


"And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
"Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them:
'The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, THESE ARE MY FEASTS
'Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation.
You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.
'These are the feasts of the LORD, holy convocations
which you shall proclaim at their appointed times."
(Leviticus 23:1-4)
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THE 7 FEASTS OF THE LORD
​Each of the Lord's holy feasts points us to Him, and it is a delight to observe them
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PASSOVER
Passover, the first of the annual feasts, points to God's deliverance of Israel from the bondage of slavery in Egypt. The Passover lamb is symbolic of Jesus. Jesus embodies this prophetic type; he is the awaited sacrificial lamb of God who takes away the world's sin. Passover is a yearly reminder of this great sacrifice and teaches us that Jesus Christ was sinless and, as the true Lamb of God, gave His life so that the sins of humanity may be forgiven. Forgiveness of sin is offered to all those who call upon Jesus for salvation and live according to His word. (1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:18-20; Romans 3:25).
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FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD
The Feast of Unleavened Bread teaches us that we have been called to reject lawlessness and repent of sin. We are to live by God's word revealed in its fullness through the teachings of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 5:8; Matthew 4:4). During this festival, leaven symbolizes sin and, as such, is removed from our homes for the seven days of the festival (1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Exodus 12:19). By eating unleavened bread we picture living a life of sincerity and truth, free from sin. The Feast of First Fruits takes place on Sunday after the first Sabbath of the Passover week.
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PENTECOST
The Feast of Pentecost teaches us that Jesus Christ came to build His Church. This festival commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit and the establishment of the Church. It also represents the giving of the Law. God is looking for those who will worship Him in "spirit" and in "Truth." The Holy Spirit creates in each one a new heart and nature to live according to God's commandments (Exodus 23:16; Acts 2:1-4, Acts 2:37-39; Acts 5:32; James 1:18).
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FEAST OF TRUMPETS
The Feast of Trumpets teaches us that Jesus Christ will visibly return to the earth at the end of this age. At that time, He will resurrect the saints who are no longer living and instantly change those still alive to immortal spirit beings (Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:52-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). This festival commemorates the blowing of the trumpets that will precede His return.
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DAY OF ATONEMENT
The Day of Atonement teaches us that Jesus Christ gave His life to atone for the sins of mankind. It also points to the time when Satan will be bound for 1,000 years (Leviticus 16:29-30; Leviticus 16:20-22; Revelation 20:1-3). This Holy Day pictures our High Priest, Jesus Christ, making atonement for our sins, which allows us to be reconciled to God and enter boldly into the throne of grace. (Hebrews 9:8-14; Hebrews 10:19-20). By fasting on this day, we draw closer to God and picture the reconciliation of mankind to God. Christ is essential in this process as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-15; Hebrews 5:4-5; Hebrews 5:10) and as our eternal "once for all" sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:26-28).
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FEAST OF TABERNACLES
The Feast of Tabernacles teaches us that when Jesus Christ returns, a new society will be established with Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Further, tribulation martyrs will be resurrected to participate in the administration of Christ's earthly kingdom (Revelation 20:4) Christ, will set up His government on the earth for 1,000 years (Revelation 19:11-16; Revelation 20:4; Leviticus 23:39-43; Matthew 17:1-4; Hebrews 11:8-9). Rule under His laws will spread from Jerusalem throughout the world to usher in an unprecedented period of peace and prosperity (Isaiah 2:2-4; Daniel 2:35; Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:13-14).
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THE EIGHT DAY
The Eighth Day teaches us that at the end of the age, God will create a new heaven and a new earth, and we will dwell and reign with Jesus forever. (Rev. 21:1-7)
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The annual cycle of celebrating the festivals and Holy Days reminds Christ's disciples that He is working out His plan of extending salvation from sin and death and offering the gift of eternal life in the family of God to all humanity—past, present, and future.