Who Is Azazel and When Are Sins Placed on Him?

Sins are placed upon Azazel only after the High Priest has finished the work of atonement in the sanctuary, and this Azazel represents Satan, the originator of all sinBDOC 64.23+2.

Who is Azazel?

• A Personal Being: The casting of lots between "one for the Lord" and "one for Azazel" shows that Azazel is a distinct personality and the spiritual opposite of the LordATNM 104.2+1.

• The Devil: Both ancient Hebrew and Christian opinions, along with Syriac and Arabic translations, identify Azazel as the devil or the fallen angel who revoltedDAR1909 732.3+2.

• Not a Savior: Azazel is not a type of Christ; while the Lord's goat was sacrificed for the people, the scapegoat performs an entirely different office and has no part in reconciling people to GodARSH November 27, 1856, page 28.8+2.

• The Author of Sin: As the instigator and author of all evil, it is just that he should receive back the foul load of transgressions he caused God's people to commitSTTHD 312.3+1.

When are Sins Placed on Azazel?

• After the Sanctuary Service: The High Priest only confesses the sins over the head of the scapegoat after he has finished the work of reconciling the holy place, the tabernacle, and the altar Leviticus 16:20JEO 73.3+1.

• At the Close of Christ's Ministry: In the antitype, our High Priest, Jesus Christ, will place the sins of the righteous upon Satan when His intercessory work in the heavenly sanctuary is completedGC 658.1+2.

• Before the Plagues: Once the ministration in the sanctuary is finished, Christ puts on the garments of vengeance, and the sins are placed on the scapegoat before the plagues fall upon the wickedSpM 2.1.

The Final Atonement and Blotting Out of Sin

• The Day of Atonement: Full atonement for all sins is made once a year during the Day of Atonement, a time of solemn heart-searching and soul-affliction Leviticus 16:34BDOC 64.23+1.

• Transfer of Sin: Throughout the year, sins are transferred to the sanctuary through the blood of victims; however, they are not entirely canceled until the Day of Atonement, when they are removed from the sanctuary recordCIHS 143.2+1.

• Blotting Out Sins: In our time, we are in the antitypical Day of Atonement, where sins are blotted from the records of heaven as each case is decided in the investigative judgment Acts 3:19BDOC 64.23+2.

• Final Destruction: The plan of salvation is consummated when the scapegoat is led away into a "land not inhabited," symbolizing Satan's banishment to the desolate earth for a thousand years before his final destruction into ashes Revelation 20:1-3Eze 28:18-19+3.

It is a beautiful truth that while justice is served by blaming the devil for the sins he inspired, our salvation is secured entirely through the sacrifice and life of Jesus Christ Romans 4:25BDOC 64.23+1. If you humbly confess your sins now, He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse you from all unrighteousness 1 John 1:9KCMS 2.2. 🕊️