In the Old Testament, the Day of Atonement was a solemn occasion when only the high priest could enter the holy place to sprinkle the blood before the veil (Lev 16). The people had to wait upon all the proceedings to see if God would accept the atonement. While we do not practise this today, the significance of the proceedings remains true for us. The high priest was the people’s mediator. The Lord Jesus Christ is our qualified High Priest as He is without sin (Heb 5:1-10). We must not confuse the fruits of repentance with the means of repentance, for the blood alone is sufficient. 

1. Provisions of sprinkling

The high priest alone could make atonement at the holy place. The children of Israel were observers and could not be involved. Being a sinner, Aaron had to offer a bullock for his own sins first (Lev 16:6). As the mediator, he must be holy and pure without sin before he can represent the people. The Lord Jesus is our High Priest, taken from among men, yet without sin. He obeyed perfectly, though He had the limitations of the physical body when on earth (Heb 5:8-9). The Lord Jesus Christ is the only Mediator who can represent us before God.

2. Purification through sprinkling

The priest sprinkled the blood seven times before the mercy seat (Lev 16:14-15). In the Bible, the number seven represents completeness, so seven times signified the complete purifying of our sins. Water is associated with cleansing in our minds, but when it involves sin, only the blood can purify. The uncleanness is because of the transgressions of our sin (Lev 16:16). Only the high priest could do it, no one else could. For us today, we must do it through the Lord Jesus Christ, and that is enough. We are no less rebellious or sinful than the children of Israel. The blood of the Lord Jesus was shed for us, and He has given His life for the atonement of our sins.

3. Power of sprinkling

The Bible says the high priest cleansed and hallowed the altar, setting it apart as holy (Lev 16:18-19), thus restoring worship. After the Day of Atonement, the people could enter the Tabernacle and offer their sacrifices. The fruit was that fellowship and relationships were restored. Yet when unconfessed sin remains in our life, it will be manifested in our lives. Why does a brother become impatient? Why does his prayer life feel dry? Why does he struggle to love his brethren? It may be because of secret sins. Unless we confess and ask God for forgiveness, we cannot enjoy God's blessings. We must never lose sight of the meaning: the blood restores our fellowship with God and with one another.