WHAT ARE THE SABBATHS IN COLOSSIANS 2:16, 17 SHADOWS OF???

[Johnnboy]

We know that the "holydays" mentioned in Colossians 2:16, 17 are the various feast days from the old sanctuary system, composing the annual festivals of the spring and of the fall. The new moon designates the precise timing of these various holydays. There were special days scattered among the spring and fall feasts that were specifically designated to be Sabbaths (Leviticus 23 KJV). Paul referred to these "Sabbaths" as, "shadows".

Some of the feast days, such as, the Wave Sheaf and the Day of Pentecost, were clearly specified to occur "on the morrow" after one of these Sabbaths (Leviticus 23:11, 15, 16 KJV).

Others, of these feast days, such as, the Passover, and the 7th day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, were designated to occur the day before one of these "shadow Sabbaths".

Still, other feast days were scheduled to occur directly on one of these "shadow Sabbaths", as the first day of the feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the first and the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:24,27,32,34-39 KJV).

"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: Which are a shadow of things to come;" COLOSSIANS 2:16,17

What is the significance of these "shadow Sabbaths"? and what are they "shadows" of ?

[phkrause]

Some very good questions JOHNNBOY. I personally believe that they all pointed to Jesus, and that's why after his death and resurrection they were no longer required. I'm not sure exactly what aspect of Jesus they represented. Also if they happen to come out to be on the Sabbath they were known as a High Holy Day. Others might be able to give you more, but this is my thoughts.

[Johnnboy]

Some very good questions JOHNNBOY. I personally believe that they all pointed to Jesus, and that's why after his death and resurrection they were no longer required. I'm not sure exactly what aspect of Jesus they represented. Also if they happen to come out to be on the Sabbath they were known as a High Holy Day. Others might be able to give you more, but this is my thoughts.

I believe, as you do, that in the broad sense everything of the old sanctuary system pointed to Jesus, the Messiah. As I began to study the old covenant (the sanctuary system), I found that each symbol or type had a corresponding antitype that related to events that would transpire under the new covenant.

Particularly, in studying the details of the first advent of the Messiah in His death, burial, and resurrection, also, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, one finds that the point you made about the "shadow" Sabbaths being known as a High Holy Day when occurring on the weekly 7th-day Sabbath, was the type being fulfilled on the antitype. I think this may be key to understanding the significance of the Sabbath, as stated in the following Spirit of Prophecy statement.

"I saw that we sensed and realized but little of the importance of the Sabbath, to what we yet should realize and know of its importance and glory. I saw we knew not what it was yet to ride upon the high places of the earth and to be fed with the heritage of Jacob. But when the refreshing and latter rain shall come from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power we shall know what it is to be fed with the heritage of Jacob and ride upon the high places of the earth. Then shall we see the Sabbath more in its importance and glory." Marantha 245

[phkrause]

"I saw that we sensed and realized but little of the importance of the Sabbath, to what we yet should realize and know of its importance and glory. I saw we knew not what it was yet to ride upon the high places of the earth and to be fed with the heritage of Jacob. But when the refreshing and latter rain shall come from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power we shall know what it is to be fed with the heritage of Jacob and ride upon the high places of the earth. Then shall we see the Sabbath more in its importance and glory." Marantha 245

Well that's an interesting quote. I agree there's a lot about the Sabbath we don't know and/or understand.

[Johnnboy]

Well that's an interesting quote. I agree there's a lot about the Sabbath we don't know and/or understand.

Yes, there is more to understand about the Sabbath before we enter the Latter Rain experience, and take part in proclaiming “the Sabbath more fully”. This will not be a popular message.

“ I saw that God had children who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They have not rejected the light upon it. And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully. This enraged the churches and nominal Adventists, as they could not refute the Sabbath truth. And at this time God's chosen all saw clearly that we had the truth, and they came out and endured the persecution with us.” Early Writings, 33

"I saw that the holy Sabbath is, and will be, the separating wall between the true Israel of God and unbelievers; and that the Sabbath is the great question to unite the hearts of God's dear, waiting saints. I saw that God had children who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They have not rejected the light upon it. And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully." {EW 85.2}

[Ron Amnsn]

"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: Which are a shadow of things to come;" COLOSSIANS 2:16,17

What is the significance of these "shadow Sabbaths"? and what are they "shadows" of ?

When Paul wrote to the Colossians he said that the Sabbaths were a shadow or outline of things to come in the future. God's feasts are annual reminders of the major events in God's plan for the world. Here are some of them:

Passover is a memorial of God's rescue of the Israelites from the bondage of slavery. It is also a memorial of Messiah's sacrifice to rescue his followers from the bondage of sin. Passover points forward to the time when God's people will be rescued from the effects of sin and will celebrate the Passover with Messiah in the Kingdom of God. Passover also points forward to the second exodus spoken of by the OT prophets.

The feast of Unleavened Bread reminds us of the sin-free life that Messiah lived to redeem us. It points forward to the sin-free lives we will live in the Kingdom of God. The annual process of removing the leaven from our homes reminds us to examine our hearts to remove the sin that has collected there.

The day of First Fruits (which occurs during Unleavened Bread) reminds us of God's constant provision for our food needs. It also commemorates the resurrection of Jesus as the first fruits raised from the dead. It points forward to the time when the rest of those who died trusting in Messiah will be resurrected.

The counting of the days and weeks from First Fruits to the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) is an annual reenactment-in-miniature of the count of years and weeks-of-years in anticipation of the Jubilee, which prefigures the restoration of all things.

The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) is a thanksgiving feast at the beginning of the wheat harvest. It reminds us to be thankful for God's constant provision. It commemorates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the commencement of the harvest of souls that occurred in Jerusalem after Jesus ascended. It points forward to the time when the Holy Spirit will be poured out again to facilitate the final harvest of souls.

The Feast of Trumpets (day of shouting) occurs when the first sliver of the new moon is sighted at the beginning of the seventh biblical month. It is a special Sabbath that begins on short notice when the new moon is sighted. It reminds us to watch and wait and to be ready for Messiah's return. The Feast of Trumpets prefigures the sound of the "last trump" that occurs when Messiah returns. It comes 10 days before the Day of Atonement, and represents the "loud cry" that will precede the final day of judgment.

The Day of Atonement represents judgment that is coming on the world. It is a solemn fast day that provides the antidote to "cheap grace". It reminds us of the consequences of sin and the awesome cost of redemption. It commemorates the sacrifice of Messiah and the points forward to the vindication of God and of the saints who have trusted in Messiah. It serves as a reminder of many things. It gives us a day to examine ourselves, repent, and humble ourselves before our mighty God.

The Feast of Tabernacles commemorates the travels of the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land. It also points forward to the time when the redeemed will once again travel to God's promised land. It is a time of fellowship when everyone leaves the comforts of home to dwell in temporary structures. It provides practice for the the future time of trouble. It reminds us that God "tabernacled" with men and will again dwell among us when everything is restored. It is the most probable time of year for Jesus' birth.

The weekly Sabbath commemorates the creation of the world. It signifies the rest we have in God's salvation and points forward to the rest the redeemed will enjoy in the millennium.

The made-up feast days like "Christmas", which the Roman church borrowed from paganism, are rather pale in comparison to the annual pageant of God's feast days given to us in Scripture.

[Johnnboy]

Thank you for your response.

I have come to many similar conclusions regarding the feast days. With the "shadow" Sabbaths dispersed throughout the feasts that you mentioned, how do you see them in relation to these feast days and with what significance?

[phkrause]

Interesting stuff Ron.

[Johnnboy]

Ron,

Since you haven't had time yet to respond to my question regarding your understanding of the "shadow" Sabbaths dispersed among the various feast days, and their significance, I'll jump in here and share some of what I have found on this. And then we could all discuss it.

1. All the feast days in the old sanctuary system were scheduled from the new moon of the first month of the sacred year, (the beginning of which was “corresponding to the last of March and the beginning of April.” PP . 537.)

Whenever the new moon, used to designate the timing of the feast days, (which would be the first and the seventh new moon, beginning the first and the seventh month of the sacred year), falls on a seventh-day Sabbath, then all the “shadowy” Sabbaths (ceremonial Sabbaths) which are calculated from that new moon, also, fall on seventh-day-Sabbaths KJV. This is God's mysterious code. It was this prophetic code that Jesus revealed to His disciples 2000 years ago, which was later lost during the dark ages, and is only now being rediscovered by God's people today.

2. This is apparently the reason God links these two significant days together, the seventh-day Sabbath and the new moon, in the new heaven and the new earth which He will create. In combination, they are the “key”, that unlocks the prophecies of Moses, as revealed in the old covenant system of Hebrew worship. (Isaiah 66:22-24.)

"For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, [that] from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh." Isaiah 66:22-24.

"And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:" Rev. 12:1 KJV.

3. The spring feast days from Passover to Pentecost number 52 days, according to the Bible evidence (Leviticus 23:5-16, 1 Corinthians 15:4 KJV), and the main Hebrew calendars in use today. (There is no variation in the count of the days, or the manner of observance from year to year) The ceremonies within the spring feast days were observed unvaried every year, this indicates that there was no specially designated year, when these spring feast days would meet their fulfillment from the books of Moses. (The prophet Daniel, however, in Daniel 9:27 says it was to occur in the midst of the 70th week of years.) This, however, was not the case for the fall feast days.

4. Unlike the spring feasts, the fall feast days, 22 literal days, had extra special ceremonies that where performed only in the Sabbatical and Jubilee years, clearly, indicating that their main fulfillment would be in these two special years. Some of the fall feast days had extra special ceremonies in the Sabbatical year only (the year of release). The law of God was read to all, men, women, children, and the stranger during the days of the Feast of Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 31:10-16). This practice was reserved just for the Sabbatical year (the year of release).

Deuteronomy 31:10-13 KJV "And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of [every] seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that [is] within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: And [that] their children, which have not known [any thing], may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.)

5. The Day of Atonement also, had extra special significance in the Sabbatical year (year of release), when certain classes of Hebrew slaves were set free (Deuteronomy 15:1, 12). This evidence shows that a fulfillment of the Day of Atonement can be expected to take place in a Sabbath year. No doubt, this is the Sabbatical year that precedes the year of Jubilee.

The reason for this is that there are 4 “shadowy” Sabbaths that must all come on seventh-day Sabbaths in their fulfillment, and this always happens in two consecutive years, Remember the year before the Jubilee year is always a Sabbatical year.

6. There is only one feast day that had extra special significance, in both, the Sabbatical year and in the year of Jubilee, and that fall feast day is the Day of Atonement. In the Sabbatical year a certain class of Hebrew slaves were set free (Deuteronomy 15:1, 12. PP 532).

The Day of Atonement has special significance in its fulfillment in the Sabbatical year, but its prime fulfillment was reserved for the commencement of the Jubilee (Leviticus. 25:8-10).

7. All other slaves waited for the Jubilee trumpet to sound on the Day of Atonement of the Jubilee year (Leviticus. 25:9,10, PP 534). The Jubilee trumpet was blown only on that special Holy day, when all slaves where set free from slavery. ( So it can now be clearly seen that Jesus designed the Day of Atonement to come on the tenth day of the month, because only then, are all four of the “shadowy Sabbaths within the fall feast days, positioned to come on seventh-day Sabbaths in these two consecutive years, the very years when they have their extra special significance. Isn't that amazing!

[Ron Amnsn]

John,

There are some interesting thoughts here.

When you started out, I thought you would be promoting the "Lunar Sabbaths". But that contrived method of creating a calendar has the Feast days falling on the weekly Sabbath every year, so apparently that's not what you believe.

I'm not sure how you figure that the feast days fall on the weekly Sabbath every seven years. The common calendar (Gregorian) drifts by one weekday each year, except for leap years. But the biblical calendar doesn't do that. There are approximately 29.5 days between new moons, so some months have 29 days and some months have 30 days. Twelve months come out to around 354 days (plus or minus one day), which is 50 weeks plus 4 days. That's about 11 days shorter than a solar year, so every two or three years an extra month is added to the calendar (like a leap month), which keeps the months coinciding with the seasons (unlike the Muslim calendar where the months drift through the seasons year by year).

I'm not trying to say you're wrong. I'm just curious as to how your version of the calendar works.

[Johnnboy]

Ron :

Thanks for responding.

I realize that the first impression of some is that I am presenting evidence for the lunar sabbatarian theory, which I am not. This theory was invented by Satan to distract from God's prophetic purpose in these lunar “shadow” Sabbaths.

Actually, I am not saying that the lunar “shadow” Sabbaths align with seventh- day Sabbaths every Sabbatical year, they don't necessarily. They align randomly, and only when they align (overlay) in the 49th and 50th years, do they have potential significance for the fulfillment.

Yes, I believe as you have presented that, “The common calendar (Gregorian) drifts by one weekday each year, except for leap years. But the biblical calendar doesn't do that. There are approximately 29.5 days between new moons, so some months have 29 days and some months have 30 days. Twelve months come out to around 354 days (plus or minus one day), which is 50 weeks plus 4 days. That's about 11 days shorter than a solar year, so every two or three years an extra month is added to the calendar (like a leap month), which keeps the months coinciding with the seasons....”.

We need to understand that “unto them were committed the oracles of God.” Since the word, “oracles” is defined as, “prophecies”, this would indicate that God's “appointed times” (rehearsals), are determined from those Hebrew people who follow the specifications given by God to Moses, such as in the “Hillel I” calendar, which begins the year with the new moon AFTER the spring equinox. “Hebcal”, which is the Hillel II calendar, uses all the same principles, EXCEPT, that it begins the year with the new moon NEAREST the spring equinox. Both calendars agree, whenever the nearest new moon to the spring equinox, is AFTER the equinox.

Since the Messiah walked on the earth 2000 years ago, there has been no alignments of the lunar “shadow” Sabbaths in the fall feast days in the 49th and 50th years until the time of the end began. Now, there are several perfect sets of alignments. After these, there are no more alignments, according to the perpetual Hebrew calendar, “Hebcal”, even if one looks 1000 years farther in the future.

THE 4 “SHADOW” SABBATHS ALIGN WITH 7TH-DAY SABBATHS

The perpetual Hebrew calendar, “HEBCAL”, shows that all 4 lunar “shadow” Sabbaths of the fall feasts very often occur on seventh-day Sabbaths in two consecutive years. For example, look at these years listed in the list below. Of course, in most years they have no special significance, it is only when this phenomena occurs in the 49th and 50th years that it would have potential significance. The two Hebrew calendars are, HILLEL I (HI) used from Moses' time to around the year 354 C.E., & HILLEL II (HII) USED FROM 354 C.E. until TODAY.

For example, in the year 2003, the “Feast of Trumpets”, the first day of the “Feast of Tabernacles” and the eighth day of the “Feast of Tabernacles”, all lunar “shadow” Sabbaths, fell on Holy seventh-day Sabbaths , and the very next year in 2004, the “Day of Atonement” occurred on the Holy seventh-day Sabbath, also. The exact same occurrence can be seen in each of the two consecutive years listed in the list below taken from “HEBCAL” (the perpetual Hebrew calendar HII). HI is the calendar used up until the middle of the 4th century, and the HII is the calendar used since the middle of the 4th century.

2003-----2004---- HII, .....ONLY

2009-----2010---- HII, .....ONLY

2023-----2024---- HI + HII

2027-----2028---- HI + HII

2030-----2031---- HI + HII

2033-----2034---- HI + HII

2040-----2041---- HII,..... ONLY

2050-----2051---- HII, .....ONLY

2054-----2055---- HI + HII

2057-----2058---- HI + HII

2061-----2062---- HI + HII

2067-----2068---- HII, ....ONLY

2070-----2071---- HII, ....ONLY

2077-----2078---- HII, ....ONLY

2081-----2082---- HI + HII

2084-----2085---- HI + HII * etc. etc. etc.

[Ron Amnsn]

John,

I'm not familiar with the Hillel I calendar, except for some vague notions. The Hillel II calendar is an amazing work of calculation, but it currently says the new moons occur about two days before they actually occur.

Where in Scripture does it say that the first new moon of the biblical year must come after the spring equinox? The solar equinoxes and solstices were important to those who worshiped the sun, but I can't find those dates mentioned anywhere in Scripture.

We use the Karaite calendar (Aviv Barley calendar), because it follows more closely our current understanding of the instructions and evidence found in the Bible. Because it is based on the observation of the new moon from Israel each month, and uses the development of the barley crop to determine when leap months are added, it is not a calendar that can be projected accurately into the future more than a year at a time, and even then observation conditions can change the beginning of some months during that year.

A calendar based on observations (rather than on calculations) seems to encourage diligence in watching and being prepared. Of course it isn't as useful for predicting future Feast days, but even that seems more in line with Scripture than a calculated calendar.

It will be interesting to see how the Feast days align with the weekly Sabbaths in the years ahead.

[skyblue888]

For example, in the year 2003, the “Feast of Trumpets”, the first day of the “Feast of Tabernacles” and the eighth day of the “Feast of Tabernacles”, all lunar “shadow” Sabbaths, fell on Holy seventh-day Sabbaths , and the very next year in 2004, the “Day of Atonement” occurred on the Holy seventh-day Sabbath, also. The exact same occurrence can be seen in each of the two consecutive years listed in the list below taken from “HEBCAL” (the perpetual Hebrew calendar HII). HI is the calendar used up until the middle of the 4th century, and the HII is the calendar used since the middle of the 4th century.

Johnnboy

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Johnn, the antitypical feast of trumpets sounded when Miller began to preach his message, 10 years before the antitypical day of Atonement (22nd of October 1844). The feast of trumpets was a warning to prepare for the coming judgment on the great day of atonement.

The feast of trumpets, in type, took place 10 days before the great day of atonement. 10 years before the 22nd of October 1844, type met antitype. Miller, without realizing it at first, began to preach about the great day of atonement. He first thought that Christ would come to this earth instead of to the Most Holy Place to begin the investigative judgment, of the dead first, and then of the living when the mission of the Gospel would be completed.

We have been living in the antitypical day of atonement ever since and the next feast is the antitypical feast of tabernacles which will begin when Jesus returns. Then shall commence the Jubilee, when the land should rest.

sky :)

[Ron Amnsn]

Johnn, the antitypical feast of trumpets sounded when Miller began to preach his message, 10 years before the antitypical day of Atonement (22nd of October 1844). The feast of trumpets was a warning to prepare for the coming judgment on the great day of atonement.

The feast of trumpets, in type, took place 10 days before the great day of atonement. 10 years before the 22nd of October 1844, type met antitype. Miller, without realizing it at first, began to preach about the great day of atonement. He first thought that Christ would come to this earth instead of to the Most Holy Place to begin the investigative judgment, of the dead first, and then of the living when the mission of the Gospel would be completed.

We have been living in the antitypical day of atonement ever since and the next feast is the antitypical feast of tabernacles which will begin when Jesus returns. Then shall commence the Jubilee, when the land should rest.

We're talking about God's feasts as defined in scripture.

What you say about the "antitypical" feasts may be true (or not). When I search the scriptures to see whether what you say is true, the first problem I find is that there isn't anything in Scriptures saying that God's feasts have been superseded by something called "antitypical". When God told his people about His feasts he told them they should be observed "throughout your generations". (Lev 23) Have God's people quit having generations? Was God lying? I can't find the passage in Scripture that says the feasts were only to be observed until Messiah came.

[skyblue888]

When Christ died upon the cross, His death put an end to the sacrificial system and typical feasts of the Old Covenant. The religious Jewish year with all its typical feasts came to an end. Otherwise we would still be under obligation to keep all these typical Jewish feasts.

Are we still sacrificing animals at the altar?

Are we keeping the ceremonial sabbaths?

Are we to literally keep the feast of unleavened bread?

Are we blowing the trumpets 10 days before the great day of atonement year after year? etc etc

sky

[Ron Amnsn]

When Christ died upon the cross, His death put an end to the sacrificial system and typical feasts of the Old Covenant. The religious Jewish year with all its typical feasts came to an end. Otherwise we would still be under obligation to keep all these typical Jewish feasts.

[skyblue888]

When Christ died upon the cross, His death put an end to the sacrificial system and typical feasts of the Old Covenant. The religious Jewish year with all its typical feasts came to an end. Otherwise we would still be under obligation to keep all these typical Jewish feasts.

sky

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Sky, you say that so clearly. I wonder why God didn't inspire the Bible authors to say that clearly like you do? Or even to say it at all? How would the Bereans be able to confirm what you say from the Old Testament Scriptures, as they confirmed Paul's message?

ron

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When Christ expired on the cross the inner veil of the temple was, by an invisible hand, rent in twain from top to bottom, signifying that the great final sacrifice had been made, and that the system of sacrificial offering was forever at an end.

This was prophesied by Daniel the prophet. In the midst of the last prophetic week of the 70 week prophecy of Daniel 9, the time allotted to the Jewish people, Christ was crucified putting to an end the sacrificial service with all its typical feasts.

"In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease." Dan.9:27.

This is also confirmed by the Testimonies of God's Spirit:

"In the spring of A.D.31, Christ the true sacrifice was offered on Calvary. Then the veil of the temple was rent in twain, showing that the sacredness and significance of the sacrificial service had departed. The time had come for the earthly sacrifice and oblation to cease." Desire of Ages, p.233.

This is also clearly taught from Hebrews 8:1-6.

sky

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You make it sound like the feasts are something disagreeable or bad.

Ron

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There was nothing bad or disagreeable with the feasts or the sacrificial system as long as their true meaning and import were discerned. These were shadows of better things to come. Hebrews 8:6,13. Every one of these typical feasts have their antitype. The first three met their antitype at the time of Christ's death and resurrection and the fourth at Pentecost, which was the feast of weeks. The feast of trumpets met its antitype when in 1833 William Miller and his associates began preaching the first angel's message, "Fear God and give glory to Him for the hour of His judgment has come." Rev.14:7.

This message came at the end of the 2,300 day prophecy as prophesied by Daniel the prophet. Daniel 8:14.

10 years after Miller began preaching this message, Christ passed from the Holy to the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary above thus entering upon the last phase of His atoning work which involves an investigative judgment of the righteous dead and which is to be followed by the investigative judgment of the living when the mission of the Gospel shall be completed.

This is confirmed by the Testimonies of God's Spirit:

"When the mission of the Gospel is completed, the judgment will accomplish the work of separation... When the work of the Gospel is completed, there immediately follows the separation between the good and the evil, and the destiny of each class is forever fixed." Christ's Object Lessons, p.122,123.

The judgment spoken of here is the investigative judgment of the living, of course. The parable of the wedding garment (Matt.22) makes that very clear. At the end of the third call of that parable, that is, at the end of the loud cry, the King comes into the room to examine the guests. Matt.22:11.

This too is confirmed by the Testimonies of God's Spirit:

"By the King's examination of the guests at the feast is represented a work of judgment." Christ's Object Lessons, p.310, top of page.

sky

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But Scripture teaches that God's instructions are good, perfect, something to rejoice over. (Psalm 119) Jesus, our example, kept the feasts his whole earthly life. While speaking about Passover, the apostle Paul said, "Therefore let us keep the feast". (1 Cor 5:8)

ron

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When Paul wrote, "Let us keep the feast" he did not mean to keep the old type that had passed away but the antitype because He understood that Christ was our Passover. "For indeed, Christ our Passover, was sacrificed for us." 1 Cor.5:7.

The Jews today still adhere to the shadows because they do not discern the reality. They do not see the difference between type and antitype.

sky

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Are we still sacrificing animals at the altar?

sky

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Do you feel "obligated" to observe Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years, Independence Day, your birthday, or wedding anniversaries? So why would God's feasts be an "obligation" rather than a celebration?

ron

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I do not observe Christmas or thanksgiving, new year, independence day. I would not even pay attention to my birthday other than being reminded that I am getting older every time, as far as this sinful body of mine is concerned.

Today we are living in the antitypical day of atonement. It is a time to examine ourselves, every day, to see if we are in the faith and be ready for the judgment either of the dead or of the living.

Do you not believe that the great antitypical day of atonement began on the 22nd of October 1844?

Ron, are you not a Seventh-day Adventist?

sky

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Are we keeping the ceremonial sabbaths? Are we to literally keep the feast of unleavened bread? Are we blowing the trumpets 10 days before the great day of atonement year after year? etc etc

sky

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Presently, animals can't be sacrificed because they can only be sacrificed by the levitical priests at the place that God chose. However, as long as animals were sacrificed at the Temple after the resurrection of Jesus until the Temple was destroyed by the Romans, followers of Jesus were there in the Temple courts praying and worshiping while the animal sacrifices were going on. The book of Acts tells us that many of the Priests believed, and it doesn't say that they quit their responsibilities at the Temple.

Like Daniel in Babylon, we can't celebrate the Feasts perfectly the way they are described in Scripture. We are scattered among the nations, but we can still celebrate as well as we can. Many Christians still tithe, even though it isn't presently possible to take the tithes to the Levites at the Temple as the scriptures instruct.

Ron

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You speak and reason in the manner of a Jew who is still keeping the feasts. Are you Ron?

sky

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Yes, there are people, even some among SDA's, who literally celebrate the feasts as best they can. They clean out the leaven for Unleavened Bread, watch for the new moons, and blow the shofars at Trumpets. Not because it is "required", but because they want to celebrate God's feasts with God. God's feasts are richer than the man-made holidays that most people celebrate.

Ron

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I thought we were duscussing whether it is required for Christians to keep those feasts or not. Today those Jews who keep the feasts, do they keep them just because they want to or because they still believe that they are required to keep them? Since they do not believe in Christ, their keeping of the feasts can only be a way to earn their salvation. It is nothing but salvation by works.

And those SDAs who profess to believe in Christ and who insist on keeping the typical feasts may be sincere and honest but I believe they are mistaken. This teaching is a mere distraction from the truths for this time.

The Spirit of the Lord told us in clear, distinct lines, what is to be the message for these last days, "One interest will prevail; one subject will swallow up every other: Christ and His righteousness." E.G. White, Review and Herald, Vol.2, p.454; Dec.23,1890.

"Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness..." Matt.6:33.

For "The Kingdom of God is within you." Acts 17:21.

And "The Kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Romans 14:16.

Mrs. White spoke of "The faith that lays right hold upon the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour to bring Christ's righteousness into the life." Faith and Works, p.65,66.

"Looking unto Jesus and trusting in His merits, we appropriate the blessings of light and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Testimonies, Vol.5, p.744.

This is the message which God has commanded to be proclaimed to all the world with the outpouring of the Spirit in large measure. It is the third angel's message. See Testimonies to Ministers, p.92

The message in a nutshell: The sinner must have implicit faith in the merits of Christ in order to bring His righteousenss into the life and he must also believe that His righteousness is made manifest in obedience to the moral law of ten commandments. Rev.14;12.

"Unless he makes it his lifebusiness to behold the uplifted Saviour and to accept the merits which it is his privilege to claim, the sinner can no more be saved than Peter could walk upon the water unless he kept his eyes fixed steadily upon Jesus." Testimonies to Ministers, p.93.

This is the whole counsel of God in a few words.

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[Johnnboy]

Ron, thanks for responding.

In addressing your statement about the Hillel II calendar, I wanted to make a point about the two calendars, Hillel I and Hillel II. They have many similar principles to determine which days are actually taken as the "new moon". In certain months they have taken the conjunction of the new moon for the first day of the month. Other months they have taken a sighting with a fairly large sliver of the moon.

The reason for thus determining the new moon by these methods, is that if the new moon could be made to fall on the same day as the 7th-day Holy Sabbath, then by all means, they tried to schedule it accordingly.

This resulted in all the lunar "shadow" Sabbaths, which were scheduled from that moon, coinciding or overlaying with 7th-day weekly Sabbaths. However, after the trauma of the crucifixion in 31 C.E., this principle was totally and permanently abandoned for the spring feasts only.

You will never see the new moon in the first month fall on a 7th-day weekly Holy Sabbath again. It has not occurred once since 31 C.E.

[Johnnboy]

I'll continue my comments, Ron.

There is no Biblical text stating about taking the new moon after the sping equinox as the first day of the first month.

Taking the new moon after the spring equinox, as in Hillel I, assured harvest-ready barley by the 16th day of the month.

In 27 C.E. the conjunction of the new moon near midnight was taken as the first day of the seventh month, resulting in the Day of Atonement of that year, coinciding with the Holy 7th-day Sabbath, when the Messiah fulfilled the Jubilee prophecy of Isaiah 61:1,2, by reading the prophecy and declaring, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears."

In that Jubilee year, the Day of Atonement met its 7th-day Sabbath fulfillment, by His announcing the Jubilee as specified in Lev. 25:8-10.

Both Hillel I and Hillel II will, if possible, have either the new moon fall on the Holy 7th-day Sabbath, or position the new moon so that the Day of Atonement could fall on a Holy 7th-day Sabbath. Often this is not possible.

[Ron Amnsn]

When Christ expired on the cross the inner veil of the temple was, by an invisible hand, rent in twain from top to bottom, signifying that the great final sacrifice had been made, and that the system of sacrificial offering was forever at an end.

[skyblue888]

Ron, the Scriptures I have quoted are unequivocal and they are not left to any private interpretation. And the following statement, like many others from the Testimonies, makes it even clearer so as not to be mistaken:

"In the spring of A.D.31, Christ the true sacrifice was offered on Calvary. Then the veil of the temple was rent in twain, showing that the sacredness and significance of the sacrificial service had departed. The time had come for the earthly sacrifice and oblation to cease." Desire of Ages, p.233.

sky

[skyblue888]

"When Christ upon the cross cried out, 'It is finished,' (John 19:30), and the veil of the temple was rent in twain, the Holy Watcher declared that the Jewish people had rejected Him who was the antitype of all their types, the susbstance of all their shadows. Israel was divorced from God." Desire of Ages, 709.

"When the loud cry, 'It is finished,' came from the lips of Christ, the priests were officiating in the temple. It was the hour of the evening sacrifice. The lamb representing Christ had been brought to be slain. Clothed in his significant and beautiful dress, the priest stood with lifted knife, as did Abraham when he was about to slay his son. With intense interest the people were looking on. But the earth trembles and quakes, for the Lord Himself draws near. With a rending noise the inner veil of the temple is torn from top to bottom by an unseen hand, throwing open to the gaze of the multitude a place once filled with the presence of God... All is terror and confusion. The priest is about to slay the victim; but the knife drops from his nerveless hand, and the lamb escapes. Type has met antitype in the death of God's Son. The great sacrifice has been made... It was as if a living voice had spoken to the worshipers: There is now an and to all sacrifices and offereings for sin. The Son of God is come according to His word, 'Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God.'" Desiree of Ages, p.757.

"At the setting of the sun on the evening of the preparation day the trumpets sounded, signifying that the Sabbath had begun. The Passover was observed as it had been for centuries, while He to whom it pointed had been slain by wicked hands, and lay in Joseph's tomb. On the Sabbath the courts of the temple were filled with worshipers. The high priest from Golgotha was there, splendidly robed in his sacerdotal garments. White-turbaned priests, full of activity, performed their duties. But some present were not at rest as the blood of bulls and goats was offered for sin. They were not conscious that type had met antitype, that an infinite sacrifice had been made for the sins of the world. They knew not that there was no further value in the performance of the ritual service. But never before had that service been witnessed with such conflicting feelings. The trumpets and musical instruments and the voices of the singers were as loud and clear as usual. But a sense of strangeness pervaded everything.

One after another inquired about a strange event that had taken place. Hitherto the most holy place had been sacredly guarded from intrusion. But now it was open to all eyes. The heavy veil of tapestry, made of pure linen, and beautifully wrought with gold, scarlet, and purple, was rent from top to bottom. The place where Jehovah had met with the high priest, to communicate His glory, the place that had been God's sacred audience chamber, lay open to every eye,--a place no longer recognized by the Lord. With gloomy presentiments the priests ministered before the altar. The uncovering of the sacred mystery of the most holy place filled them with dread of coming calamity." Desire of Ages, 774,5.

[Johnnboy]

Ron,

It is important to understand the purpose of the two covenants and the difference between these. The book of Hebrews contrasts these two covenants, especially in Chapters 8-10.

The old covenant was glorious, but it was a ministration of death, that ended at the crucifixion of the Messiah. This is made very clear in the apostle Paul's writings, and, also, in the Spirit of Prophecy through the writings of Ellen G. White.

2 Corinthians -3:7-11 “But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away:

How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

For if the ministration of condemnation [be] glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.

For if that which is done away [was] glorious, much more that which remaineth [is] glorious.”

Colossians 2:14 "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;“

The prophetic significance of the old covenant, however, is extremely important for us to understand.

“The ceremonial law was given by Christ. Even after it was no longer to be observed, Paul presented it before the Jews in its true position and value, showing its place in the plan of redemption and its relation to the work of Christ; and the great apostle pronounces this law glorious, worthy of its divine Originator. The solemn service of the sanctuary typified the grand truths that were to be revealed through successive generations.” Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 367

“Through the posterity of faithful Abraham, of the line of Shem, a knowledge of Jehovah's beneficent designs was to be preserved for the benefit of future generations. From time to time divinely appointed messengers of truth were to be raised up to call attention to the meaning of the sacrificial ceremonies, and especially to the promise of Jehovah concerning the advent of the One toward whom all the ordinances of the sacrificial system pointed. Thus the world was to be kept from universal apostasy.” Prophets and Kings, p. 687

We, as Adventists, believe in the inspiration of the entire Bible, and in the inspiration of the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy, through Ellen G. White.

The old covenant had a divine purpose which was entirely prophetic.

[Ron Amnsn]

When Paul wrote, "Let us keep the feast" he did not mean to keep the old type that had passed away but the antitype because He understood that Christ was our Passover. "For indeed, Christ our Passover, was sacrificed for us." 1 Cor.5:7.

[Ron Amnsn]

It is important to understand the purpose of the two covenants and the difference between these. The book of Hebrews contrasts these two covenants, especially in Chapters 8-10.

The old covenant was glorious, but it was a ministration of death, that ended at the crucifixion of the Messiah. This is made very clear in the apostle Paul's writings, and, also, in the Spirit of Prophecy through the writings of Ellen G. White.

2 Corinthians -3:7-11 “But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away:

How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

For if the ministration of condemnation [be] glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.

For if that which is done away [was] glorious, much more that which remaineth [is] glorious.”