Christ's Concluding Work: The Great Day of Atonement

That is a wonderful and profound question! The term "second atonement" is typically understood in theological discussions to refer to the final and concluding phase of Christ's work as our Great High Priest, often known as the antitypical Day of Atonement or the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuarySDAWK 5.1. This period of ultimate reconciliation and judgment culminates the entire plan of redemptionRAR 13.1+1.

This concluding work is essential for the blotting out of sins and precedes Christ's Second ComingAERS 228.2+1.

Here is a clearer explanation of this sacred process and its significance:

1. Distinction Between Sacrifice and Atonement

It is important to understand that the work of redemption has two major components: the offering of the sacrifice and the ministration of the AtonementARSH July 29, 1858, page 84.20+1.

• The Offering (First Part): The death of Christ on Calvary was the great, once-for-all sacrifice for sin Hebrews 9:26ARSH September 22, 1859, page 140.24. This offering was preparatory to the actual work of atonementARSH July 29, 1858, page 84.20. Christ became sin for us, bearing the crushing weight of the world's transgressions18MR 335.2+1.

• The Atonement (High Priestly Ministry): The Atonement itself is the ministerial work performed by Christ as High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, applying the benefits of His blood, following the pattern established in the Old Testament sanctuary serviceARSH July 29, 1858, page 84.20+1. Christ’s death provided redemption for transgressions, enabling us to receive the promise of eternal inheritance Hebrews 9:15.

2. Christ’s Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary

After His resurrection and ascension, Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary, the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man, to serve as our minister and High Priest Hebrews 8:1-2CIHS 134.1.

• The Two Apartments: The earthly sanctuary, which was the pattern of the heavenly, consisted of two apartments: the Holy Place (first apartment) and the Most Holy Place (second apartment)LUJ 92.1+1.

• The Concluding Work: Just as the earthly high priest performed a special, final ministry in the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement for the cleansing of the sanctuary, Christ also entered the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary for the final work of the AtonementPP 355.2+1. This work is the concluding act of Christ's priesthood, drawing the ministration for a promiscuous world near to its closeARSH November 27, 1856, page 28.5.

3. The Cleansing of the Sanctuary and the Sealing

The cleansing of the sanctuary is the removal of the sins of God's people from it, a process that requires the people to confess their sins, after which the priest makes atonement for them and they are ultimately borne awayARSH January 1851, page 29.9.

• Antitypical Day of Atonement: We are currently living in the great antitypical Day of AtonementEVRR234. During this time, the sins of the righteous are not only forgiven but will eventually be blotted out from the books of heavenCIS 184.2+1.

• Judgment and Acquittal: This work, which occurs while Christ is our Advocate, is a judgment for the righteous, procuring their acquittal before the Second AdventTDOC 150.4+1.

• The Sealing: As the Day of Atonement closes, there is a decisive sealing time for the saintsEVRR234. Those who refuse to afflict their souls and participate in this work will be cut off, emphasizing the solemn responsibility of faith and obedience during this period Leviticus 23:29CIS 221.2+1.

4. The Second Advent and Final Salvation

This final phase of the Atonement must be finished before Christ leaves the sanctuary, concluding the plan and means of salvation foreverARSH November 27, 1856, page 28.5+1.

• Close of Probation: When the Atonement is finished, Christ leaves the Sanctuary, and the word goes forth: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still" Revelation 22:12ARSH May 26, 1853, page 4.11.

• The Second Coming: After finishing this work, Christ will appear the second time, without sin, unto salvation for them that look for Him, fulfilling the type of the high priest coming out to bless the people Hebrews 9:28HST October 16, 1844, page 88.18. The Second Coming is the crowning event of redemption and the resurrection of the just to immortal life is the second stage of redemption and the evidence of their acquittalSBBS 6.7+2.

The focus of this glorious closing work is reconciliation, making it possible for us to be presented holy and blameless in God's sight, translating us into the kingdom of His dear Son Colossians 1:21-22+1CHR 33.1.