Leviticus 16 gives the instructions for the Law of the Atonement.  This would be required once a year and the High Priest would be the only one to enter into the Holy of Holies on that one day....

The sacrifices required would be:  A bull for a sin offering for the priest and his household.. for their atonement.  A ram for a burnt offering.. Two male goats for a sin offering for the congregation. A ram as a burnt offering for the congregation. 

The two goats were taken to the doorway of the tent. Aaron would cast a lot for the goats. One would be sacrificed for the Lord.. and the other would be a scapegoat.. taken out into the wilderness to "carry" away all the iniquities and transgressions of Israel. 

When Aaron entered the most holy place he had to come with fire and incense.. and the smoke would rise before him as he approached the Mercy Seat.  He would also sprinkle blood from the sacrifices on the ark and on the altar.  He made atonement for himself, for the people; for the tabernacle,  and for the altar.  This would be required every year on the 10th day of the 7th month.  It was a day of "solemn rest".. a day of humbling themselves before the Lord.... " for it is on this day that atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you; you shall be clean from all your sins before the Lord." (v31)

Verse 32 "So the priest who is anointed and ordained to serve as priest in his father's place shall make atonement; he shall thus put on the linen garments, the holy garments."  Again, my thoughts are turned to Jesus.. our great High Priest.  Hebrews 3:1 says, "therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus the Apostle and High Priest of our confession."   

Jesus did not wear the linen garments of Aaron.. but He put on flesh.. He "emptied Himself, taking on the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross." ( Philippians 2:7-8)  When He had died on that cross, a man named Joseph took His body and wrapped it in a" clean linen cloth."(Mathew 27:57-58) His Priesthood was quite different than Aaron's!

Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the perfect high priest.. One who had no sin.. One who died "once for all".. the One who "obtained a more excellent ministry by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant which has been enacted on better promises." (Heb. 8:6)

Hebrews 10 tells us that the Law was just a "shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things.."  Jesus came to do the will of the Father.  He came to offer "one sacrifice for sins for all time," and then He sat down at the right hand of God. 

Father in heaven, holy and righteous God, we thank You for such a great Savior.. Jesus is the Lamb of God who made atonement for our sins. He is our Great High Priest who is our Mediator and our King.  Thank You for sending Your precious Son to save us.. even one such as I.  I am holding fast.. drawing near.. clinging to You, Lord Jesus.  Have Your way in me.. in us today. Amen.