The United Church of God (UCG) has just published a new booklet titled God’s Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind downloadable from their website. As an attempt to entice the reader to read this booklet they offer some challenges on their web site. The following is another glaring example of why they have no business teaching others about Christianity. While they try to prove that the Old Testament Festivals commanded for ancient Israel found in Leviticus 23 are relevant to New Testament Christians they as usual set up an erroneous premise that undermines their entire thesis.
Review their challenge below that appears on their Website and see if you can find the errors. (Text in blue is taken from the UCG website and booklet)
3) I Corinthians 16:8, (vs.5-8 for context)
5 After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you —for I will be going through Macedonia. 6 Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
Paul gives no indication that he was going to Jerusalem to observe the Feast of Pentecost, just another time marker of a former Pharisee who now teaches against Judaism. Again, where is Paul saying, "Let us all go up to Jerusalem to keep Pentecost as God commands?" Again false premise and an erroneous Biblical reference as proof.
4) I Thessalonians 4:16-17; (vs 13-18 for context)
I need very little comment here since this passage is again erroneous proof text style and self evident. This is Paul talking about a future resurrection and clearly not an indication of the Church observing one of the seven feasts of Leviticus 23 known as the Feast of Trumpets.
It is a fact that the New Covenant was not like the Old Covenant that God made with the Israelites at Mt. Sinai in Exodus 20. The Prophet Jeremiah wrote in chapter 31 of the Old Testament book that bears his name: (vs 31-34 given for context)
Review their challenge below that appears on their Website and see if you can find the errors. (Text in blue is taken from the UCG website and booklet)
God's Festivals in the New Testament
The New Testament records Jesus Christ, the Apostles and the Church keeping the Holy Days.
1. Passover
Commanded in Old Testament:
Leviticus 23:5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD's passover.
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Observed by Jesus Christ, the apostles or the Church in the New Testament:
Matthew 26:2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
See All..., 17-19 Mark 14:12-16 [12] And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?
[13] And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.
[14] And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
[15] And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.
[16] And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
See All... Luke 2:41-42 [41] Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
[42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
See All...; 22:1, 7-20 John 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
See All..., 23; 6:4; 13:1-30 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 [23] For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
[24] And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
[25] After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
[26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
[27] Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
[28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
[29] For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
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Matthew 26:2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
See All..., 17-19 Mark 14:12-16 [12] And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?
[13] And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.
[14] And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
[15] And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.
[16] And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
See All... Luke 2:41-42 [41] Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
[42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
See All...; 22:1, 7-20 John 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
See All..., 23; 6:4; 13:1-30 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 [23] For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
[24] And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
[25] After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
[26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
[27] Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
[28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
[29] For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
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2. Feast of Unleavened Bread
Commanded in Old Testament:
Leviticus 23:6-8 [6] And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.
[7] In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.
[8] But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.
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[7] In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.
[8] But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.
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Observed by Jesus Christ, the apostles or the Church in the New Testament:
Matthew 26:17 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
See All... Mark 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?
See All... Luke 2:41-42 [41] Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
[42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
See All..., 22:1,7 Acts 20:6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
See All... 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 [6]leaveneth the whole lump?
[7] Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
[8] Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
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See All... Mark 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?
See All... Luke 2:41-42 [41] Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
[42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
See All..., 22:1,7 Acts 20:6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
See All... 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 [6]leaveneth the whole lump?
[7] Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
[8] Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
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3. Feast of Pentecost
Commanded in Old Testament:
Leviticus 23:15-22 [15] And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete:
[16] Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.
[17] Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.
[18] And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the LORD.
[19] Then ye shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering, and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings.
[20] And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits for a wave offering before the LORD, with the two lambs: they shall be holy to the LORD for the priest.
[21] And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.
[22] And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God.
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[16] Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.
[17] Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.
[18] And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the LORD.
[19] Then ye shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering, and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings.
[20] And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits for a wave offering before the LORD, with the two lambs: they shall be holy to the LORD for the priest.
[21] And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.
[22] And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God.
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Observed by Jesus Christ, the apostles or the Church in the New Testament:
Acts 2:1-21 [1] And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
[2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
[3] And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
[4] And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
[5] And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
[6] Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
[7] And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
[8] And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
[9] Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
[10] Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
[11] Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
[12] And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
[13] Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
[14] But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
[15] For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
[16] But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
[17] And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
[18] And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
[19] And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
[20] The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the LORD come:
[21] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
See All...; 20:16 1 Corinthians 16:8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
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[2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
[3] And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
[4] And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
[5] And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
[6] Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
[7] And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
[8] And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
[9] Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
[10] Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
[11] Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
[12] And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
[13] Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
[14] But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
[15] For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
[16] But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
[17] And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
[18] And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
[19] And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
[20] The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the LORD come:
[21] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
See All...; 20:16 1 Corinthians 16:8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
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4. Feast of Trumpets*
Commanded in Old Testament:
Leviticus 23:23-25 [23] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[24] 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.
[25] Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
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[24] 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.
[25] Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
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Observed by Jesus Christ, the apostles or the Church in the New Testament:
Matthew 24:30-31 [30] And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
[31] And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
See All... 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
See All... Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
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[31] And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
See All... 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
See All... Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
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5. Day of Atonement
Commanded in Old Testament:
Leviticus 23:26-32 [26] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[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.
[28] And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.
[29] For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.
[30] And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.
[31] Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
[32] It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.
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[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.
[28] And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.
[29] For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.
[30] And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.
[31] Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
[32] It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.
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Observed by Jesus Christ, the apostles or the Church in the New Testament:
Acts 27:9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
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6. Feast of Tabernacles
Commanded in Old Testament:
Leviticus 23:33-43 [33] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[34] 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.
[35] On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.
[36] Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.
[37] These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day:
[38] Beside the sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the LORD.
[39] Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.
[40] And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.
[41] And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month.
[42] Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths:
[43] That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
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[34] 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.
[35] On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.
[36] Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.
[37] These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day:
[38] Beside the sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the LORD.
[39] Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the LORD seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath.
[40] And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.
[41] And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month.
[42] Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths:
[43] That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
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Observed by Jesus Christ, the apostles or the Church in the New Testament:
John 7:1-2 [1] After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
[2] Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.
See All..., 8, 10, 14
[2] Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.
See All..., 8, 10, 14
7. The Eighth Day (sometimes called the Last Great Day)
Commanded in Old Testament:
Leviticus 23:36 Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.
See All...
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Observed by Jesus Christ, the apostles or the Church in the New Testament:
John chapters 7-9
John chapters 7-9
*Although the Feast of Trumpets is not mentioned by name in the New Testament, the theme of the day—the sounding of trumpets announcing Jesus Christ's return—is mentioned by several New Testament authors as noted in the references.
If you have not figured it out yet here is your first clue: What is the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament? See it yet?
Your second clue: Is the New Testament synonymous with New Covenant? Apparently the UCG writer believes it is and there is the answer.
The New Testament and the New Covenant are NOT synonymous. The premise the UCG uses is wrong.
The flawed premise they use in attempting to prove that the seven feast days commanded in Leviticus 23 for ancient Israel apply today is that Jesus and the Apostles kept them in the New Testament so they are also required to be observed by New Covenant Christians. And then they refer to proofs found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These books record the life and times of Jesus and his death and resurrection. The very end of Luke records a 40 day period in the life of the resurrected Christ before his ascension and before the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit was sent to the believers as promised.
The New Testament Gospels recorded a time period fully under the Old Covenant and a time period where every thing that Jesus did was in strict adherence to the Torah. The only exception are the few verses that record the days after Jesus' resurrection before he ascended to heaven to His Father's right hand and became our Spiritual High Priest. (Luke 24)
The New Covenant did not begin until the Holy Spirit was sent to the believers and the Church of Christ officially began. The symbols of the New Covenant (Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 22:20, John 6:56) were established at the last supper of Jesus with His disciples just prior to His betrayal by Judas, Trial, Scourging and Crucifixion.The UCG writer fails to point this all important fact out to his readers. Herbert Armstrong likewise failed to grasp this obvious fact as well that led him to deceive many who followed him into this error that as Paul warns cuts one off from Christ and causes them to fall from grace.
The writer uses several verses that are not from the gospels but from Acts 20:16, I Corinthians 11:23-29, I Corinthians 16:8, and Thessalonians 4:16-17. Let's examine these four passages:
1) Acts 20:16, Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. Not at all proof that the New Testament church was observing the feasts under the New Covenant. There is absolutely NO indication that Paul was teaching the observance of Pentecost, only as a marker of time. What is missing is Paul "commanding" all of the believers he is speaking to in this chapter to come with him to keep the feast in Jerusalem. There were many Jews among the Gentiles in Asia that would have gone, but there is no indication of this. Paul most likely knew that many Jews that he could draw to Christ would be gathered there or some other reason.
2) 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 is the second of four which is a passage that refers to a historical event that occurred and was recorded in the Gospels.
Read the context:
The event is a historical event from the life and times of Jesus recorded in the Gospels under the Old Covenant and a past event. Again no indication that the New Covenant Church of Christ was keeping this Old Covenant feast. Paul even states in verse 20 it is NOT the passover (or Feats of Unleavened Bread as it was known in Jerusalem) they were keeping;
20 "So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat," (NIV) They were just having a church social and some were going hungry while the wealthier members dined sumptuously apparently not sharing with those having no or little food.
Your second clue: Is the New Testament synonymous with New Covenant? Apparently the UCG writer believes it is and there is the answer.
The New Testament and the New Covenant are NOT synonymous. The premise the UCG uses is wrong.
The flawed premise they use in attempting to prove that the seven feast days commanded in Leviticus 23 for ancient Israel apply today is that Jesus and the Apostles kept them in the New Testament so they are also required to be observed by New Covenant Christians. And then they refer to proofs found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These books record the life and times of Jesus and his death and resurrection. The very end of Luke records a 40 day period in the life of the resurrected Christ before his ascension and before the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit was sent to the believers as promised.
The New Testament Gospels recorded a time period fully under the Old Covenant and a time period where every thing that Jesus did was in strict adherence to the Torah. The only exception are the few verses that record the days after Jesus' resurrection before he ascended to heaven to His Father's right hand and became our Spiritual High Priest. (Luke 24)
The New Covenant did not begin until the Holy Spirit was sent to the believers and the Church of Christ officially began. The symbols of the New Covenant (Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 22:20, John 6:56) were established at the last supper of Jesus with His disciples just prior to His betrayal by Judas, Trial, Scourging and Crucifixion.The UCG writer fails to point this all important fact out to his readers. Herbert Armstrong likewise failed to grasp this obvious fact as well that led him to deceive many who followed him into this error that as Paul warns cuts one off from Christ and causes them to fall from grace.
The writer uses several verses that are not from the gospels but from Acts 20:16, I Corinthians 11:23-29, I Corinthians 16:8, and Thessalonians 4:16-17. Let's examine these four passages:
1) Acts 20:16, Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. Not at all proof that the New Testament church was observing the feasts under the New Covenant. There is absolutely NO indication that Paul was teaching the observance of Pentecost, only as a marker of time. What is missing is Paul "commanding" all of the believers he is speaking to in this chapter to come with him to keep the feast in Jerusalem. There were many Jews among the Gentiles in Asia that would have gone, but there is no indication of this. Paul most likely knew that many Jews that he could draw to Christ would be gathered there or some other reason.
2) 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 is the second of four which is a passage that refers to a historical event that occurred and was recorded in the Gospels.
Read the context:
23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. The event is a historical event from the life and times of Jesus recorded in the Gospels under the Old Covenant and a past event. Again no indication that the New Covenant Church of Christ was keeping this Old Covenant feast. Paul even states in verse 20 it is NOT the passover (or Feats of Unleavened Bread as it was known in Jerusalem) they were keeping;
20 "So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat," (NIV) They were just having a church social and some were going hungry while the wealthier members dined sumptuously apparently not sharing with those having no or little food.
Again wrong premise and irrelevant passage taken out of context used as proof.
3) I Corinthians 16:8, (vs.5-8 for context)
Paul gives no indication that he was going to Jerusalem to observe the Feast of Pentecost, just another time marker of a former Pharisee who now teaches against Judaism. Again, where is Paul saying, "Let us all go up to Jerusalem to keep Pentecost as God commands?" Again false premise and an erroneous Biblical reference as proof.
4) I Thessalonians 4:16-17; (vs 13-18 for context)
Believers Who Have Died
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.I need very little comment here since this passage is again erroneous proof text style and self evident. This is Paul talking about a future resurrection and clearly not an indication of the Church observing one of the seven feasts of Leviticus 23 known as the Feast of Trumpets.
It is a fact that the New Covenant was not like the Old Covenant that God made with the Israelites at Mt. Sinai in Exodus 20. The Prophet Jeremiah wrote in chapter 31 of the Old Testament book that bears his name: (vs 31-34 given for context)
31 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord,
“when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
and with the people of Judah.
32 It will not be like the covenant
I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
though I was a husband to[d] them,[e]”
declares the Lord.
33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
after that time,” declares the Lord.
“I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
34 No longer will they teach their neighbor,
or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares the Lord.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.”
“when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
and with the people of Judah.
32 It will not be like the covenant
I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
though I was a husband to[d] them,[e]”
declares the Lord.
33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
after that time,” declares the Lord.
“I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
34 No longer will they teach their neighbor,
or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares the Lord.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.”
The New Covenant completely replaced the Old Covenant and made the Old obsolete and it has vanished away as the writer of Hebrews states in Hebrews 8:13,
13 "In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away."
The writer of Hebrews quotes the passage from Jeremiah in this chapter as proof of the New Covenant.
To conclude. We see that the premise that the UCG writer employs leads to the flawed conclusion that the feast days of Leviticus 23 that were part of the Old Covenant are required and were part of the New Covenant, just because Jesus and His Apostles kept them in the New Testament - the part found in the four gospels and four historical references to the life and times of Jesus Christ living under the Old Covenant and fulfilling all of the Law and the Prophets. The Law and the Prophets were all prophetic - about the coming of the Lord and the culmination of the TRUE PLAN of salvation through Grace and Faith.
In Christ's own words; "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."John 14:6.
To conclude. We see that the premise that the UCG writer employs leads to the flawed conclusion that the feast days of Leviticus 23 that were part of the Old Covenant are required and were part of the New Covenant, just because Jesus and His Apostles kept them in the New Testament - the part found in the four gospels and four historical references to the life and times of Jesus Christ living under the Old Covenant and fulfilling all of the Law and the Prophets. The Law and the Prophets were all prophetic - about the coming of the Lord and the culmination of the TRUE PLAN of salvation through Grace and Faith.
In Christ's own words; "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."John 14:6.
The true hope for mankind is found ONLY in Jesus Christ and by faith in Him, not in obsolete feasts of a broken and obsolete covenant.
thanks for the nice post.
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