our sacrificial Lamb, our scapegoat.
In Him, sin is not just forgiven β it is removed. Forever.
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Reflection Questions
βThere is a place where guilt ends:
Not in denial.
Not in explanation.
But under the blood.
At the cross.
Thatβs where true freedom begins.β
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July 27 – August 2, 2025
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING
Ellen G. White β Patriarchs and Prophets β Chapter 20
Joseph in Egypt
Read online here
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Introduction
Josephβs life story is one of the most moving accounts in the Old Testament. It shows how God uses suffering, injustice, and severe trials to shape a young man into an instrument of His blessing β not just for one people, but for entire nations. What Joseph experiences reflects divine education, divine faithfulness β and human choice.
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Commentary
1. Brokenness: Loneliness and Loss (The Beginning of the Journey)
Joseph is betrayed by his brothers, sold, and on his way to a foreign land. His childhood, marked by his father’s favoritism, ends abruptly. He experiences deep emotional wounds and total abandonment. But out of this crisis, something new begins to grow. In his loneliness, Joseph decides to trust God β even when he loses everything else.
2. The Conscious Decision for Faithfulness (Turning Point)
Joseph remembers the teachings about the God of his fathers β and makes a conscious decision: he will remain faithful to God, no matter the cost. This decision becomes the defining turning point in his life. He is no longer a victim of his circumstances but a servant of God β even in slavery.
3. Steadfastness in Temptation (Potipharβs House)
Joseph is tempted by Potipharβs wife. The decision lies between secret sin or risky faithfulness. Joseph chooses the harder path and asks:
“How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)
He does not choose out of fear of people but out of reverence for God.
4. Faithfulness in the Dark (The Prison Years)
Joseph is unjustly condemned. Despite deep injustice, he holds firm to his faith. He does not become bitter. Instead of self-pity, he serves others, helps, comforts, interprets dreams. The years in prison become a school of character.
5. The Elevation (At the Royal Court)
God opens the doors at the right time. Joseph is elevated β not by chance, but by divine plan. His wisdom, insight, and faithfulness in small things make him Egyptβs administrator. The former slave becomes Father of the Land (Genesis 41:43). God honors his faithfulness with influence and responsibility.
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Summary
Josephβs journey takes him from his fatherβs tent, through slavery and prison, all the way to the Pharaohβs court. In every phase, Joseph remains faithful to his God β not because it was easy, but because it was right. His strength of character and faith make him an instrument in Godβs hands.
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Message for Us Today
Godβs guidance is not always visible β but it is always faithful.
Trials reveal our character.
He who honors God in the small things will be entrusted with greater things.
Worldly success is empty without the fear of God β but through reverence for God, success gains lasting value.
Character is shaped in daily life, through small decisions, in the unseen.
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Reflection Question
Where am I right now on my βJoseph journeyβ? In the pit? In Potipharβs house? In prison? Or in elevation?
What keeps me from remaining faithful to God under all circumstances?
Is my integrity dependent on external conditions β or on inner conviction?
What βsmall decisionsβ today are shaping my character for tomorrow?
LuxVerbi | The light of the Word. The clarity of faith.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/31-07-2025-leviticus-chapter-16-believe-his-prophets/
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