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Answers to Some Questions By Readers
Passover Question 3: Why did God tell the Israelites to be ready to travel when they ate of the Passover lamb in Egypt (Ex 12:11).
As a brief prefatory note it is mentioned here that it was still common practice to eat the Old Testament Passover meal, along with partaking of the Passover emblems, long after the death of Christ. True to following Christ’s example of the time, the Passover emblems were taken during or at the end of the old Passover meal. For small family sized groups of people this practice is still commended, but for those who wish to meet in larger groups the family meal should be eaten at home as an ordinary meal, leaving only the Passover ceremony (eating of the bread, drinking the wine and foot washing) to be done within the larger group.
As for the question itself, this actually concerns whether or not one is partaking of the Passover in a worthy manner – an issue which has caused some anxiety for many of God's people for a long time. However, it is not a difficult question to answer and the people of God need not be in doubt when they partake of the Passover emblems. You see, “not discerning the Lord’s body” is the New Testament equivalent of treating the old Passover meal as any other common meal, not realizing that it (now the emblems) symbolize a great sacrifice which resulted in the opportunity for freedom – freedom to live God’s way of life. This is what Paul was trying to explain to the NT church in 1Cor 11:29-32. These people were eating of the old Passover meal publicly and their conduct clearly showed they were not prepared to leave spiritual Egypt – although they partook of the emblems they were showing by their conduct that they were not prepared to live God’s way of life, they were not caring for each other, they were hanging onto their old ways of conduct, not taking up God’s way of life and running with it regardless of the consequences.
A comparison of Old and New Testament verses shows that Exodus12:11 was intended to illustrate how Christians should not partake of the emblems of bread and wine unless they are prepared to travel out of Spiritual Egypt, that is be prepared to live God’s way of life. Ex 12:11 “…In this manner you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover…” [RSV].
Eph 6:14-15 “…Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace;…” [RSV]. 1Pet 1:13-16 “…Therefore gird up your minds, be sober, set your hope fully upon the grace that is coming to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’…” [RSV].
Gal 6:10 “…So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith…” [NIV].
Note the three parts to the instruction in Ex 12:11: Having sandals on the feet equates with having the truth of God from God, not from ourselves or from someone else telling us what is the truth; Having your staff in your hand equates with doing good to others (as shepherd's staff or rod) especially to those of the body, helping them, being kind to them; and Eating it in haste equates with acting immediately on what you know and understand, it means being committed to God's way.
General Question 12: What came before the angels?
A lot, an awful lot – too much to cover as an answer to a question in this section. However this much I can say, it has to do with why there is a guarantee of salvation for those who were predestinated, who were predestinated because God knew them (Rom 8:29-30 and Eph 1:5 and 1:11) before the foundation of the world (i.e. before the creation of the universe, including the angels). It also has to do with the restitution of all things pictured by the Jubilee and why we were "made to become" (not created), that is placed for a little time, lower than God (Elohim – Clarke's Commentary states, "The original is certainly very emphatic: vattechasserchu meat meelohim, 'Thou hast lessened him for a little time from God', or, 'Thou hast made him less than God for a little time'.") It also has to do with the condition of the seven churches in Revelation Chapters 2 and 3, which condition is not prophecy but statements of fact about those whom God foreknew and would place in the succeeding eras of His Church. It has a considerable amount to do with humans learning God's new system of government, the nurturing family system. As time permits study notes on these matters will be placed in the "Study Notes" section of this site if articles do not already exist. However, there is nothing to prevent private study given all the starting points just provided – all the pieces of the puzzle are there, they just need to be put together.
Although the answer to this question has no bearing on salvation, it is key to answering many of the major questions which start with, "why". As time permits all facets to the question will be addressed in the Study Notes or articles.
General Question 11: Could the remnant (Rev.12:17) be the 144,000?
Rev 12:17 “…And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ…” [KJV].
The short answer is, no they are not the same.
Historically, the Church has taught that the remnant are those of the Laodicean Era who have to go through the great tribulation while those of the Philadelphian Era go to some physical place of safety. However, this teaching was error – God has an entirely different explanation and His is the only one that matters.
Descendants of Saints Continue Into the Millennium
The Church is always described as a “woman” or the “woman” and the Church has always been comprised of the Saints. However, here we have a reference not only to the “seed” of the woman (the Saints) but to the remnant of the seed (children) of the Saints. The remnant of the seed of the woman are the final generation of the children of the Saints at the time of the great tribulation. They are the remnant because they are the final descendants of the Saints that have lived throughout the generations.
In Isa 65:23 we have a similar reference to the group mentioned in Rev 12:17: “…They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them…” [KJV].
Isa 65:21-25 “…21 They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 They shall not build and another inhabit; They shall not plant and another eat; For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, And My elect <972> shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth children for trouble; For they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, And their offspring with them. 24 It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox,…” [NKJV].
At this point it is important to know that God has both a spiritual elect (those with the Holy Spirit) and a physical elect (those without the Holy Spirit). Among the physical elect there was a further division – the individual physical elect and the national physical elect. Anciently, the national physical elect was the entire nation of Israel, while the individual physical elect were the children and descendents of the Saints throughout history (Isa 65:23). Apparently, this distinction between the physical elect will continue on through the Millennium (Isa 61:9) as part of the restitution of all things.
ELECT (I.S.B.E.) That is, "chosen," "selected." In the Old Testament the word represents derivatives of bachar, elegit; in the New Testament eklektos. It means properly an object or objects of selection. This primary meaning sometimes passes into that of "eminent," "valuable," "choice"; often thus as a fact, in places where the King James Version uses "chosen" (or "elect") to translate the original (e.g. Isa 42:1; 1Pet 2:6). In the King James Version "elect" (or "chosen") is used of Israel as the race selected for special favour and to be the special vehicle of Divine purposes Strong’s 0972 ryxb bachiyr chosen, choice one, chosen one, elect (of God) ELECT – a term sometimes applied in the ancient Church
Properly used in reference to survivors into the Millennium, as the Mosaic law will be restored and the children of the church members (the blessed of the Lord) will be the “chosen ones” in the Millennium.
Only God’s physical elect shall continue into the Millennial Age, and these shall be descendants of the Saints. This means those people may be descended from any and all Saintly lines throughout history – they are not limited to being descended from Saints who lived in the last 100 years or so. This corresponds with God’s promise that His people would be sifted through the nations, but not one grain would fall to Earth (Amos 9:9). There is duality in this prophecy and by the time of Christ’s return these people will be a very great multitude – possibly 10% of Earth’s population, since 10% is always God’s percentage of everything.
Being the “physical elect” in the Millennium is also symbolic that in the Kingdom there will be only God’s spiritual elect. However, even with the end-time descendents of the Saints (the physical elect) God does have conditions they must meet before being permitted to enter the Millennium: Amos 9:9-10 “…9 "For surely I will command, And will sift the house of Israel among all nations, As grain is sifted in a sieve; Yet not the smallest grain shall fall to the ground. 10 All the sinners of My people shall die by the sword, Who say, 'The calamity shall not overtake nor confront us.'…” [KJV].
Verse 10 makes it clear that not all of the last day descendents of the spiritual elect will survive into the Millennium – only those descendents who “revere my name” (Mal 4:2) will enter into that physical rest, the Millennium. Mal 4:1-4 “…1 ‘Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘Not a root or a branch will be left to them. 2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. 3 Then you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I do these things,’ says the LORD Almighty. 4 ‘Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel…” [NIV].
Now, what is the meaning of verse 4? The setting is the end of the great tribulation, the end of the Day of the Lord, just before the start of the millennial reign of Christ on Earth. So, when the people are told to remember the law of Moses it is not just a pleasantry of conversation – it means learn and remember that system of administration as preparation for what is to come under the Government of God. It means that this is the administrative system they will be under as opposed to the administrative systems of man. The law of Moses will be restored at the beginning of the Millennium! The temple of God will be at Jerusalem where there will be daily sacrifices, declarations of seasons and new moons for the Feasts of God. The combined nation of Israel (northern kingdom of Israel and southern kingdom of Judea) will be the physical elect to which the surrounding nations look for guidance as to how the new administrative system is to operate and hence the distinction between the national physical elect and the rest will be also restored (Isa 61:9).
With regard to descendents and ancestors, it is important not to be too restrictive, for God had His Saints during the times of the prophets as well as after the Messiah. For those of Physical Israel we need only refer to the 7,000 of Elijah’s time (Rom 11:4). Even among the Syrians there must be tens if not hundreds of thousands of descendents of Naaman, the righteous Syrian General who was healed of leprosy through Elisha. 2King 5:14-17 “…14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. 15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant… 17 And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray thee, be given to thy servant two mules’ burden of earth? for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the LORD….” [ KJV].
The implication of the “two mules’ burden of earth” is that they would be hidden under the king’s idol so when Naaman worshipped he would always be facing the God of Israel, not some pagan idol.
As for the Assyrians (modern Germans), we have the whole nation repenting at the preaching of Jonah. So, among them there really is no numbering, only God knows.
In short, the remnant to which Rev 12:17 refers are the physical, penitent descendents of the ascended Saints and are therefore not the 144,000, who are the spiritual Israelites from within physical Israel (the designated 12 tribes) at the end time. Aside from the saints in physical Israel, there will be a "great multitude" of saints from other nations of the world (Rev 7:9 & 7:14).
General Question 10:
The verse on which people rely to show that there is a “place of safety” for God’s people is Rev 12:14, “…And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent…” [KJV].
Much time could be spent on this question, but the main points are as follows: 1. In Ex 19:4 when God said that He took Israel out of Egypt on eagles’ wings the people actually walked (even for physical Israel the phrase was not intended to be literal); 2. There is nothing that really says this “wilderness” is a “place of safety”; 3. The wording in verse 14 indicates the entire church (the woman) is taken into the wilderness, but the wording in verse 17 indicates the church is persecuted by Satan, talking about making “war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ”. Only the church members keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ; 4. The flight from Egypt was that of physical Israel for physical well-being, while those referred to in Rev 14 are spiritual Israel and therefore it would seem that the nourishment would be for spiritual well-being; 5. Apart from the wording of “time, times and half a time” there is not much to link verse 14 with the tribulation. Conventional understanding has been that verses 14 and 17 are concurrent, but there appears to be an equally strong case for these verses being separated by many years, even decades; 6. With God’s people being scattered over all the world in this era of church history, while not impossible it is improbable that verse 14 will apply physically to any of God’s people of this time; and 7. For any era of the church, the real place of safety has and always will be Christ.
Are we to keep Purim? NO – this is a Jewish memorial day of no more importance than a secular holiday. All of God’s commanded assemblies and Holy Days were given to the entire nation of Israel at Sinai. The Jews merely started to observe this additional day after they came back from the Babylonian captivity.
General Question 9: How old is the universe?
The article entitled God's Plan of Creation will provide you with some detail and a general overview of your question. More specifically, the age of the physical universe is not certain. Astrophysicists have done a very good job in calculating the possible age based on a “uniformitarianist” approach, even though they do concede to the “Big Bang” theory, which states that the universe came from nothing presently known to science.
However, the reality of the historical record is one of cataclysm not uniformitarianism and continental drift is a case in point. At the rate the continental plates are drifting today it would indeed take millions of years to have reached their current positions relative to the original position of Pangaea. When it is stated that the continents were split, the authorized KJV language is very passive and does not convey the true events of the day. Gen 10:25 “…And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg <06389>; for in his days was the earth <0776> divided <06385>;…” [KJV].
There are three crucial words in this verse that reveal what actually happened at that time:
From these words we see that the event affected the entire world, not just some isolated place in the Middle-East. The word translated divide is better rendered “split” and this is verified by Peleg’s name (who was named after the event transpiring at the time) which actually means earthquake. This is an extremely tumultuous time in the history of Earth’s continents when there would have been planet wide earthquakes, associated volcanic activity and the separate parts of Pangaea literally fleeing from some parts and colliding with others parts forming massive mountain ranges and new oceans. (These are the events that allowed Nimrod to assume control of a fearful people and become the first king on Earth.) All this happened only 100 years after the great flood.
The HBME (The Holy Bible in Modern English, from the tyndalearchive.com) appears to be one of the few translations to get close to the original meaning. However, it still seems that Strong's Complete Word Study provides the most complete picture.
So, while there may only be what is known as “drift” today, it actually began as something extraordinarily different – a rapid shattering of a single super-continent into what we have today. The “drift” merely keeps the natural boundaries in place, as decreed by God.
Similarly, we do not know if God indeed started the physical universe as a “Big Bang” 13.7 billion years ago and that it grew gradually as the astrophysicists say, OR if He created the physical universe with the galaxies already billions of light years apart and then created Earth shortly after that event. Indeed, the latter would seem more plausible even from a scientific point of view, as there is currently more energy in the universe than what has been calculated should be here from the “Big Bang” – the galaxies are actually increasing in speed as time goes by. Such a thing is scientifically impossible with the current knowledge level, but if God did create the galaxies already billions of light years apart and provided them with a certain level of kinetic energy, then the current finding of increasing galactic speed fits perfectly.
In conclusion, we can know that the physical universe is very old, but probably not nearly as old as conventional science has currently found.
General Question 8: I have decided to keep the seventh day Sabbath and although my husband agrees that the seventh day Sabbath is correct, he says I am causing division in the household by refusing to go to his church meetings on Sundays and Thursdays. Am I causing division?
The first four of the ten commandments are very specific - we obey God and only God and we keep His seventh day weekly Sabbath. Regarding division, the principle is simple - division is caused by the one who separates themselves from the way of God. This principle is true for all situations so, the question that needs to be asked is, "who is the one separating themselves from the way of God and who is trying to keep His ways?" The answer to this question will give you the answer to who is causing the division. God states that the husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the church (Eph 5:22-23). However, the point missed by most husbands is that Christ was obedient to God and we are to follow his example. Christ never caused anyone to sin, especially by forcing them to fellowship with non-believers on their day of worship or anything akin to that situation. Eph 5:22-23 “…22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Saviour of the body…” [NKJV].
The phrase "as to the Lord" does not mean blind obedience – it means obedience as to Christ, who would never condone going against God's way of life. No-one can claim immunity from sin just because they were obeying an unlawful command – we are all told that we are individually responsible for our own salvation. No-one can save anyone else and no-one can blame anyone else for not following God. Php 2:12 “…Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;…” [NKJV].
General Question 7: Do you believe that a woman should not speak to a man when they are in church [about doctrinal matters] and that they should cover their heads ?
God says that women are to be in silence in the Church. The main point of the relevant Scriptures is that a woman should not take any part in preaching, which includes asking questions of the person doing the preaching – this latter part is for the ones judging what the speaker is saying, because these "questions" are actually challenges to the current veracity of what is being preached. This judging of the speaker involves being willing and able to rise and speak to the congregation should they wish to question or correct the speaker on some point (1Cor 14:29-30) – this is the type of speaking and questioning that God prohibits for women, not general conversation. 1Cor 14:29-30 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 1Cor 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 1Ti 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 1Ti 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
Questions put by women on this site are regarded as questions asked in private, which is not only permitted it is encouraged. This site is not a public "chat room", which would loosely be akin to the Sabbath meetings the subject of the above Scriptures.
Regarding head coverings, God says that a woman’s head is already covered – with her hair – therefore there is no need of further covering her head. 1Cor 11:15 “But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.”
General Question 6: Can you demonstrate how a sundial can be used to follow God's calendar?
Yes. There is now an additional section to the calendar page providing a detailed explanation (with diagrams), but essentially the procedure is as follows: 1. Select a level site clear of bush or buildings; 2. On any sunny day simply place a rod in the ground using a plumb-line (small weight on a string) to ensure it is vertical. 3. Wait until sunset (the moment the sun's disk is about to pass below the horizon), then mark the position of the rod's shadow; 4. The next day at sunrise (the moment the sun's disk appears above the horizon), then mark the position of the rod's shadow; 5. Draw an east-west line by measuring equal angles for the sunrise/sunset shadow lines.
The east-west line is also the equinox line at the time of year when the rod shadow lines fall on the east-west line. The first night the new crescent moon appears after the equinox commences the first day of the first month of the new year – 1 Abib. The day of 1 Tishri is determined simply by counting seven new moons (visible crescent) from and including 1 Abib. Using just the visible sightings of the sun and moon God's calendar can be constructed with amazing simplicity and accuracy.
One of the links at the foot of the calendar page even provides instructions on how to make necklace/keyring size sundials.
General Question 5: Will we not be perfect spirit beings in the Kingdom of God? After all, how can we judge angels if we are not perfect?
Whenever this word (perfect) is mentioned in connection with the New Covenant, it refers to a growing state of becoming more like God the Father or Christ. We were placed in human vessels for the following major reasons: 1. To test us to see what is in our hearts; 2. In order that God could train us up in the way that we should go; 3. Become subject to affliction and death and either accept Christ’s sacrifice or die; and 4. Experience the family system as did Jesus.
There is no argument from any of the Christians churches that human beings will never be perfect while still physical, but it is a common misconception that Godly spirit beings have been or will be perfect. This misconception is just as far from the truth as the teaching that spirit beings, once they choose an ungodly path, cannot change and return to the true path of God. God states with great clarity that Christ’s sacrifice was for both physical AND spirit beings: Col 1:20 “… and through him God was pleased to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross...” [NRSV].
This means that angels can repent and if angels can repent, then so too can all spirit beings. Christ's sacrifice was “once for all”(Heb 10:10), meaning past, present and future – there is no limit for the application of Christ's sacrifice. Heb 10:10 “…By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all…” [KJV].
Some quote Rom 6:22 to prove perfection of ascended humans: Rom 6:22 “…But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life…” [KJV].
Those who quote this verse to prove perfection of ascended humans forget that being free from sin does not mean “not sinning”, it means being free from the penalty of sin, which is death – in other words, we are free from sin because sin has no power over the sinner due to the claiming and application of Christ's sacrifice. The verse also states that we are “now” free from sin, but I see no child of God who does not sin on a daily basis. What can be seen are people of God who, daily, accept the blood of Christ to cover their sins.
Finally, we are told in Isa 9:7 that God’s government and peace will be forever growing, which is the very definition of conversion – a process of growing in God’s way that takes place over a period of time (forever). Isa 9:7 “…Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this…” [KJV].
Most commentaries will limit the meaning of “increase” to quantity or time, but the language of the original text places no such limits on the word. Had the commentaries not made the assumption that ascension equated to spiritual perfection, then it would have been clear that this verse is also referring to a process of improved “quality” over a period of time (indefinite). Thus continued reliance on the blood of Jesus to cover, also now becomes a literal and continual laying down of life by the husband for the wife and family. The New Covenant is now shown to be a very literal, eternal covenant requiring an eternal relationship.
Concerning “judging angels” (1Cor 6:3), we will be judging them with God’s judgement not ours. While this verse alone implies that being free from the human vessel also means not being subject to the carnal spirit as we are today, it does not imply that we will be perfect. However, we will be able to apply Godly judgement much more than we can as humans. 1Cor 6:3 “…Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?...” [NKJV].
General Question 4: Matthew 5:17-20 has been interpreted by professing Christians different ways. Some have used this verse to prove that ALL of the old covenant regulations are binding on Christians, while others just say that it proves only the 10 commandments are binding on Christians. Can you explain what is God's intended meaning?
Matt 5:17-20 “…17 ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’…” [NRSV].
There are several points here and for the sake of clarity they shall be addressed separately.
1. Christ came to “complete” the law – he was the sacrificial lamb that replaced all the sacrificial elements of the Mosaic law. He also came to die and become the High Priest of God under the New Covenant, thereby replacing the Levitical Priesthood. However, this aspect of passing of the law applies only to predestined Christian with the Holy Spirit – the old law will still remain in place for another thousand years and be operational during the Millennium. The old aspects of the law were never done away for those without the Holy Spirit, otherwise Christ would be contradicting what will be required during the Millennium. Also remember that during the Millennium these people, who will be required to comply with the Levitical system will not be married to Christ, as was the case in the Old Covenant, but they will be required to comply nevertheless. The old sacrificial/Levitical system serves as a “schoolmaster” for those without the Holy Spirit.
The reference to "heaven and earth passing away" refers to a real event after the completion of God's plan of salvation and is mentioned in Rev 21:1 & 5: Rev 21:1 "...And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away;..." [KJV]. Rev 21:5 "...And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new..." [KJV].
2. To whom was Christ talking? He was talking to the disciples, none of whom had the Holy Spirit – as we know the Holy Spirit was not poured out upon the predestined until Pentecost 31AD (after the death of Christ). As part of completing the law, Christ explained to the disciples the deeper, spiritual intent of the law so that they would remember it later, upon receipt of the Holy Spirit. John 14:26 “…But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you…”
3. What is binding on Christians is Christ’s example: John 13:15 “…For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you...” [KJV]. Here, Christ was giving an example of service to fellow Christians.
1Pet 2:21 "...For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:..." [KJV]. Are we to suffer and die on a cross because that is what Jesus did? No – Jesus did this as an act of service and an example that we must also obey the Father. Jesus had a different mission to us, as did the prophets and the apostles, but they all obeyed the Father in carrying out their appointed missions. Before Christ was killed he was under the law of the Old Covenant, so he had to comply in areas where we do not.
The Sabbath and Holy Days picture the Kingdom of God and various stages towards that Kingdom, which we are require to observe as picturing our ultimate goal and as remembrances of the stages in the journey towards that goal. So, even though they were elements of the Old Covenant they are still to be observed as requirements apart from the Old Covenant in obedience to the Father.
General Question 3: Could you please explain to me why gentiles have to observe Israeli holy days when Acts 21:25 states that there are only four things a gentile has to observe?
This is a very valid question and is the source of confusion for most of Christendom today. The problem started when the Roman church persuaded Emperor Constantine to rule against the seventh day Sabbath and decreed that no one was to “Judaize and be idle on the Sabbath, but must work on that day”. Neither the law, nor the Holy Days, nor the Sabbath are of Israel or the Jews – they are God’s and are for all mankind. Lev 23:2 “…Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: These are the appointed festivals of the LORD that you shall proclaim as holy convocations, my appointed festivals…” [NRSV].
God does not have one law for one and another law for someone else; He has one law for all and this will never change. Mal 3:6 “…‘For I am the LORD, I change not;’…” [KJV].
Indeed, after Christ returns the whole world will have to obey God’s law, or accept the consequences. Zech 14:16-19 “…16 ¶ And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. 17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. 18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles…” [KJV].
The Feast of Tabernacles is only one of God’s appointed festivals, accordingly the stated requirement to keep one is symbolic of the requirement to keep all. So, is this a fifth command that the gentiles must keep? No, it is symbolic that the entire law of God will be restored and kept by humanity – it is a statement concerning the restoration of all things, including the law, at the return of Christ. Act 3:21 (speaking of Christ) “…‘whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.’…” [KJV].
The reason the gentiles were required to obey only a few laws at that time was because they were being slowly introduced to the law of God. Christ did the same with the 12 disciples – he taught them of spiritual matters only what they could bear up to that time. Just like babies, feeding them milk first, then gradually going on to more solid food until finally they could eat meat. John 16:12 “…‘I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.’…” [KJV].
This is part of the process known as conversion – it is something that happens over time as we grow in the knowledge and truth of God.
General Question 2: Tithing – Who should we tithe to?
Prior to answering this question, there are some important background issues that need to be addressed: 1. Is tithing still required by God under the New Covenant? 2. If tithing is required, then on what do we tithe? 3. Type of income. 4. Offerings.
Is tithing still required by God under the New Covenant?
Too often the argument is presented that, as tithing was part of the Old Covenant it is now no longer required because the Old Covenant has been done away. However, tithing actually preceded the Old Covenant by at least hundreds of years and was practiced by Abraham: Heb 7:2 “…and Abraham gave him [Melchisedek] a tenth of everything. First, his name means ‘king of righteousness’; then also, ‘king of Salem’ means ‘king of peace’…” [NIV].
Jesus, the bringer of the New Covenant, made it clear that tithing was still a Godly requirement by firstly, condoning the practice and secondly, mentioning tithing as a minor matter of the law of God compared to the weightier matters of the law. Matt 23:23 “…‘What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law––justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.’…” [NLT].
Tithing in connection with the Old Covenant applied only to agricultural produce, but the original form of tithing, as practiced by Abraham and accepted by Melchizedek the priest of the most high God (Jesus prior to being born human) applied to the whole of one’s increase. Abraham was under the covenant of promise (the Kingdom of God), what we call the New Covenant. Also, Christ is of the Order of Melchizedek, a superior priesthood than the Order of Aaron (Heb 7:21-24).
Regarding the lighter and weightier matters of the law, Jesus spoke in these terms to the Pharisees because they had divided the law in this way and there is a mass corruption among Christendom today that supports a differentiation between “mortal” and “venial” sins. However, God’s thinking on the matter is very different: James 2:10 “…For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it…” [NIV].
1John 3:4 “…for sin is the transgression of the law…” [KJV]. Rom 6:23 “…For the wages of sin is death;…” [KJV].
God makes no distinction at any level; sin is sin and the penalty is the same for all sin – death.
If tithing is required, then on what do we tithe?
Tithes are not paid on our gross or net or any other artificial amount invented by humans – tithes are paid on our “increase”. Abraham is our first example in this regard and the more limited tithing in the Old Covenant also details that tithing is on the “increase”. Our increase is a private matter between God and us, but a guide would be that amount which remains after all our taxes, living expenses, working expenses, accident expenses and medical expenses have been deducted. For this reason it is recommended to tithe only once or twice a year, for one does not know what God will give or take on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Other income
For those who are surviving solely on social welfare or pension benefits there is no increase, therefore there is no tithe. Effectively, this is the third tithe the government has collected and administrates through the taxation system. For those retirees who are more well-off and survive off superannuation, tithes may be payable depending on the government superannuation co-contributions (if any) and investment interest, but ultimately any tithing is still calculated on the increase – living expenses, accident expenses and medical expenses reduce the amount on which tithes are calculated.
Inheritance is not increase and therefore there is no tithe.
Offerings
God commands offerings from everyone. There are three times (seasons) in the year when offerings are obligatory but this does not prevent free will offerings at any other time during the year. Deut 16:16-17 “…16 Three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles. No man should appear before the LORD empty-handed: 17 Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you…” [NIV].
Here God actually spells out, very succinctly, how to calculate the offering, but still it is between God and the individual to decide.
Answer:
With the above information as background, it is now possible to answer the question without imposing an undue yoke on God’s people.
If you wish to contribute to the work of God, then you should support whomsoever you consider is actually doing the work of God. Many claim to be doing the work of God, but this should be tested against God’s Word – i.e., the truth of God needs to be preached not the dogma of an organization. 1 John 4:1 “…Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world...” [NLT].
In the final analysis no-one can tell you to support either this one or that one – tithing is required by God, but to whom one tithes is a personal conscience decision as a result of prayer, individual Bible study and research.
General Question 1: “How do we know what are the dates for the Holy Days?”
Answer: This is an interesting question and resulted in fresh research into the subject. Prior to this time, calculations for dates of the annual Holy Days by the major Church of God organizations were accepted as true. However, research has revealed that this trust was misplaced and the times have been amended accordingly.
We must always start with the first month of the year, the month of ABIB. For thousands of years this has been the month in the Middle East when the ears of grain were still green (Abib = green ears). At this time of year it is the wheat that has green ears (the barley is already ripe) and while this may be interesting agriculturally, it is an aside from the actual calculations, which are determined by the sun and moon alone (Gen 1:14). In constructing the calendar now used for observance of God’s annual Holy Days seven basic principles were used and are as follows:
One: God says that the great lights were given to determine seasons, days and years. These are heavenly objects which are observable without the need for any complicated instrumentation or technology. Gen 1:14 “…Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs <226>, and seasons <4150>, and for days and years;’…” [NKJV].
eth (Strong’s 6256) – means season, as in spring, summer, autumn, winter. mow‘ed (Strong’s 4150) – means appointed time or feast owth (Strong’s 226) – means sign, in the sense of something’s appearance. This word is considered a reasonable substitute for “eth”, which has the specific meaning of season or time of year. However, the Greek equivalent of “owth” can also be applied to weather conditions (Matt 16:3) and therefore is seen as a more appropriate general term that encompasses both signs for times of the year and weather conditions. Matt 16:3 “…And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?...” [KJV].
Given the context, this second part of verse 14 would be better read according to contemporary understanding of terms by applying the following translation: “…and let them be for seasons and signs <226>, and for the appointed feasts <4150>, and for days, and years:…”
Two: The year is divided into four parts – spring, summer, autumn and winter – with the vernal and autumnal equinoxes marking the end of winter and the end of summer respectively. An astronomical equinox is when the geometric centre of the sun is directly above Earth’s equator and this happens twice every year. With an observed equinox the length of day and night are almost the same and therefore can be easily determined by using a simple sundial. The Biblical evidence shows that simple solar and lunar observation is to be the method to be used in calculating the Hebrew Calendar dates and therefore it is considered that the "observable equinox" (when day and night are approximately the same length, using the appearance and disappearance of the solar disk) is a more appropriate measurement than the "astronomical equinox". This means the "observable" vernal equinox (northern hemisphere) will fall on 15/16 March, not 20/21 March.
Three: Each month is to begin with the sighting of the first crescent of the new moon (chodesh – with the root meaning of new thing) by the unaided eye (assuming normal vision). Modern astronomy has taken on the practise of calling the lunar conjunction the new moon, when it is darkest, but a dark moon cannot be seen (it is not observable) and therefore has not yet become something new. The new moon rises on the third night after it has died (become completely dark), so there is no real surprise when the annual Sabbath of 1 Tishri is to commence. Click here to see New Moon Calendar
Four: Each new year begins on the first sighting of the new moon (small crescent) after the vernal equinox (northern hemisphere). There are some who begin the new year with the new moon closest to the vernal equinox even though it may be before the equinox. However, it is not considered reasonable to have the first month of the year begin before winter of the previous year has ended. Accordingly, even if the new moon is only one day before the equinox, that entire month belongs to the previous year.
Five: Each Biblical day begins at evening, not at midnight (Gregorian Calendar) and accordingly when a Roman day is cited, the intent is that the Biblical day commences the evening before. For example, the Roman day of 10 January will commence (Biblically) at sunset (evening) on 9 January.
Six: Sunrise and sunset are when the top of the solar disk first appears above horizon to start the day and when the top of the solar disk disappears below the horizon to start the night. As official equinox times are calculated using the geometric centre of the solar disk as it passes over the equator, rather than using equal length of day and night, there is about 5 days difference between an official (astronomical) equinox and an observed equinox (approximate equal observed length of day and night).
Seven: Currently, some elements associated with festival observance in Jerusalem are done through convenience rather than correct observance of the Word of God and therefore festival observances are not always on the correct days. However, as all festivals shall be coordinated with Jerusalem during the Millennium consistency with correctly calculated Jerusalem time is essential for annual festival days (not weekly Sabbath times). If this were not done, then the nations would not consistently be able to go up to Jerusalem to observe the Feast of Tabernacles in the Millennium, as commanded by God. Zec 14:19 "...This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles..." [KJV]
Since God is consistent in all things it is reasonable to conclude that God expects His people to do their best to observe properly seasons and appointed times in this present day. Mal 3:6 "...For I am the LORD, I change not;..." [KJV]
References: Sunrise and sunset times were obtained from the World Clock at http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/ and the Astronomical Institute / Utrecht University via http://www.astro.uu.nl/~strous/AA/en/antwoorden/zonpositie.html Phases of the moon were obtained from the University of Texas McDonald Observatory via http://stardate.org/nightsky/moon/
Passover Question 2: Just one point I'd like a little clarification on. You state that as Christ was sinless he was therefore an immortal human being and couldn't die. But what about the DNA that he would have inherited from his mother surely this would have contained the penalty of sin and death as passed onto us all from Adam and Eve. He had to receive DNA from his mother otherwise he could not have been a descendant of the house of David.
Answer: The short answer to your question is twofold and is as follows:
Following is an excerpt from the article on Passover Observance, which provides much more detail:
A brief outline of the history of Jesus is recorded in the Books of John and Philippians: John 1:1-3: ”…In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made…” [KJV]. John 1:14 “…And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth…” [KJV]. Philippians 2:5-7 ”…For, let this mind be in you that [is] also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought [it] not robbery to be equal to God, but did EMPTY himself, the form of a servant having taken, in the likeness of men having been made,…” [YLT].
We can summarize further as follows:
Some of the other facts about Christ:
One of the most challenging questions to ponder about Jesus relates to the emptying of himself and what it was that was emptied. Part of the answer is found in what Christ asked the Father to return to him after his resurrection. Christ wanted his “GLORY” returned – that is all: “…And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was…” [John 17:5 – KJV].
The glory referred to here is the appearance of God and all that accompanies the office of one who is a member of the Godhead; glory has nothing to do with the POWER of a member of the Godhead. So, when Christ emptied himself he either only emptied himself of his glory or his total power. For the answer we need only consult the written Word of God: John 3:34 (referring to Christ): “…For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure…” [NKJV].
Here we have it; Christ emptied himself completely and was given back his full and infinite power by the Father. This Scripture shows that Christ already had his unlimited power returned, which is why he only sought for the return of his glory. No mention is made as to how long Jesus was without his power, but as he had his full power while he was a physical human being it is considered that his power was returned very quickly after he gave it up.
In this picture, the most significant point that may be missed is that Christ had the Holy Spirit WITHOUT measure. He did not have the full portion of the Holy Spirit or the complete measure of the Holy Spirit – Christ had the Holy Spirit "without measure"! What this means is that he had the infinite power of the Godhead within him while he was a human being! God’s Word leaves us in no doubt concerning this matter where, in Col 2:9, Christ’s deity and Godhead status is made plain – that Jesus was God in the flesh (both God and man): “…For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;…” [NKJV].
This being, Christ Jesus, had unlimited power, including the power of life and death and the power to command both Angels and demons. This power he exhibited on a number of occasions, including resurrecting himself. Christ mentioned several times that he would be resurrecting himself and one such account is given in John 10:18 (Christ speaking about his life): “…No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father…” [KJV].
Later, the apostles state that God raised Christ (Acts 4:10), but Christ said that he raised himself. There is no contradiction, because Christ operated under the chain of command system of government. Although Christ was the one who had the power to raise himself and indeed did so, he received the authority for this action from the Father. Accordingly, as the one authorising the action it is correct to say the Father raised Christ, but it is also equally correct to say that Christ raised himself as he was the one who actually performed the job. Likewise in creation, although the Word said, “Let US create man in our image,” It was the Word alone who performed the actual creating and we know this from John 1:3 which states, “…All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made…” [KJV].
Regarding the miracles performed by Jesus, we are told that God, the Father, did these miracles through Christ, Acts 2:22: “…Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know…” [NKJV].
However, there should be no mistake; just as it was Jesus who made all things, so too was Jesus doing these other miracles (including self-resurrection), but only such miracles as he was authorized to do by the Father.
Also, it was not possible for the grave to hold Jesus because even as a man, not only did he have the Holy Spirit without measure, he had life within himself as a self-existent being, just as God the Father has life in himself as a self-existent being and we are told this by Jesus himself, John 5:26: “…‘For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself,’…” [NKJV].
Add to this that Christ was without sin and therefore was an immortal human being! It was this physical immortality which was given up that we may be pardoned for our sins and later be granted the GIFT of eternal life as spirit beings. Regarding Christ’s human immortality, we know that the “…wages of sin is death…” (Rom 6:23) and since Christ committed no sin it was impossible for him to be killed or die naturally, unless he himself gave his life, which is exactly what happened. Only as one with the power of God, having the power of life and death, could he do such a thing. Even a sinless normal human could not have made this sacrifice, because he would not have had the power of life and death as does Christ.
The concept of an immortal Christ is new to many, but it is Scriptural.
Passover Question 1:
“I
would like to know who took of the Passover in the Old Testament? Was it men,
women, and children or was it just the men, the heads of each household.” Answer: The whole of Ancient Israel symbolized the whole of spiritual Israel (adults baptized with the Holy Spirit). The type was complete for all ages – for example the physical babes in ancient Israel typified the spiritual “babes in Christ” (those adults newly baptized into the faith). So, the answer to your question is, yes the whole family partook of the physical Passover, just as today the whole church (adults baptized with the Holy Spirit), spiritual Israel, partakes of the Passover emblems introduced by Christ. The matter is made clear in Ex 12:4, “…And if the household <01004> be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house <01004> take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb…” (KJV).
The
Hebrew word used for “household” and “house” is the same and means “family”. The
eating was “according to the number of souls”
(in each house), not just the head of the family, or males, or adults, but the
total number of souls (individuals).
Feast of Unleavened Bread Question 2: "What CAN we eat during Unleavened Bread"
Answer: It is a common question to ask, “What else do we eat during the feast of the unleavened bread and how many times and when do we eat unleavened bread” – it is a very logical question.
The answer is that we eat normally during the Feast except we avoid foods containing leavening agents such as yeast, baking soda or chemical raising agents – all of which are usually declared in the list of ingredients on the packaging. What is leaven – it is any food that can cause a puffing up of and by itself. Leaven is not just anything that increases in volume. For example, beaten egg white must have the air beaten into it, it cannot cause either itself or anything else to rise. Popcorn is not a leavening agent – it simply increases in volume when heat is applied. Water does the reverse – it increases in volume when frozen into ice, but neither ice nor water are leavening agents. Beer is not leavened because it experiences no increase in volume. For leaven to be leaven it must cause the rising effect by itself
When it is said “eat normally”, this assumes normal Biblically clean foods (click link to see list) such as beef, sheep, goat, various foul and fish that would normally have scales and fins prior to eating. Unclean foods only refer to meat, not vegetables.
During the Feast it is a command to partake of some unleavened bread each day – the amount is not important. The amount is not important, because it is symbolic of living God’s way for our entire lives (the seven days) – accordingly, so long as we eat some unleavened bread each day of the seven day festival we have symbolically lived God’s way for our entire lives. The command to partake of unleavened bread for the full seven days is given several times by God and can be seen in Ex 12:15, Ex 13:6, Ex 13:7 and Ex 34:18: Ex 12:15 “…‘Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven from your houses. For whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel.’…” [NKJV]. Ex 13:6 “…‘Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD.’…” [NKJV]. Ex 13:7 “…‘Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. And no leavened bread shall be seen among you, nor shall leaven be seen among you in all your quarters.’…” [NKJV]. Ex 34:18 “…‘The Feast of Unleavened Bread you shall keep. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, in the appointed time of the month of Abib; for in the month of Abib you came out from Egypt.’…” [NKJV].
There is no command to partake of wine during the Feast – this command is restricted for the Passover and usually the amount of wine taken for this service is less than a mouthful. Accordingly, during this festival, as with any other time, people are free to either imbibe moderately or abstain – whichever is their preference on the day.
Feast of Unleavened Bread Question 1: “Should the Feast of Unleavened Bread be kept for seven days as the Feast of Tabernacles?”
Answer: The short and simple answer to your question is, yes – the Feast of Unleavened Bread should be kept for the entire seven days, just as the Feast of Tabernacles is kept for seven days.
Bible Examples:
1. Hezekiah: Old Testament examples indicate very strongly that the Feast of Unleavened Bread should be kept for the entire seven days – the principal example is that of King Hezekiah, when he re-instituted observance of the whole law of God. This example is seen in 2Chron 30:21: “…The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great rejoicing, while the Levites and priests sang to the LORD every day, accompanied by the LORD's instruments of praise…” [NIV].
As a side-note here, it should be remembered that at this time the northern and southern kingdoms had split and formed the separate nations of Israel and Judah, respectively. This is why it said in the above verse, “The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem”, indicating that the rest of Israel did not keep the Feast. However, we are told in verse 25 that the entire assembly of Judah took part in this Feast.
At the end of this Feast, the Levites prayed to God to bless the people and in verse 27 we are told that He heard the prayer. The prayer was associated with the Feast and the people were blessed for their rededication to God. Whenever God has said that He heard someone’s prayer, it has always followed that He responded favourably to that prayer.
Ezekiel 45:21-25 “…21. In the first (month), on the fourteenth day of the month, ye shall keep the Passover, a feast of a full week; unleavened shall be eaten. 22. And the prince shall prepare on that day for himself and for all the people of the land a bullock as a sin-offering. 23. And for the seven days of the feast he shall prepare as a burnt-offering for Jehovah seven bullocks and seven rams without blemish daily, the seven days, and as a sin-offering a he-goat daily. 24. And as a meat-offering, he shall prepare an ephah for the bullock, and an ephah for the ram, and a hin of oil for the ephah. 25. In the seventh (month), on the fifteenth day of the month, at the feast he shall do the same for seven days with regard to the sin-offering, as also the burnt-offering, and the meat-offering, as also the oil…” [Keil and Delitzsch Commentary].
This direct command from God leaves little room for comment, except for the following:
Additional Reasoning:
The reasoning behind the view for seven-day observance is just as clear as the examples of observance given above. Apart from God’s command to keep the Feast for seven days, the Feast of Unleavened Bread pictures the “day of judgement” (time of assessment) for the saints just as the Feast of Tabernacles pictures the “day of judgement” (time of assessment) for the rest of humanity after the second resurrection. Both festivals picture the entire time that a person has ceased living Satan’s way of life and taken up God’s way of life. It celebrates living life under the direct rule of God and therefore should be time we take off from the normal activity of earning a living, to reflect and celebrate both that God has revealed His way to us and that His way leads to eternal life in His family.
Oxford Dictionary definition of “holy”: Briefly, it is anything that belongs to or has been consecrated (set aside for a specific purpose) by God. Accordingly, while five days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread are not Sabbaths they are in fact holy days, because they have been set apart for a specific purpose by God. All such time or days belong to God for the purpose He has designated and therefore indicates that we should use such time for His purpose. With the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the eating of unleavened bread is symbolic of living God’s way of life and it is therefore reasonable that we should use this festival time to live and study that way. Also, a vacation at this time would be proper, as this festival symbolizes that period of our lives when we have freedom from the slavery of living under Satan’s direct rule.
The intent of observance for seven days: Apart from the actual Biblical examples that the festival be observed for seven whole days, this is also seen from the purpose which is symbolized by these seven days. The Feast of Unleavened Bread pictures our entire lives as Christians, not just the start and the finish. After repentance, baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit we cannot then go back into the world and start living Satan’s way of life again, with the wishful thinking that a death-bed repentance will be acceptable to God. Yet, this is what people are unwittingly doing when they only observe the Sabbaths on the first and seventh days of the festival and not the five days in between. This is supposed to be a festival, a feast – not just a period of seven days where we eat unleavened products.
This is the “Feast” of Unleavened Bread: It is difficult to imagine God calling something a feast when the only difference in our behaviour is that we just eat unleavened products for a week and five days of that week we still go about our normal business. Anciently, the rulers in Israel were commanded to make a burnt offering of seven bulls and seven rams on each day of the feast. Typically, these offerings were eaten by the priests and those making the offering. It is inconceivable that God would require the rulers and the priests to observe the feast for seven days and not require the people to do likewise – God has one law for all. As rulers in the nation, they were also setting an example for the people to follow and in both 2Chron 30:21 and Ezek 45:23 this example was continued for the full, unbroken, seven days of the feast. Rendering Ezek 45:22 in the correct manner (shown above) a “two-level observance system” is even more inconceivable, seeing that all the leaders and priests, throughout the whole land, were having a real feast and supposedly leaving the people of Israel out of the celebrations.
Attending services for the full seven days is not required: Only the first and seventh days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread are commanded Holy convocations, not the entire seven days. With the Feast of Tabernacles the requirement is even less – there is only one Holy convocation, the first day, on which services must be held. The eighth day is a separate day known as the Last Great Day and is not part of the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23:34, 39). Attending services for the full seven days of either festival was an invention of the previous administration and has no Biblical support. However, the entire seven days of each festival is Holy Time (time set aside for a divine purpose by God) and therefore all seven days are Holy Days – time to be used for the worship of and sacrifice to God, not carrying on our normal labours. The prime Biblical example for this practice is the original Feast of Unleavened Bread where God required release of His people by Pharaoh so they could go and sacrifice and worship Him, free from their normal labours. An entire nation, Egypt, was destroyed by the plagues of God so His people would be free to worship Him (starting with the seven days of unleavened bread – days on which sacrifices are to be made every day) and it is most unlikely that God has changed His mind on the subject (Mal 3:6, "...For I am the LORD, I change not;...").
Conclusion: Regarding duties, in Ezek 45:25 each ruler in the administrative system, was commanded to do the same for the Feast of Tabernacles, also indicating that there was to be a continual, full and unbroken seven days of festival observance. Please note here that the model is the Feast of Unleavened Bread, not the Feast of Tabernacles. All the Biblical examples and reasoning point to celebrating a festival for a full seven days, the same as the Feast of Tabernacles. Historically, it seems the church administration has chosen to disregard these examples and reasoning, because God has not made a direct statement about such observance by the people. However, in view of the Biblical evidence, all of God’s people are encouraged to follow both God’s direct commands and the examples He has given.
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