Rod McNair

[The text below represents an edited transcript of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Evidence of the Loneliness Epidemic

There’s a new epidemic affecting our world today. And I’m not talking about a new variant of COVID-19. In fact, it’s not a virus or a disease at all. It’s not spread through coughing or sneezing, and lockdowns surely won’t help. So what is it? And how are you affected by it?

It is the epidemic of loneliness. Now, you might think, “What are you talking about? That’s not an epidemic. That’s what all of us experience from time to time.”

But this is different. I’m talking about a chronic sense of isolation and disconnection from others, from any sort of community, from anything meaningful in life.

And why wouldn’t millions feel empty and alone in our world today? After all, generations have been taught there’s no purpose to life and we are the products of random chance.

Regarding Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, the late science fiction writer, Arthur C. Clarke once wrote:

Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the Universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying Arthur C. Clarke Quotes (Author of 2001).

More recently, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins wrote in River Out of Eden:

The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference (River Out of Eden, p. 133, 1995, Richard Dawkins).

Maybe there’s a reason why so many today feel chronically alone. Maybe we as society have absorbed the fables of evolution. And they are profoundly affecting how we think about our place in the Universe, in society, and even in our own homes.

You might be one of millions today suffering from a sense of isolation and loneliness.

Now, are we overstating this? After all, an epidemic is an out-of-control health crisis where people get sick and die—and in large numbers. Of course, everybody feels lonely from time to time. Is the term “epidemic of loneliness” an exaggeration? This is the point of an article from January 24, 2025 in The Atlantic entitled “The Myth of a Loneliness Epidemic.” The author says:

No one would blame you for thinking that we’re in the midst of an unprecedented global loneliness emergency. The United Kingdom and Japan have named “loneliness ministers” to tackle the problem. In 2023, the World Health Organization declared loneliness a pressing public-health concern, and then-President Joe Biden’s surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, issued an advisory warning about an “epidemic of loneliness.” American commentators have painted a bleak portrait of a nation collapsing into ever more distant and despairing silos. And polls do suggest that a lot of people are lonely—some of the time, at least.

But is it an epidemic? The author explains that it’s difficult to quantify something like loneliness, especially when trying to compare it to historical trends. People’s expectations of relationships may be different today than they were a generation or two ago. That’s all true.

So is this a fad? Is it a trendy new band wagon to jump on? Or is there really something to it?

Whatever it is, some governments are taking it very seriously.

As the article mentions, the government of Great Britain commissioned one of its Ministers of Parliament with the task of tackling the growing problem of loneliness and social isolation in British society. And believe it or not, the British government has since spent over 80 million pounds studying and combating this problem (“Britain is in a loneliness epidemic—and young people are at the heart of it,” telegraph.co.uk, February 29, 2024).

When we think of loneliness as a social ill, it’s not surprising that the elderly would come to mind. After all, older people often have to face the challenge of losing a mate and living alone. They oftentimes struggle with challenging health issues. Isolation and loneliness only make it worse. Family members may be hundreds of miles away. Or they may have no contact with family members at all.

Increase of “Gray Divorce” Rates

Some may divorce, even later in life.

The American Association of Retired Persons website reports that there has been a dramatic increase in so-called “gray divorces.” Notice:

A new analysis of divorce data from 1990 to 2021 released in July by Bowling Green State University’s National Center for Family and Marriage Research found that divorce rates for those age 45 and over rose during that period… The most significant increase in divorce rates was among people 65 and older: The rate tripled from 1990 to 2021. At these older ages, rates of divorce among women nearly quadrupled… [Older] adults ”now face record high divorce rates”…. (“Divorce Skyrocketing Among Aging Boomers,” aarp.org, September 6, 2023).

So the rise in divorces is also a driving force in more feelings of isolation and disconnection among seniors today.

But even under the best of circumstances, with regular contact from loving family and friends, aging is challenging. But it’s not just the elderly who suffer from being isolated.

In 2021, the Japanese government instituted a ministry of loneliness, like Great Britain. Their specific aim was to address the growing suicide rate among the elderly, working women, part-time workers, and the unemployed. The COVID-19 pandemic had also made social isolation an even worse problem. Makoto Watanabe is a communications professor at Hokkaido Bunkyo University. In an article for Deutsche Welle, he explained the problem of men being marginalized because of the struggling economy.

There is a “lost generation” of thousands of 40- and 50-something men, primarily, who could not get a good job when they left school because the economy was bad and they have just stayed at home ever since. The number of single households and “hikikomori”—social recluses —has been increasing rapidly for many years…. (“Japan: ‘Minister of loneliness’ tackles mental health crisis,” dw.com, April 23, 2021).

So there are economic forces driving the loneliness trend. Unemployment and lingering effects of the COVID pandemic play a part. And it’s not just in the Western world.

But perhaps more alarming yet is the number of young adults experiencing chronic loneliness at even higher rates than the elderly. An NBC News survey reported this:

Twenty-nine percent of U.S. adults under age 30 say they feel lonely or isolated from those around them all of the time or most of the time. Similarly, 26% of the next oldest generation, or those ages 30-44, say they feel lonely or isolated all or most of the time.
But only 15% of survey respondents who are members of Generation X, or those who are 45 to 64 years old, said they felt they were lonely or isolated most or all of the time, and only 8% of those ages 65 and older said the same (“Poll: Young Americans are more likely to feel lonely, anxious about the future,” nbcnews.com, April 28, 2025).

A similar article in the Telegraph told the same story in the United Kingdom. Published on February 29, 2024, it was entitled, “Britain is in a loneliness epidemic—and young people are at the heart of it.”

So there does seem to be something happening. Ironically, it’s in a time with ever-increasing connection through the Internet and smartphones. Loneliness seems to be increasing across the board.

Bible Verses About Loneliness: Its Causes

But why is it happening?

Many experts give opinions about why the loneliness epidemic is growing. They’ll cite reasons such as people spending more time online; less contact person-to-person; the fact that it’s a more mobile society; the pandemic.

And that’s all true—those certainly have contributed to the epidemic of loneliness. But one source most experts overlook is the Bible. And yet, the Bible is the foundation of understanding. It’s the first place we should look when seeking to discern the answers to the big questions of life. And it’s where we should turn when we’re grappling with why the world is the way it is.

The Love of Many Will Grow Cold | Matthew 24:12

Notice an interesting statement Jesus made in Matthew 24:10-12, speaking of the conditions at the end of the age.

“And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another… And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:10,12).

Is that describing our world today? We are shocked to see the lack of empathy in some people today, in our news reports. Well, Jesus predicted the world of the last days would be one in which “love will grow cold.” Could we be witnessing the beginning stages of that breakdown of society now?

In the Last Days Perilous Times Will Come | 2 Timothy 3

Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:1.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.

This word “perilous” is also translated “times of stress.” Hard times were predicted to come just before Christ’s return. And then Paul described some of the specifics of why those times would be hard. In 2 Timothy 3:2-3, we read:

For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving.

Unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving? That sounds like a society where people are increasingly polarized and hateful to each other. That’s describing our world today.

People Don’t Want to Remember God | Romans 1:28

It’s no coincidence that these conditions increase in a world where many have no respect for the Bible or God. Notice what the Apostle Paul said in his letter to the Romans in Romans 1:28.

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting.

When many in society cast aside a real understanding of God and respect for His word, bad things happen. And we’re witnessing that in our world today. In Romans 1:29-31, he explains they would be:

Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful.

This is describing the breakdown of a well-connected, fully-functioning society. It’s describing a society where people don’t trust their leaders, don’t trust the media, don’t even trust members of their own family.

And why wouldn’t our society be on this path? Since the 1800s, evolutionary theory—which proposes a meaningless and purposeless existence—has been pushed as a fact.

Let me quote from Evangelist and Tomorrow’s World writer Douglas Winnail, writing in today’s offer, The Real God: Proofs and Promises. He says on page 6:

Over the last two centuries, belief in God has come under attack by many intellectuals in the West…. Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche asserted that God is merely a thought. Neurologist Sigmund Freud termed belief in God a mental disorder…. H. L. Mencken asserted, “God is the immemorial refuge of the incompetent, the helpless, the miserable.” In the 1960s, prominent theologians echoed Nietzsche’s earlier sentiments and actually questioned whether God was dead. Oxford zoologist Richard Dawkins asserted, in his 2006 book The God Delusion, that there is no evidence to support religion and that better educated people today admit this. He claims that “only the scientifically illiterate” believe in a Creator God (p. 6).

Again, is it a surprise that we as a society are drifting? That many of us are increasingly lonely and feel no connection to others and no purpose in life? After all, for generations, our world has been absorbing the message that our lives are meaningless. On page 8, he observes:

Evolutionists’ purposeless universe has proven to be a psychologically empty and depressing concept (p. 8).

It’s no wonder that more and more of us today are depressed and discouraged. Our world preaches to us that we have no purpose of being here at all.

But the Bible predicted this. In it, God prophesied a spiritually bankrupt society at the time of the end. That is what we’re witnessing day by day. It’s not surprising, against this backdrop, that we also have an epidemic of loneliness and despair.

Bible Verses About Loneliness: Its Solutions

Marriage and the family truly is a basic building block of a strong society. In Genesis 2 we read of the first marriage.

Marriage: It Is Not Good for Man to Be Alone | Genesis 2:18

After God created Adam, notice what He said (Genesis 2:18).

And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him…” And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.

Think about that. When God made Adam, He also provided companionship. And that was through the institution of marriage.

Be Faithful: God Hates Divorce | Malachi 2:16

And that’s why God says He hates divorce. We read that in Malachi 2:16.

For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence.

Divorce tears apart the bonds that give families and communities their strength. In a crisis of loneliness in our world today, why aren’t more leaders advocating for stronger marriages and families? Why aren’t more social commentators calling for abstinence before marriage and a lifelong marriage covenant?

That would be a good first step. But that’s not all. Actually, the covenant between a man and wife is secondary to a spiritual marriage covenant God wants us to make with Him.

Love the Lord Your God with All Your Heart | Matthew 22:37

When a lawyer questioned Jesus about the greatest commandment, He gave a very interesting answer. He said yes, love others, love your neighbor as yourself, that includes your wife or your husband. But of even more importance, love God. It’s found in Matthew 22:37-38.

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.”

We are to have a close and intimate relationship with God. And yet, in our modern society, many have let God be pushed into a corner. Why are we surprised at the epidemic of loneliness, when we push God out of our lives?

When Jesus was in the worst trial of His life, about to be arrested, tried and executed, He gave some final encouragement to His disciples. He knew that in their weakness they would desert Him in His hour of need. And yet, in His mercy and kindness, He didn’t harangue them. Instead, He explained where He placed His trust. Notice in John 16:32.

“Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.”

Who did Jesus look to, to sustain Him in His darkest hour? His Father in Heaven.

You see, His God—and our God—is not just a powerful Sovereign ruling over the Universe. Yes, He has power over the elements—the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the oceans, the great beasts of the earth and the waters, the powerful forces of nature, seen and unseen.

But He also is a loving Being who wants to have a relationship with His children. And we are His children. He created us. He wants to know us.

Can we begin to see just how foolish and reckless the evolutionary fables are? When so-called experts try to convince us we are living in a world where no one really cares? As if we are alone in the cold and heartless universe?

Again, Richard Dawkins, evolutionary biologist, said this, in the book River Out of Eden:

[N]ature is not cruel, only pitilessly indifferent. This is one of the hardest lessons for humans to learn. We cannot admit that things might be neither good nor evil, neither cruel nor kind, but simply callous—indifferent to all suffering, lacking all purpose (p. 96).

What a sad, hopeless philosophy. We at Tomorrow’s World reject the notion that the universe is indifferent and lacking purpose, because we can have a personal relationship with the awesome, mighty God who rules that universe. And that changes everything.

And when we begin to have a close relationship with our Father, we’re never alone. He is always with us. In fact, Jesus also explained that in the same evening to His disciples. He was speaking to them about sending the Holy Spirit after His death and resurrection. He said this in John 14:15.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper… I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:15-18).

How to Overcome Loneliness

Are you struggling with loneliness? Do you feel hopeless and alone sometimes? Reach out to family members. Call or write to a friend. You need that contact. Even if it’s difficult at first, you need to reach out.

But more importantly, talk to your Father in Heaven. He loves you. He cares for you. He gave His Son for you. Yes, for the other 8 billion people on earth, too. But He also gave His Son for you. He loves you and cares about you, as Peter wrote in 1 Peter 5:7.

[Cast] all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

And thank your elder brother, Jesus Christ. He died for you, because He loves you as well. And He wants to have a personal relationship with you. He explains that in Matthew 7:21-23.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord,’ have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you….’”

Now, think about this for a moment. What is Jesus saying? What does He want in us? Yes, we must obey Him. We must respond to Him. But because He loves us, He wants to get to know us, as we walk with Him every day of the rest of our lives.

In 2023, the United States Department of Health and Human Services published the publication, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” In it, the then-U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek (Vi vek) Murthy, offered this advice for combatting loneliness. Here is what he said:

Each of us can start now, in our own lives, by strengthening our connections and relationships. Our individual relationships are an untapped resource—a source of healing hiding in plain sight. They can help us live healthier, more productive, and more fulfilled lives. Answer that phone call from a friend. Make time to share a meal. Listen without the distraction of your phone. Perform an act of service. Express yourself authentically. The keys to human connection are simple, but extraordinarily powerful (“Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, 2023,” hhs.gov).

Great advice. The antidote for loneliness is to reach out and connect with others. But at the same time, there’s something profoundly missing in his advice. An acknowledgement that overcoming loneliness starts with a personal relationship with God. We are His children. And if we put our faith and trust in Him, He will never let us down, as it says in Hebrews 13:5.

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Thank you for watching. If you found this video helpful, check out more of our content or hit subscribe to stay connected. And if you want a free study guide related to this topic, click the link. See you next time.

[The text below represents an edited transcript of this Tomorrow’s World program.

Atonement: One of God’s Holy Days for Christians

What is the Day of Atonement? You might ask, “the day of what?”

These may be strange-sounding words to your ears. You may have never heard of the Day of Atonement. And yet, we’re going to find out, the Day of Atonement has great importance to every one of us.

The Day of Atonement is one of the seven annual Feast days outlined in your Bible. It’s more commonly associated with the Jews—they call it Yom Kippur. But believe it or not, the Day of Atonement carries profound significance for Christians today.

So, what is the Day of Atonement all about? Did the first-century Christians observe it? And what is its significance to your life today?

The New Testament is full of surprises. You might be shocked to learn that it teaches the biblical Feast days. The common misunderstanding is that somehow Jesus and the New Testament Christians did away with those holy days and replaced them with holidays like Christmas and Easter. But if we actually look at what the Bible says, we find nothing of the kind.

On the contrary, the New Testament actually records that the disciples of Christ kept the biblical holy days.

One example is the Day of Pentecost, recorded in Acts 2:1. Another example is the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread. Speaking of these feast days, the Apostle Paul wrote this simple but profound instruction in 1 Corinthians 5:8.

Let us keep the feast.

Atonement Is Called “the Fast” in Acts 27

But there are other mentions of the holy days in the New Testament as well. One of them concerns a voyage by Paul, as he was being transported to Rome as a prisoner. We find it in Acts 27:9.

Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives” (Acts 27:9-10).

It happened just as Paul said—they narrowly escaped with their lives. But take note of the curious wording Paul used in relation to the timing of that voyage (Acts 27:9).

Sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over.

Many commentators point out “the Fast” is referring to the “Day of Atonement.” It’s even specifically named that way in the same verse in the New International Version (Acts 27:9).

Sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement.

Christians Kept Atonement After Jesus Died

The Day of Atonement was one of the holy days outlined in the Old Testament that occurred in late September or early October. The context of the verse shows it was not safe to begin a voyage after that point in the season, as storms could quickly arise in the Mediterranean Sea at that time of year.

But ask yourself this: Why would Luke use the Day of Atonement as a marker of time?

Luke, the writer of the book of Acts, was also a Gentile convert writing to a predominantly Gentile audience. The Day of Atonement would have been meaningless as a marker of time, unless the Gentile Christians were keeping it.

But not only that, this event that Luke was writing about happened decades after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. How do we know this?

According to Unger’s Bible Handbook:

Porcius Festus was procurator A.D. 60-62 (1966, p. 598).

This fact is a crucial time marker. Just before Paul’s voyage to Rome, he was questioned by the Roman ruler Porcius Festus, who ruled from 60 to 62 AD.

So we can easily say that Luke referred to the Day of Atonement more than 30 years after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Shouldn’t that give us pause?

Maybe, just as they were keeping Pentecost, and Passover, and the Days of Unleavened Bread, New Testament Christians were also keeping the Day of Atonement.

Atonement Is a Holy Day for Fasting

Let’s address another question. Why was the Day of Atonement called “the Fast?”

Well, it’s because that’s what God’s servants were commanded to do on that day. They fasted.

But what is fasting?

Fasting is going without food and water for a set period of time—in this case, one whole day. People today are familiar with fasting for other reasons. There are many health benefits for occasional or intermittent fasting, for example.

We sometimes hear about a political prisoner or an activist going on an extended fast, or a hunger strike. But we’re not talking about that.

The Day of Atonement concerns fasting not in political protest, or for health reasons. This is a spiritual fast. It’s going without food or water for a limited time, as an opportunity to humble yourself, seek God and draw closer to Him.

For an example of what fasting looks like, let’s go to the book of Esther. This Old Testament book tells the account of how Queen Esther and the Jews fasted when their nation was in mortal danger—notice in Esther 4:16.

“Go, gather all the Jews… and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise.”

Now, before going any further, let me just say that if you are thinking about fasting, and if you are in poor health, talk with your doctor. Fasting can be a little bit more difficult if you are taking medications or if you have certain medical conditions, or have never done it before.

“Afflict Your Soul” Is Fasting (Leviticus 23)

We have more detail about this holy day, the Day of Atonement, in Leviticus 23:27. Let’s read the description about this holy day.

The tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls (Leviticus 23:27).

“Afflicting your souls” is just an old English phrase meaning fasting—as already pointed out, going without food or water for a specified period of time.

Atonement Is a “Sabbath of Solemn Rest”

Going on:

And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the LORD your God…. It shall be to you a sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict your souls (Leviticus 23:28, 32).

So, putting it all together, the Day of Atonement took place in the seventh month—in late September or early October. It was a holy convocation, a day when there was a special worship service.

It was also a day when they were commanded not to work, just like on the weekly Sabbath. And, they “afflicted their souls,” or fasted, on that day. But this was not just for the Jews.

Atonement Is Among the Feasts of the Lord

In fact, in Leviticus 23:2, God specifically says these holy days are:

“The feasts of the LORD… these are My feasts.”

These are God’s feasts, not just for the Israelites.

Atonement Points to Forgiveness and Salvation

So this day and observance was significant for New Testament Christians, as well.

But why would the Day of Atonement have been important to New Testament Christians? Again, this may surprise you. You see, the Day of Atonement has a direct connection with forgiveness of sins and salvation through Jesus Christ. Let me explain.

Meaning of “Atonement” (and Yom Kippur)

The word atonement in the Bible comes from the Hebrew word kippur. The Hebrew word kippur simply means “expiation,” or the act of removing guilt for wrongdoing. It means forgiving sin. The root word that kippur comes from, kawphar, means to cover. In other words, the Day of Atonement is a day of removing guilt and covering sin.

Does that sound familiar?

As Christians, we understand this concept. It is of supreme importance to us that Jesus Christ, through His death, has covered our sins, because we all have sinned. We read about that in the writings of Paul in Romans 3:23.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

There is no one who has ever lived, except Christ, who was without sin. And the penalty of sin is death. But Jesus Christ took that penalty of death for us, on His own body. Notice a little further, Paul writes in Romans 5:8.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood… (Romans 5:8-9).

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Or, having our sins covered by His blood, so that we can be forgiven of sins, verse 9:

…we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (Romans 5:9-10).

We find another word related to this covering, or this forgiveness. That is, reconciliation. What does reconciliation mean? It means to resolve a separation. To restore harmony between two individuals in a conflict. It means to become unified, or “at one.”

And that brings us back to the name of this day, the “Day of Atonement.” Atone or atonement is just an old English word that means to become “at one.” When some people are at odds with one another, they may not speak together for years at a time, maybe for decades. But the goal should be “reconciliation.” To reach out to renew the friendship or relationship. When that happens, we should do what we can to become “at one” again or “on the same page,” as we sometimes say. In relationships, reconciliation is a beautiful thing.

Sin Separates Us from God

Well, in the spiritual realm, our sins separate us from God. They put us at odds with—and in conflict with—God. The prophet Isaiah makes that very clear. He wrote in Isaiah 59:1-2.

Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you.

It’s not God’s fault that we are separated from Him when we sin—we are the ones that are sinning. But that’s why Jesus Christ came to this earth—to live His life and then give His life as a sacrifice. And through that sacrifice, we can be reconciled to God.

In this case, between us and God, it’s not a dispute between equals. We aren’t on equal terms with God. No, in this case, when we sin, we break His holy commandment. We break the great laws of the Universe that define love and are based on truth, and goodness, and morality. God is not going to bend the law to suit our needs. We need a Savior who sacrificed His life so that we could be reconciled to God.

And that’s exactly what Christ did. I know most of you know this. It’s not unfamiliar to you.

But what you might not have heard or read before is the Day of Atonement points to Your Savior dying for you. It has tremendous significance for Christians today. Notice Hebrews 10:19-22.

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

The Day of Atonement is about us being reconciled to God, so we can draw near Him in true worship and faith.

Atonement Ritual Represents Jesus and Satan

But there’s more. Leviticus 16 details the annual ceremony that took place each year on the Day of Atonement in ancient Israel. On that day, the high priest would bring two young goats before the altar. Then he would cast lots for them. In Leviticus 16:8 we read this:

Then Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats: one lot for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat.

Casting Lots: God Reveals the Real Jesus

Casting lots was an ancient method of determining God’s will. They would make a decision using a mechanism that would otherwise be thought of as random chance. In today’s modern language, we might think of it as “drawing straws” or “rolling dice” or even “flipping a coin.”

Only, in the case of casting lots, it wasn’t pure chance. God was guiding the outcome. This is described in Proverbs 16:33.

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

Two Goats: The First Symbolizes Jesus Christ

So lots were cast, and one goat received the lot for the LORD. Said another way, God identified the goat that would be symbolic of Jesus Christ. We know that because of what happened to that goat. Let’s read in Leviticus 16:9.

And Aaron shall bring the goat on which the Lord’s lot fell, and offer it as a sin offering… Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people… So he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, for all their sins… (Leviticus 16:9-16).

This was clearly a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ coming to earth, living His life, and being sacrificed for the sins of the world. How do we know this? Many other scriptures reaffirm this connection. For example, in Exodus 12:5 we read the Passover lamb was:

…without blemish, a male of the first year…from the sheep or from the goats.

Jesus Christ was without sin when He lived on this earth. He was the perfect fulfillment of that Passover lamb. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 5:7 Paul wrote:

For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.

In the Book of Revelation, in chapter 13, verse 8, John declared Jesus Christ as…

…the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8).

What could be plainer? The ceremony performed on the Day of Atonement was prophetic of the death of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Each year it was observed, it was foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah. And it was prophetic of His death for you and me.

Two Goats: The Second Symbolizes Satan

But what about the other goat? Well, let’s read on in Leviticus 16:10.

But the goat on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make atonement upon it, and to let it go as the scapegoat into the wilderness.

The other goat—“the scapegoat” as it’s called in some English translations—was identified by one of the lots as well. What happened to that goat? Let’s read on in verse 20.

And when he has made an end of atoning for the Holy Place, the tabernacle of meeting, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat. Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man. The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness… And he who released the goat as the scapegoat shall wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and afterward he may come into the camp (Leviticus 16:20-26).

So what or whom did this goat represent?

Let’s go to the Book of Revelation. John saw in vision something that would take place right after Christ returns to set up His Kingdom on this earth. Notice in Revelation 20:1.

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished (Revelation 20:1-3).

Satan Deceives the Whole World

Do you see the connection? One goat is slain for the sins of the world. That’s Jesus Christ. But the other goat is symbolic of a powerful evil spirit who is actually personally responsible for the sins of the world. That is Satan the Devil. He was the one who deceived Eve and caused Adam and Eve to be cast out of the Garden of Eden. And he is the one who has deceived and corrupted human beings every generation since.

Think about it. Satan the Devil is so clever—after all, Revelation 12:9 says “he has deceived the whole world”—and his methods are so deceitful that it’s necessary for God to identify and expose his evil work. That’s the significance of the casting of lots. God is the one who has to identify which goat is to be banished.

So one of the first things that Jesus will do when He returns to earth will be to capture that unclean, deceiving spirit and take him away so he cannot influence humanity. What a wonderful day that will be.

Remember, the Day of Atonement is about reconciliation. It’s about bringing mankind into a state of harmony with God. And that can only happen if Satan the devil—who stirs up strife, hatred, and rebellion—is taken out of the way. And that will pave the way for a thousand years of peace and harmony.

So the Day of Atonement is frankly prophetic. It foretells the future. And each year, more and more Christians around the world are keeping this New Testament holy day.

The Living Church of God is the sponsor of Tomorrow’s World. And members of the Living Church of God across the globe keep this day. And as we do so, we are reminded of God’s great plan of salvation, of Christ’s love and sacrifice for our sins, and of God’s wonderful plan of one day soon, removing and banishing Satan the Devil.

If you have questions about this and would like to learn more about how you can keep this day, get in touch with us. We have ministers around the world who’d be happy to answer any questions you have. We’d love to hear from you.

Atonement: True Liberty, the Year of Jubilee

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, there hangs a very special bell with huge significance in American history. It’s called the Liberty Bell and it dates back to the days of the American Revolution. But what many people don’t realize is there is a Bible verse inscribed on the side of the Liberty Bell. It’s from Leviticus 25:10, and here is what it says:

Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof (Leviticus 25:10, King James Version).

The original intent of this statute in ancient Israel was that every fifty years God commanded what’s called the “jubilee.” In this 50th year, debts were released and people returned to their ancestral homes and properties. It was a society-wide economic reset. It was a beautiful system that brought true economic liberty, especially for the poor and the needy.

What many people also miss is that this year of the jubilee was announced on the Day of Atonement. Notice Leviticus 25:9.

Then you shall cause the trumpet of the Jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement you shall make the trumpet to sound throughout all your land.

You see, the Day of Atonement is about freedom and liberty. Not freedom to sin, but freedom from the ravages of sin. It’s freedom from the pain and suffering and death that goes along with sin. We are freed from that penalty through the blood of Christ. And we’ll be freed from the shackles of a world held captive by Satan the devil, when the events foretold by the Day of Atonement finally come to pass. God speed that day.

Thank you for watching. If you found this video helpful, check out more of our content or hit subscribe to stay connected.

And if you want a free study guide related to this topic, just click the link.

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Christianity Diverged at Council of Nicaea

2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. The Council of Nicaea is considered by some to be one of the greatest achievements of Christendom. And truly, celebrating the 1700th year of anything is a historic event.

The meetings began in May of 325 ad at the small town of Nicaea, in Asia Minor, in present-day Turkey. Over 300 bishops joined in the meetings. That year, 325 ad, is considered a benchmark by many in the history of the mainstream Christian church.

At the Council, the nature of Christ and His relationship to the Father was discussed and debated. But there was another issue, a very important issue, that was discussed as well.

How astounding that a conference held nearly two millennia ago is still relevant today. To commemorate such a momentous occasion, Pope Francis, before he died, planned to travel to the present-day city of Iznik in northwest Turkey, about 70 miles from Istanbul. This is the site of the ancient city of Nicaea. On November 28, 2024, Pope Francis was quoted as saying that the Council of Nicaea:

… Constitutes a milestone in the journey of the church and also of humanity because faith in Jesus, the Son of God made flesh for us and for our salvation, was formulated and professed as a light that illuminates the meaning of reality and the destiny of all history (“Pope Francis to join Orthodox patriarch in Turkey for Nicaea council anniversary,” Catholic News Agency, November 28, 2024).

Pope Francis was referring to the fact that the Council of Nicaea was convened to address questions related to the divinity of Christ, and the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Father. It’s not our purpose to delve into that issue on this program, nor is it our purpose to discuss the “Nicene Creed,” which came out of that gathering.

Passover vs. Easter Revealed a Big Problem

But as we think about the significance of the Council of Nicaea, let’s consider an issue that is often forgotten, but was causing deep divisions during that time—and maybe even has more importance for us today.

What is that issue? It’s the importance of Passover.

You might say, “Wait, that’s wrong. The Jews keep Passover. The church in the 300s kept Easter.” Well, there’s more to the story.

To begin our dive into this subject, let’s go into the writings of Eusebius of Caesarea. He was the bishop of Caesarea in Palestine from about 313 ad until his death in 339 ad. He is sometimes referred to as the “father of church history.” He played a prominent role at the Council of Nicaea and from his writings we have an in-depth and fascinating glimpse of what took place.

Let’s pick up the story in his book The Life of Constantine, Book III, Chapter 5. Eusebius wrote:

But before this time [the time of the Council of Nicaea] another most virulent disorder had existed, and long afflicted the Church; I mean the difference respecting the salutary feast of Easter… (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 1. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace eds. Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1890. newadvent.org, Accessed April 30, 2025).

Now, let’s stop there. When Eusebius says “Easter” we have to understand the word he actually used was the Greek word “Pascha.” That word is derived from the Hebrew “Pesach,” which is the word from which we get “Passover.” The word “Easter” was used later, as a result of the influence of the Germans and the Anglo-Saxons. The online Catholic Encyclopedia confirms this in the article under the heading “Easter.”

“The Greek term for Easter, pascha… is the Aramaic form of the Hebrew pesach (…passover)…” (newadvent.org/cathen).

Most people are only aware of the word “Passover” by its association with the Jews. But in reality, the church leaders that Constantine convened in 325 ad were all keeping something called “Pascha.” That might be a surprise to you.

Of course, if your native language is French, Spanish, or Italian, it’s not a surprise. In these languages, the word for “Easter” is still related to “Passover.” In French it’s “Paques.” In Spanish it’s “Pascua.” In Italian, it’s “Pasqua.” It all originally comes from the Hebrew “Pesach.”

Let’s re-read Eusebius’ account, this time substituting the word “Pascha,” for “Easter.”

“But before this time another most virulent disorder had existed, and long afflicted the Church; I mean the difference respecting the salutary feast of [“Pascha”]…. For while one party asserted that the Jewish custom should be adhered to, the other affirmed that the exact recurrence of the period should be observed, without following the authority of those who were in error [meaning, the Jews].”

Emperor Constantine Decreed Easter Over Passover

You see, at the time of Eusebius and Constantine, there were different opinions about the timing of the Christian Pascha. One was that it should be connected to the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. Others felt it should be kept on a Sunday, with some variation on how they determined which Sunday to keep. All these differences caused a major dispute among the churches.

Going on, Eusebius explains:

“Accordingly, the people being thus in every place divided in respect of this, and the sacred observances of religion confounded for a long period… no one appeared who was capable of devising a remedy for the evil, because the controversy continued equally balanced between both parties. To God alone, the Almighty, was the healing of these differences an easy task; and Constantine appeared to be the only one on earth capable of being his minister for this good end….”

What a statement. A major doctrinal dispute dividing the church, and the only person on earth that could resolve it was a politically shrewd, pagan Roman emperor?

Constantine Used Christianity for Power

As my fellow presenter and colleague, evangelist Wallace Smith writes in the Tomorrow’s World article “1,700 Years After Nicaea”:

The council in ad 325 was not convened under the authority of a religious leader, as one might expect, but the Roman emperor Constantine. In fact, Constantine’s fingerprints can be found all over it (“1,700 Years After Nicaea,” Wallace Smith, Tomorrow’s World, May–June 2025, p. 5–6).

Let’s talk about Constantine for a few moments. Was he a real, true follower of Jesus Christ? Or was he an astute worldly king who saw that backing the mainstream Christian church would be a golden political opportunity?

Historian Will Durant asks and answers that question in The Story of Civilization: Part III, Caesar and Christ.

Was his conversation sincere—was it an act of religious belief, or a consummate stroke of political wisdom? Probably the latter…. A real believer would have been a Christian first and a statesman afterward; with Constantine it was the reverse. Christianity was to him a means, not an end (p. 655–656).

Constantine started out his rule fully immersed in the pagan practices of a typical Roman emperor. Toward the end of his rule, he was favoring the mainstream Christian church and weakening the pagan practices he had previously taken part in. So, what caused this change?

In the book A Short History of Christianity, the authors give some background on how this happened. On page 33 we read:

Constantine believed that the Christian God had assisted him in winning his battles for control of the Empire, and he therefore desired a continuance of whatever divine help the Christian religion might afford in maintaining the peace and welfare of his rule. The political wisdom of his policy was amply vindicated in the extravagant devotion and loyalty which he received from his Christian subjects. Constantine’s own personal religion is a subject of speculation. He was not baptized until his deathbed. This much can be said with assurance: (1) his intervention in religious affairs was in large measure dictated by what he considered to be politically expedient and (2) from the beginning of his reign he increasingly identified himself with the church… (A Short History of Christianity, pp. 33–34).

Constantine Guided Nicaea More Than Jesus

So, this pagan emperor, who was gradually seeing the value of professing allegiance to the Christian God, found this new religion of his to be in a doctrinal crisis in 325 ad. That’s when he called the bishops to the Council of Nicaea. He personally presided over the meetings and guided the discussion. In fact, he had so much influence over what took place there that author H.G. Wells made this shocking statement:

A very important thing for us to note is the role played by the emperor in the fixation of Christianity…. It is very manifest that in much of the history of Christianity at this time [that is, in the 300s ad] the spirit of Constantine the Great is as evident as, or more evident than, the spirit of Jesus (“The Outline of History,” H.G. Wells, P. 552–553).

What an astonishing thing to say.

Teachings of Jesus Christ Discarded

For a church calling itself Christian to have a council to discuss doctrinal disagreements, you’d think having it guided by the spirit of Christ would be a priority. But it wasn’t.

So what happened at the Council? In particular, what happened in the matter of the Pascha? Would it remain tied to the Passover that Jesus observed, or would it be disconnected from Christ’s teaching and practice?

To answer the question, let’s go back to Eusebius. He sums up the debate this way in Chapter 14 of The Life of Constantine:

The result was that they were not only united as concerning the faith, but that the time for the celebration of the salutary feast of [“Pascha”] was agreed on by all… (Chapter 14).

In truth, it was a forced unity, a standardization by coercion. That’s what was accomplished.

After the Council, Constantine himself wrote a letter to all the churches, and this is what he said:

At this meeting the question concerning the most holy day of [“Pascha”] was discussed, and it was resolved by the united judgment of all present, that this feast ought to be kept by all and in every place on one and the same day…. Let us then have nothing in common with the detestable Jewish crowd; for we have received from our Saviour a different way…” (Life of Constantine,” Eusebius. Chapter 18).

And that was it.

Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—Not the Roman Empire

With contempt and derision, it was declared that the Christians should have nothing in common with the Jews. But what if what was declared to be in common with the Jews was actually something God commanded in Scripture? What if it was part of Christ’s teaching in the New Testament that was banned?

Now why was this important?

Following Jesus Christ Means Worship in Truth

Well, a little background: Even by the 4th century ad there were some Christians, especially in the east, who still had a connection with the observance of Passover on the 14th day of the Jewish month of Nisan. And those who were keeping the Passover on the 14th were following the teachings that had been handed down to them, all the way back to the Apostle John.

The testimony of Polycarp, a direct disciple of the Apostle John, attests to this. Polycrates, Polycarp’s disciple, also kept Passover in this way (“Are You a Quarto-Deciman? Should You Be?”).

You see, these faithful disciples, Polycarp and Polycrates, were simply following the biblical Christian Passover.

Jesus Kept Passover—So Should His Followers

This was plain instruction from Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Jesus kept the Passover, on the 14th day of Nisan, with His disciples the night before He died. During this observance He gave wine to the disciples to drink, as a symbol of His blood shed for them. And He gave bread to the disciples to eat, as a symbol of His body, which would be broken for them. And then He washed their feet, as a symbol of His humility.

“Do as I have done to you.”

Notice what He said at the conclusion of His last Passover observance in John 13:12–15.

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”

A few years ago, there was a popular slogan “WWJD?” or “What Would Jesus Do?” Well, when it comes to doctrine and practice, we know what Jesus did. The Bible is a detailed record of what He did. And Jesus kept the Passover on the 14th of Nisan—the biblical record is very clear. And He told His followers to do so as well.

The Apostle Paul also kept the Christian Passover on the 14th of Nisan, to memorialize the suffering and death of Christ. And he taught the brethren in the church of Corinth to keep it as well. Notice what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:23–25.

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

Summing up what Paul taught and what he practiced, we read in 1 Corinthians 5:7–8,

For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast….

Council of Nicaea Did Not Consult Scripture

So why were some avoiding any connection to the 14th of Nisan Christian Passover by the 300s ad? In order to not look like the Jews. And they standardized the non-Jewish Paschal festival, fixing it on the Sunday following the first vernal full moon, supposedly commemorating the resurrection of Christ. That Sunday observance grew into what is known today as Easter.

By the way, Jesus was not resurrected on a Sunday. He was resurrected near the end of the Sabbath—Saturday—exactly three days and three nights after He had died on the stake. But that’s another story for another time.

Let’s be clear—the resurrection is extremely important. We base our hope of eternal life on it, as we find in Romans 8:11.

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

The resurrection is our hope and our future. But you can search the New Testament from beginning to end, and you will not find a single instruction or command to observe it as a feast day.

You see, Constantine really had very little interest in the truth—he just wanted everyone to be on the same page.

As the award-winning “History of Rome” podcast by Mike Duncan states:

… [t]he Emperor was not so much interested in which side was right, or which interpretation was best, so long as in the end, everyone agreed (“The History of Rome” podcast, by Mike Duncan, Episode 137, May 15, 2011).

So who will you follow? Constantine and the traditions he established to differentiate nominal Christians from the Jews?

Or Jesus Christ, who plainly outlined His clear teachings in our New Testament, for everyone to see?

Christian Unity—But Not at the Cost of Truth

We should have unity and cohesion in the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul explained that in 1 Corinthians 1:10.

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

But at the same time, Jesus Christ knows that in this age, because we are living in Satan’s world, there will be division. And the truth will sometimes be a source of that division, because not everyone will accept the truth.

Notice what Jesus said in Matthew 10:34, 36–37.

Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword… and “a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.” He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.

The Council of Nicaea was not only convened to discuss the nature of Christ. It also was convened to settle the matter of the timing of the Christian Pascha.

The majority in the now state-religion went along with the edicts of Constantine. They kept a Sunday Pascha, which became Easter. It was now the religion of the empire, so it was the convenient thing to do.

But not everyone went along.

True Christians Keep God’s Holy Days in the Bible

Some held on to the biblical Christian Passover taught by Christ, as well as the other biblical holy days. We have proof of that in the preserved text of a sermon by a priest in Antioch named John Chrysostom. It was given in 386–387 ad. It was entitled, “Against the Jews.” Note how much he despised the Jews, but also note that his text shows there were still faithful Christians keeping the biblical Christian Passover well after Nicaea. He said this:

The festivals of the pitiful and miserable Jews are soon to march upon us one after the other and in quick succession: the feast of Trumpets, the feast of Tabernacles, the fasts. There are many in our ranks who say they think as we do. Yet some of these are going to watch the festivals and others will join the Jews in keeping their feasts and observing their fasts. I wish to drive this perverse custom from the Church right now… (John Chrysostom, “Against the Jews,” Homily I).

• The Feast of Trumpets
• The Feast of Tabernacles
• The Fast (called the Day of Atonement)
• And the New Testament Passover

These biblical feast days—forever established by the Creator God—were still being kept by faithful Christians 60 years after the Council of Nicaea.

Dr. Jerry Pillay is the general secretary of the World Council of Churches. He had this to say, speaking of the importance of the celebrations in 2025 to commemorate the Council of Nicaea:

It gives us the opportunity to ask afresh with others what Nicaea means for us today…. Then, as now, the call to unity was heard within the context of a troubled, unequal, and divided world (“WCC to celebrate 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea,” oikoumene.org, July 6, 2023).

This is a troubled, unequal and divided world. But let’s not forsake truth for the sake of unity. Let’s not follow Constantine—let’s follow Christ.

Thank you for watching! If you found this video helpful, check out more of our content or hit subscribe to stay connected. And if you want a free study guide relating to this topic, just click the link in the description.

See you next time!