The Church of God is one of the only groups on earth which celebrate the Biblically commanded “Feast of Tabernacles” and “Eighth Day.” These festivals, along with others celebrated through the rest of the year, in the Spring and Fall, are recognized by only a few churches in the Christian world.
Which is a shame, because these days outline the plan of Salvation in the Bible, from the time of Passover in the early spring, to the fall Feasts, which concluded earlier this week. (September 21-28, 2021)
All “Feasts of the Lord” are mentioned in various texts of the Old Testament, such as Leviticus 23:1-44, along with the seventh day, the true Sabbath day, which is Saturday on our Roman calendar. These are the days God commanded the twelve tribes of Israel to keep, in perpetuity. (Leviticus 23:21, Leviticus 23:41)
These days have been largely disregarded by mainstream Christian churches, but Jesus and the New Testament Church, which began on one of the Holy Days – Pentecost, 31 A.D., celebrated them.
In fact, in 30 A.D., we read that Jesus “went up to the feast,” when his life was threatened, to keep the Feast of Tabernacles and Last Day. (John 7:2, John 7:10, John 7:37) Under the threat of death, our Savior set the example of keeping these days, and then told those assembled that salvation will be offered to all mankind, in His final, dramatic statement in verse 37, which shook the assembly that day. Although very few words of Jesus that day are preserved, many were convinced that Jesus was a prophet, and the Messiah! (John 7:40-41)
Even the officers of the priests were so taken by Jesus’ announcement, they could not follow their orders to take Jesus by force! (John 7:44-46)
These days, observed by the Church of God, concluded this last Tuesday, September 28, 2021.
While the Holy Days of the Bible are largely ignored today, Bible Prophecy shows punishment on any nation which fails to observe the Feast of Tabernacles. (Zechariah 14:16-19)
The Holy Days of the seventh month (Leviticus 23:24-44) of the Hebrew calendar, begin on the 1st day of the month, and picture, in order, Jesus’ return to earth (Zechariah 14:3-4, Revelation 19:11-15, Matthew 24:30-31), the capture and imprisonment of the Devil (Leviticus 16:21, Revelation 20:1-3), the 1,000 year reign of Christ (Revelation 20:4), and finally, salvation offered to all who have ever lived. (Revelation 20:11-12)
An intriguing question is, “what is meant by salvation?”
To understand the answer, let’s go back to the beginning of man’s creation. In Genesis 1:26, God said, “Let us make man in Our image, . . .”
According to Occam’s Razor, “the simplest answer is usually the correct one.” If God clearly stated a desire to create man in His image, then this account in Genesis explains the first stage of that creation, and that man would eventually be transformed from physical to spiritual, following the example of Christ’s resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)
Eventually, God will bring all mankind into His realm – Eternity – and will “tabernacle” – or live with mankind, now changed to reflect the very nature of God. (Revelation 21:3)
When the Church of God convenes every fall to “keep the Feast of Tabernacles,” it is anticipating the future when Christ will rule.
The 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ will transform our world dramatically. All mankind will learn how to live, according to God’s ‘ways,’ (Isaiah 2:2-3) which will include a massive shift in every aspect of life, with a conversion from war and defense to a time of peace and prosperity, as national economies are wholly dedicated to serving man. (Isaiah 2:4)
The picture of Bible Prophecy of Jesus’ reign on earth, with justice, law, freedom, peace and prosperity stands in stark contrast with man’s history, where peace has only been very temporary, and dominated mostly by the nations warring with one another. At the time of Jesus’ return, the nations will be so antagonistic, they will unite in their opposition to His intervention – in World War. (Psalm 2:1-12) How mixed up is that?
When will Christ return? We don’t know, but as described in Psalm 2, it will be a time of war and distress. (Matthew 24:21-22)
One of the main takeaways of the celebration of the Holy Days of the Bible is that the individual renounces this world and its systems of evil.
What about you? Did you “keep the Feast” this year? (Deuteronomy 16:15)
Consider this – if you accept the instruction of the Bible mentioned in this newsletter, and believe that the entire world will someday be keeping these festivals, and that whole nations will be punished IF they don’t participate – do YOU have a responsibility to observe them today?
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