THE FALL FEASTS OF THE LORD

In Leviticus Chapter Twenty-three, the Lord instructs Moses to set aside seven "feasts of the Lord."  The first three, Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits, were held in the Spring of the year; in Israel's first month of their calendar:  Nisan.  As born again believers know, these three feasts were "pictures" or types for the events which took place during Christ's First Advent.  In His death, Jesus is identified as "our Passover" in 1 Corinthians 5:7.  The fact that He revealed Himself as the sinless "Bread of Life" (Jn. 6:35; Heb. 4:15 - leaven is always a picture of sin in the Bible), we see this feast as representing His burial.  And finally, the Word specifically states that Jesus was the "firstfruits" from the grave (1 Cor. 15:20, 23).  These three concluded Christ's First Coming.

There are also three Fall "feasts of the Lord," which, if the pattern continues, will be typical of Christ's Second Advent, and I believe they are associated with His Second Coming.  However, because the Feasts of Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles, have yet to occur, it is not so clear as to their meaning.  Many "know" what they represent, but I do not; I would prefer to look at "clues" about them, and say, "I believe these feasts represent the following:  the first two set the stage for His Second Coming; the last occurs after He has returned.

"Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of Trumpets, an holy convocation" (Lev. 23:24).  Because the word "trumpets" is plural, I believe it is possible that two trumpets are pictured:  one to signal the Rapture of the Church (1 Th. 4:16-17), and the other, as the sound for Israel to gather as one; to assemble in the land (Lev. 23:24, 36).  This regathering will probably set the stage for the Antichrist to make a seven-year peace pact with them (Dan. 9:27).

"Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a Day of Atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD" (Lev. 23:27).  Half way through the seven-year peace agreement with the Antichrist (Tribulation), he is used of the Lord to humble Israel, in what the Word calls the Day of God's Wrath (Ezek. 7:18; Zeph. 1:18; Jn. 3:36; Rom. 2:5; Col. 3:6; 1 Th. 1:10; 5:9; etc.).

"Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD.  On the first day shall be an holy convocation..." (Lev. 23:34-35).  "Tabernacle," as it is used here, means "the place where God dwells," and it refers to the literal Second Coming of the Lord.  Jesus will make His abode with His people during the Millennium, just as God dwelt in the Tabernacle of Israel (Ex. 29:43; 40:34; Num. 20:6; Acts 15:16; 2 Cor. 6:16; Rev. 20:1-9; 21:3; etc.)!

Two gatherings, the Day of Atonement, and a Millennium with Christ!

I don't know about you, but I cannot wait!  Come, Lord Jesus!