Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
Should Christians Observe the OT Feast Days?

Should Christians Observe the OT Feast Days?

It is the holiday season and I just received this email about Bible holy-days (holidays):

I recently watched the “God and your brain” seminar DVD. It was very informative and I want to thank you for putting together such insightful information. During the seminar the topic of God’s Law came up, and I’m wondering if you could clarify your thoughts on whether Christians should observe the 7th day Sabbath, and the Feasts (Passover, ULB, shavuot, tabernacles, etc.). Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts.


Thank you for your question.

I separate the Sabbath, which began in Eden, from the Feast Days, which began 2,500 years later at Sinai.

My understanding of the instructions to Israel, regarding their annual festivals and sanctuary service, is that it was a grand play, a theater, a drama, with costumes, stage, props, and a script (Torah); all designed of God to enact the greater reality of the plan of salvation. The annual feast days were basically a yearly progression from the entrance of sin into the world, through the history of God’s work to heal and save and the ultimate elimination of sin and the restoration of the universe into unity with God again.

Here is a brief overview of their symbolic meaning:

Passover:

As soon as man fell into sin God passed over their sins. Romans 3:25 He left the sins committed before hand unpunished. This feast had ultimate fulfillment in Christ—the Passover Lamb. Thus the time from Adam’s sin until Christ’s death on the Cross is all represented in the Passover Feast.

Unleavened Bread:

This feast began immediately with the Passover, and symbolizes that God immediately began dispensing truth unmixed with error to nurture and feed his children. The lamb slain and the bread without yeast both represent Christ, the source of truth and healing for sinful man.

The Passover meal was eaten before the actual death angel came, which symbolizes that God had predetermined to “Passover” our transgression and provide a Remedy to our condition. Jesus is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Rev 13:8). Jesus was also the member of the Godhead through which creation occurred (Col 1:16) and Jesus has always been the source of the truth about God and this truth was being revealed to Adam and Eve before they fell into sin, as well as afterward.

Thus the Feast of Unleavened bread symbolized the internalization of the truth about God as provided by Christ.

The wave sheaf, which was part of this ceremony, was also symbolic of Christ—the first fruits raised from the dead. Just as the wheat is buried in the ground and dies and comes forth in newness of life, so too Christ was buried in the ground and came forth in newness of life!

Feast of Weeks (Pentecost):

The truth spreads and takes root in many hearts and a harvest is experienced. This was fulfilled during Pentecost 2000 years ago, when the Holy Spirit fell upon those believers of the early church, and the truth about God spread throughout the known world.

Trumpets:

A special message for the end of time which is to awaken the world (symbolized by the 10 virgins in Christ’s parable) from their slumber and announce the soon return of Jesus the bridegroom. Prepare! Get Ready! Christ is coming back soon! This message began with the Great Awakening in the 19th Century.

Atonement:

At-one-ment, it is the time just before the second coming of Christ where the truth about God results in believers being reconciled in heart, mind, motive, method with God, such that they are like Him in character for “we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1Jn 3:2).

Tabernacles:

This is symbolic of the second coming of Jesus when the saints tabernacle with God for all eternity.

Thus the Feasts are only symbols, lessons, rituals; they have no power to heal and save and are not necessary for us to practice today. But, as any other ritual or object lesson, there is no evil or sin in practicing them for the purpose for which they were originated—to help us understand the larger reality. We must be careful though, that if one chooses to practice these rituals that they don’t allow the symbols, the object lessons, the shadows of things to come to obscure the reality to which they point.

Regarding the weekly Sabbath—it has a much larger purpose and was made for man not man for the Sabbath—Jesus words referring to the human race not just the Jews. (Mk 2:27) But for what purpose was the Sabbath created? I discuss this in the second lecture of God and Your Church seminar. << Click the link to watch.

 

Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 68

Your message of design law vs imperial law is so uplifting and makes so much sense- it is a game changer for me. The fact that Jesus’s death is not a big payment by an angry God is , quite frankly, a relief.

Laura G., London, Ontario, Canada

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 13

I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, USA

 

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 38

Since November 2015, when I started studying Gods word from this God Is Love point of view, my life has been transformed. My troubled marriage of 15 years has been healed and my husband and I are truly happy for the first time in 15 years. Now When I read the word of God I understand it so much better and I can’t help but see Gods love radiating through the pages to humanity. Gods word is living and active and I am blessed beyond measure to be having this amazing experience. God has given me a beautiful understanding of Jn 3:16 that amazes me more and more each day. Thank you again for your ministry.

Helen D., London, England

 

Testimony 4

I’m a youth leader in South Africa. We as a youth group are currently using a lot of the material on the Come and Reason site. Since we’ve started using the material, our youth group has grown.

R. V. N., South Africa

 

Testimony 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA

 

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA

 

Testimony 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA