THE MYSTERY OF PENTECOST

According to the Law, there are seven "Jewish Feasts," or "Feasts of the Lord" (Lev. 23:1-44).  The first three (Lev. 23:5-14 - Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits), were pictures of Christ "being the Gospel!"  According to the Apostle Paul, the definition of the Gospel involves Christ's Crucifixion, Christ's Burial, and Christ's Resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-4).  And the Word of God says that Jesus is "our Passover Lamb" (Jn. 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:7), He is "Unleavened Bread" (Jn. 6:35; 1 Cor. 5:7), and the He is the "Firstfruits from the dead" (Jn. 11:25; 1 Cor. 15:20).  All three were fulfilled literally!

The last three "Feasts of the Lord,"(Lev. 23:23-44 - Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles), are believed to be pictures of Christ gathering His people into the promised land for the seven-year Tribulation (Dan. 9:24-27), half way through the seven years, He opens their eyes, making them aware that He had already atoned for their sins (Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:15; Rom. 11:25; Rev. 12:6; etc.), followed by His return to "tabernacle" with His people in His Millennial Kingdom (Rev. 20:1-15).  Since the events, these three "Feasts of the Lord" picture, have not happened yet, we cannot be dogmatic about their interpretation; however, we can be dogmatic about the fact that they will be fulfilled literally, as were the first three!

The middle "Feast of the Lord," Pentecost (Lev. 23:15-22), is unique in so many ways.  For one, it occurs between the first and second groups of three, and it has nothing to do with either of Christ's two Advents.  The Church began after Christ's Ascension (Acts 2:1), and it will end prior to Christ's Second Coming (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Th. 4:13-18; etc.).  The first three occur in the first month of the Jewish Calendar (Nisan), and the last three occur in the seventh month (Tishri).  Pentecost, on the other hand, occurs fifty days following the "Feast of First Fruits," in the third month (Sivan).

The meaning of Pentecost has always been a mystery; it deals with the Church, itself a mystery, in that it is not mentioned in the Old Testament (Eph. 5:32).  In addition, it is the only "Feast of the Lord" that requires leaven in two loaves of bread (Lev. 23:17)!  This "Feast" represents the Church, which is composed of Messianic Jews and Christian Gentiles, both of whom continue to sin (leaven always represents sin in the Bible). 

Here's a thought:  is it possible that since the Church began on Pentecost, that the Rapture could occur on a Pentecost?  I am not saying it will, but it certainly could!