Forgiveness and the Day of Atonement

“Surprisingly, the verb סלח, “forgive,” does not appear even once in any of the biblical Day of Atonement prescriptions (Lev 16; 23:26–32; Num 29:7–11). This fact alone constitutes a major difference between the purification offerings of the Day of Atonement and those that remedy sins throughout the rest of the year. The purity accomplished for the people on this day is כפר beyond forgiveness.”—Cult and Character, pages 233-234

<idle musing>
Interesting, isn't it? Beyond forgiveness is כפר which is usually translated as covering or atoning, but Gane saying we miss the point. It is a cleansing that removes the last vestiges of pollution.

Now, bring this into the New Testament...What has Christ accomplished? More than forgiveness! He has accomplished a cleansing, a new life. That, my friends, is something to get excited about!
</idle musing>