The Holy Days: Feast Of Tabernacles
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 1: Introduction God gave the Biblical festivals to teach the Jewish people about His character and to help us understand His plan of salvation. But we, as Christians who have now been “grafted in” to the olive tree (Romans 11), also share in this gift of knowledge of God’s plan of salvation. We must study and keep these Holy Days according to Jesus Christ who is their fulfillment. According to the Biblical calendar, the Feast of Tabernacles begins on the fifteenth day of the seventh month (Tishri) of the Jewish calendar. This feast is also known as The Festival of Tabernacles, the Feast of Ingathering or Festival of Ingathering, the Feast of Booths or Festival of Booths, Succoth or Sukkot.
As booths are temporary dwellings, so also is our physical life transitory.
The name of the Feast of Tabernacles derives from God’s command to ancient Israel to build temporary “tabernacles”, sometimes called “booths”, to live in during the festival. The Bible emphasizes that, as with booths or temporary dwellings, our physical life is transitory. The apostle Paul’s writings reflect this theme: For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from Heaven. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:1-2
The Spring and Fall Holy Days represent the First and Second Coming of Christ.
The Feast of Tabernacles was also known as the Feast of Ingathering because it occurs at the time of the major harvest of crops. (The spring harvest of the crops was smaller than the autumn harvest, just as the “spring” harvest of salvation will be smaller than the “autumn” harvest). The “spring” harvest represents the Spring Holy Days or First Coming of Christ, and the “autumn” harvest represents the Fall Holy Days or Second Coming of Christ. In much the same way, this is also represented in the “early and latter rains”. Come and let us return unto the Lord, for He hath torn, and He will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up. After two days will He revive us. In the thrid day, He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord. His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. ~ Hosea 6:1-3 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God, for He hath given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. ~ Joel 2:23 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receiveth early and latter rain. ~ James 5:7* *James was also speaking of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit after Jesus’ First Coming (Acts 2), and God pouring out His Spirit in the Last Days (Joel 2). 58
The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 1: Introduction
cont.
God’s instruction for mankind involves the restoration process, which is symbolically concluded on the Feast of Tabernacles.
The Holy Days, as a whole, symbolize the restoration process, which started with Passover when Christ died for us and restored us to life, and will be concluded with the Feast of Tabernacles, where the earth and its inhabitants are restored to their original glory as it was in the Garden, once again being at peace and harmony with God for one thousand years (the millennial kingdom), just as Jesus has promised us, saying, “I am the Restoration of all things.” In his first inspired sermon after receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, the apostle Peter summed up God’s instruction for mankind: Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 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. ~ Acts 3:19-21 The Feast of Tabernacles represents the glorious restoration process, which will take place during the millennium, where Christ will reign and dwell with His people. We observe these Feast Days with great rejoicing, because of this wonderful promise God has made to His people: That one day the “the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. ~ Revelation 21:3
Part 2: Old Testament Observance of the Feast of Tabernacles The Feast of Tabernacles commemorated many things for the Israelites.
The Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated for seven days, from the fifteenth through the twenty-first day of the seventh month, and an eighth day known as the Last Great Day. The Last Great Day is a separate feast day but still connected to the Feast of Tabernacles. The first and eighth days of the Feast were days of rest and sacred assemblies. Everyday work was not to be performed on these two feast days. A special offering was to be presented to God. This festival commemorates several important things. It is a feast that gives thanks to God for the fall harvest. It is a celebration of God’s care over the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness for forty years, and it is a reminder that just as the booths were temporary dwelling places for the Israelites, our fleshly existence here on earth is of a temporary nature.
The Feast of Tabernacles reminded Israel of their release of slavery from Egypt.
During the Feast of Tabernacles, the Israelites left their houses and built temporary dwelling places (Hebrew succah, meaning “hut of woven boughs”) to live in while rejoicing before God. These reminded them of their release from slavery and their dwelling booths when God brought them out of Egypt. 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. ~ Leviticus 23:34 59
The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 2: Old Testament Observance of the Feast of Tabernacles
cont.
The Feast of Tabernacles emphasizes rest, peace and joy.
In contrast to the hardship of slavery, this festival emphasizes rest, peace and prosperity as it meets the needs of all people, including strangers, widows and the poor. The Feast of Tabernacles is also known as the Feast of Ingathering. This name signified the completion of Israel’s annual harvest. And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the fields, and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field” ~ Exodus 23:16.
God gave the Israelites specific instructions regarding the Feast week.
This included dwelling in booths made of tree boughs, not working on the first and eighth day, and several ceremonial rituals. The Scriptures actually speak of the Feast of Tabernacles as being seven days, but it also speaks of an eighth day (The Last Great Day) on which a holy convocation is to be held, with sacrifices made and no traditional work done on that day (Leviticus 34-36). We also know, by the verse below, that this Feast will be observed forever. 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. 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. And ye shall keep it a feast unto the Lord seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations. Ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month. Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths. That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the Lord your God. ~ Leviticus 23: 41-43 The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles
The Feast was a time of great rejoicing for the people of Israel, a time to celebrate the great abundance God had given. And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you. ~ Deuteronomy 12:12. But thou must eat them before the Lord thy God in the place which the Lord thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates. And thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto. ~ Deuteronomy 12:18 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth. And thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou and thine household. ~ Deuteronomy 14:26. 60
The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 3: Observance of the Feast of Tabernacles in the New Testament Jesus Christ observed and taught on the Feast of Tabernacles.
Jesus celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. On several occasions during the Feast, He taught in Solomon’s Porch and elsewhere in the temple courts. These teachings were the formal announcement of the divinity of Jesus to the Jewish people and to the whole world. Many people marveled at Jesus’ teachings, proclaiming He is “the prophet” and “the Messiah”. After these things Jesus walked in Galilee, for He would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill Him. Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. His brethren therefore said unto Him, “Depart hence, and go into Judea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth anything in secret, and He Himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.” For neither did His brethren believe in Him. Then Jesus said unto them, “My time is not yet come, but your time is always ready. The world can not hate you, but Me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. Go ye up unto this feast. I go not up yet unto this feast, for My time is not yet full come.” When He had said these words unto them, He abode still in Galilee. But when His brethren were gone up, then went He also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. ~ John 7:1-10 Now about the midst of the Feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. ~ John 7:14 In the last day, great of the Feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” ~ John 7:37 But bade them farewell, saying, “I must by all means keep this Feast that cometh in Jerusalem. But I will return again unto you, if God will.” And he sailed from Ephesus. ~ Acts 18:21
Part 4: Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the ceremonial symbols of the Feast of Tabernacles The Gospels record that our Lord Jesus not only celebrated the festival, but He took traditional elements of the celebration and applied them to His own life and mission. We find this particularly in John 7 where Jesus uses two traditional symbols from the Feast of Tabernacles celebration, water and light, to help the people understand who He is and what He offers. He also uses the symbols of freedom and booths to give us a greater understanding of God’s plan of salvation for mankind through Jesus Christ.
The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 4: Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the ceremonial symbols of the Feast of Tabernacles cont. Jesus is the Living Water.
Our spiritual thirst can not be quenched with anything less than Christ. On the last day and greatest day of the Feast of Tabernacles (the day the rabbis poured the water - part of the oral tradition of the rabbis), Jesus stood and proclaimed Himself the very “fountain of living water”. “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst, but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” [Jesus speaking] ~ John 4:14 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, “ If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” ~ John 7:37-38
Jesus is the Light of the world.
The light (Lev. 24:2) from the Feast of Tabernacles lamps illuminated the whole city. At the end of the first day of the Feast, the temple was gloriously illuminated. According to the Mishnah (part of the oral tradition of the rabbis), four gigantic candelabras, that were 75 feet high, stood within the court. The temple itself stood upon a hill so the glorious light from the lamps could be seen by the whole city. The light was to remind the people of how God’s Shekhinah glory had once filled His temple, but in the person of Jesus, God’s glory was once again present in the temple; and Jesus used that celebration to announce that very fact. Jesus referred to this custom when He spoke these well-known words, “I am the Light of the world”. 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 were made by Him. And without Him was not any made that was made. In Him was life. And the life was the light of men. And the Light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not the Light, but was sent to bear witness of the Light. That was the True Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. ~ John 1:1-9 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, “I am the Light of the world. He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” ~ John 8:12 “As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” [Jesus speaking] ~ John 9:5
The Holy Days: Fe
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 4: Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the ceremonial symbols of the Feast of Tabernacles cont. Through our belief in Jesus Christ we are freed from sin.
Just as the Israelites were reminded of their freedom from slavery in Egypt during this Feast, so then are we reminded of our freedom from sin, through our belief in Jesus Christ, for we are in the world yet we are no longer part of it. Jesus answered them, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever commiteth sin is a slave to sin.” ~ John 8:34 “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” [Jesus speaking] ~ John 8:36 “They (believers in Christ) are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” [Jesus speaking] ~ John 17:16
Jesus Christ is the tabernacle or dwelling place of God. The fullness of God dwelled in Jesus Christ.
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. ~ John 1:14 For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power. ~ Colossians 2:9-10 Only God, who formed you, can unform that which He has made if one will not be reformed in His image, which is I, Christ Jesus. I am the perfect reflection of the Father, and have breathed into you My breath, so you might live and become the reflection of Me, the only image that has within Him eternal life. Be born again into My image, and wear the raiment of God in His kingdom without end, which is coming, and is come, and has come already. Amen. ~ [Vol 2, Letters from God and His Christ - The Judgment of God is True and Without Question. The Error of the People is Great, Brought Forth Out of Deception and Evil Arrogance, Leading to Corruption and Death.] I am the Christ, the Holy One of Israel. Jesus, the Gift, is My name... the Holy One sent of God in His image, the Face of the Almighty shown on all His children in His loving mercy. ~ [Vol. 5, Letters from God and His Christ - Harken First Unto The Lord, For He Is The Beginning Of All Things]
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 4: Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the ceremonial symbols of the Feast of Tabernacles cont. We are God’s and Jesus’ tabernacle, and They are ours.
Though we dwell in these temporary earthly bodies waiting for Jesus’ return, we have a glimpse of the Kingdom to come, for we have accepted Christ for our salvation; and in doing so He has come to dwell in us, or tabernacle with us, as we also dwell in Him by faith and His Word, until that great and glorious day when we enter into His Kingdom and His Rest (Hebrews 4:3-9) where we shall tabernacle with Him, and Him with us, for one thousand years and even forever and ever! Amen. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He is in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit. ~ 1 John 4:12-13 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them. [Jesus speaking] ~ Matthew 18:20 “...and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” ~ [Jesus speaking] ~ Matthew 28:20 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of a harlot? God forbid. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one Spirit. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:15, 17 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you. ~ Romans 8:9-11 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the Living God, as God hath said, I dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. ~ 2 Corinthians 6:16 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. ~ Ephesians 3:17-19 [God speaking] Behold, your King comes to destroy, and regain His inheritance. Then shall all those, who love His coming, abide truly in His doctrine, for He shall be in them and amongst them...and I shall be their God, and they shall be My people. ~ [Vol. 6, Letters from God and His Christ - Abide in the Doctrine of Christ]
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 4: Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the ceremonial symbols of the Feast of Tabernacles cont. We, in our current bodies, are living in a temporary home.
These physical bodies we now occupy are only temporary dwelling places. Our hope is not in what the world has to offer, but in what God has already provided for us for eternity. Our permanent home is being prepared for us in eternity. In My Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. ~ John 14:2-3 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:53-54
Part 5: The Prophetical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles The Feast of Tabernacles represents the Thousand Year Reign of Christ on Earth.
The Feast of Tabernacles speaks of a future time when men will again tabernacle with God, when He will dwell with them, and they with Him, during the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth (the millennium). In this day, all nations will gather to Jerusalem. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them. And I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands, and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. ~ Revelation 20:4 And I heard a great voice out of Heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. ~ Revelation 21:3 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. ~ Zechariah 8:22
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 5: The Prophetical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles cont. The Feast of Tabernacles represents the Thousand Year Reign of Christ on Earth.
The Feast of Tabernacles speaks of a future time when men will again tabernacle with God, when He will dwell with them, and they with Him, during the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth (the millennium). In this day, all nations will gather to Jerusalem. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them. And I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands, and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. ~ Revelation 20:4 And I heard a great voice out of Heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. ~ Revelation 21:3 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. ~ Zechariah 8:22 And in the days of these kings shall the God of Heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed. And the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. ~ Daniel 2:44 [Jesus speaking] Glorify My name, little children, and give Me perfect praise. The Day has come... transgression is overcome and nearly finished where wickedness and evil, death and dying, are banished and thrown into the fire. Love reigns, and My Kingdom is come...and it shall endure forever, and even forever, and forever shall it be. Amen and amen. ~ [Vol.5, Letters from God and His Christ - The Lord Calls His Sheep...They Know His Voice. Enter In At His Gate And Become All Of One Fold, Forever Grazing In The Pastures Of God’s Graces] [Jesus speaking] Behold, I have prepared yet another place for you and all those to come. My Kingdom comes on earth as in Heaven. ~ [Vol.2, Letters from God and His Christ - Be Blessed...Be Lifted Up...Be Glorified] [God speaking] The end is come, darkness destroyed, the strong man bound. The Bright and Morning Star has risen...the new Day begun. His reign, a thousand years and forever after, His seat taken. Give praise, thanksgiving and worship...The One True King has come! Amen! ~ [Vol. 3, Letters from God and His Christ - As God is Three Aspects, All as One...So Too is the Coming of the Son of Man] [God speaking] Behold, your King comes to destroy, and regain His inheritance. Then shall all those, who love His coming, abide truly in His doctrine, for He shall be in them and amongst them...and I shall be their God, and they shall be My people. ~ [Vol. 6, Letters from God and His Christ - Abide in the Doctrine of Christ]
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 5: The Prophetical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles
cont.
The Feast of Tabernacles represents the “seventh day” of creation, and a period of rest, a Sabbath Day one thousand years long.
During the thousand-year reign of Christ, or the millennium, the whole earth will rest. In Hebrews 4, the writer discusses the Sabbath as a day of rest. He uses Israel entering the Promised Land as a type of our entering into rest when Christ returns. If the week typifies the length of God’s plan, we are now living on “Friday”, the sixth day, as almost 6,000 years (a thousand years as a day) have elapsed since Adam’s creation. We will then enter the seventh day, the millennium, a day of rest, when Christ reigns on earth. For we that believeth do enter into rest, as He said, As I have sworn in My wrath, if they shall enter into My rest, although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For He spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, and God did rest on the seventh day from all His works. And in this place again, if they shall enter into My rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief, again He limiteth a certain day, saying in David, Today, after so long a time; as it is said, Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts. For if Joshua had given them rest, then would He not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” ~ Hebrews 4:3-9 [Timothy inspired by the Spirit] One day has passed, the second is ending, and just before the third, the Lord’s elect shall rise and live. In the third day they shall be established and live in His sight. Also five days have passed, the sixth is ending, and the seventh is coming quickly. ~ [Vol. 3, Letters from God and His Christ - The Word of God is Truth...Leading to Life] 67
The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 5: The Prophetical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles
cont.
The Feast of Tabernacles represents the “seventh day” of creation, and a period of rest, a Sabbath Day one thousand years long. cont. [God speaking] Then shall the final Sabbath day come, for it is the seventh day of creation, the one thousand year Day of the Son and His Kingdom, in which the entire world shall rest from their evil-doings, and live in the sanctuary of God. Indeed, many things shall be put to rest in the seventh day, even that of death and evil. ~ [Vol. 1, Letters from God and His Christ - Remember the Sabbath and Your God, and He Shall Remember You] [God speaking] Behold a new day!...The seventh, even one thousand years... all these kingdoms have become the kingdoms of My Christ. ~ [Vol. 5, Letters from God and His Christ - Consummation]
The millennium begins after Christ’s return in great power and glory.
Christ will indeed return, and when He does, He will return in great power and glory, and every eye shall see Him. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth unto the west, so shall also be the coming of the Son of man. ~ Matthew 24:27 For behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with His chariots like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire, for by fire and by His sword will the Lord plead with all flesh. And the slain of the Lord shall be many. ~ Isaiah 66: 15-16 [Jesus speaking] I am already here! And soon you will see Me coming on the clouds with great power and glory. I am the Beginning and the End of all things. Amen. ~ [Vol. 1, Letters from God and His Christ - Jesus Christ’s Love and Forgiveness Are With You] [God speaking] Then will the Son return in all glory and power. No one will escape the light of His coming - no one!...not in the heavens, on the earth or under the earth. His light will leave not even a shadow, for His glory shall pierce the heavens and permeate the entire earth, even unto the bottom of the abyss. ~ [ Vol. 1, Letters from God and His Christ - The Antichrist and the Judgment of This Wicked Generation] [God speaking] Then will the Son of Man appear in the full glory of His being, coming on the clouds, and His saints follow Him, for His power is the power of God. ~ [Vol. 1, Letters from God and HIs Christ - Those Things That Must Shortly Take Place] (Please read all volumes of Letters from God and His Christ, where Christ’s Second Coming is mentioned numerous times.) 68
The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 5: The Prophetical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles cont. During the millennium, we will live in a world of peace and abundance, being governed by God’s Law.
After Christ’s return, He will bring the creation, in its entirety, into harmony with God. Everyone will know God’s Law and live by it. A spiritual change will take place among God’s people. God’s Law will be the basis for the messianic rule of Christ. And He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people. And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. ~ Isaiah 2:4 (Also Micah 4:3) And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths, for out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. ~ Isaiah 2:2-3 They shall not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. ~ Isaiah 11:9 (Also Habakkuk 2:14) And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock. And dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, saith the Lord. ~ Isaiah 65:24-25 For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees. ~ Isaiah 66:12 [Jesus speaking] Consummation...The birth of a new day, even one thousand years...Peace. Amen. ~ [Vol. 5, pg. 41 - Letters from God and His Christ - Stricken] The Lord shall destroy...He shall shine from the east unto the west...all darkness and wickedness into the fire. His Kingdom shall be established on the flames of judgment, on the shoulders of retribution, and stand forever by the strength of His hand and the righteousness of His vesture. It shall endure forever because of His mercies...because of His love for His children, who have become His bride in the family of God, forever and ever. Amen. ~ [Vol. 6, Letters from God and His Christ - The Kingdom of God and His Christ Is Coming...Awake!]
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 5: The Prophetical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles cont. The millennium is a period of restoration.
During this wonderful period of peace and abundance, Jesus will also be restoring all things. As He has said, “I am the Restoration of all things.” For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth. And the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be you glad and rejoice forever in that which I create. For behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. ~ Isaiah 65:17-18 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before Me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. ~ Isaiah 66:22 [Jesus speaking] I stand in front of you with arms wide open, smiling. That which was lost has been returned to Me, for the season when all leaves fall from the tree and rot upon the ground has ended; also have the cold harsh winds of winter ceased. All things dead and dormant are revealed. Spring forth My children, for you were once wild and withered...I have gathered you, every kind from every land, and replanted you in My garden. You are no longer wild, nor will you wither or be scattered upon the winds. You shall blossom forevermore, for I am your Light and the Water of Life. Come with Me and witness the restoration! You know the way to this place, for it is where all the wildflowers of the valley have gathered together, for they are the peoples from every country, tribe and nation, for every flower that yet remains in the world is wild, and must be uprooted and replanted in the good ground. Those who take the highway of holiness, which leads to, and is holy, will find themselves in the kingdom of Heaven, for the kingdom of restoration is My kingdom, the second kingdom, the kingdom to come. Behold the first kingdom, an everlasting kingdom, the Father’s kingdom. There have I prepared a place for you and give you the new clothes of white to wear...nothing hidden, all is clean...perfect in the eyes of the Lord. You have returned home, a visitation lasting one week, while I go and prepare a new place for you on earth, as it is in Heaven, for in My New Jerusalem it will be as if fashioned of pure gold, and My people refashioned as the angels in Heaven. ~ [ Vol.1, Letters from God and His Christ - On Earth As It Is In Heaven] [And the Angel’s Sing] Glory and everlasting praise to the Lord and His Son...They are the beginning of all things, and the end of all that is wicked...Glory be on high...all things have become new! ~ [Vol. 1, Letters from God and His Christ - The Antichrist and the Judgment of This Wicked Generation] You have been reborn and made new with no death or corruption in you. “Forever Young” is your new name. Even a person of ten millennia in age shall be as a child in My kingdom. What you see in the mirror is that very self that you are, and will be, for in My kingdom many rewards are given to My people...one is a new body clothed in glory. Come and fulfill your heart’s desire in the Lord.It is not vanity, but love. For My Father’s glory, all is made new. Amen. - [Vol. 1, Letters from God and His Christ - All is Made New in Christ the Lord]
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The millennium is a period of restoration. cont. [Jesus speaking] My precious creation has been corrupted...Shall I not cleanse them and make them whole? I have died so they may live. Never forget what the Father has done by way of His Only Begotten. Rejoice...for out of destruction comes restoration eternal. Amen. ~ [Vol. 1, Letters from God and His Christ - Come and Follow Me] [God speaking] The Mountain fills the entire earth, crushing all things. Nothing before is seen...all is beneath the Mountain and its infinite weight. All is made new and live in the Mountain. Amen. Glory be to God in the Highest. His will be done, and is done, in all the world. The birth is complete...the dawn of a new age without end. [Vol. 2, Letters from God and His Christ - Be Blessed...Be Lifted Up...Be Glorified] [God speaking] All will be whole in the second Kingdom...all may have and give life that is received from God. Behold the third Kingdom, for it comes down from above. None shall bring forth life...the cycle is complete...corruptable is incorruptable...all earthly has become spirit. ~ [Vol. 2, Letters from God and His Christ - Flesh as Flesh in the Beginning...Spirit Fulfilled in the Image of God] [God speaking] Also, all things, that have been corrupted unto death, are refashioned and once again made alive by He who has fashioned the universe. He is the Carpenter made King. He is the One who gave up everything for His beloved. There is nothing He would not do for His friends. So then, when you enter into His joy, which is in His Kingdom, you shall have all things that are fulfilled in His joy for your joy. Ask, and you shall receive. Call unto Him, and He shall speak to you. Question Him, and be filled with knowledge...all things revealed. [Jesus speaking] My joy is the fountain that overflows from Me into you, restoring all things lost, starting with your spirit...even unto your beloved pets. Behold the restoration is coming, coming quickly! All things shall be as in the beginning...a garden where none is destroying, and none is given to destruction...no more tears, pain or death, says the Father. Amen. ~ [Vol. 2, Letters from God and His Christ - All Things Will Be Fulfilled, and Restored, in the Kingdom] (For additional Letters regarding “Restoration” during the Millennial Kingdom, please read throughout Volumes One through Six).
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Jesus Christ will heal us during the millennium.
Jesus Christ will heal not only our physical infirmities during the millennium, but He will also heal our spirits during this time. Isaiah prophesied that Jesus Christ will complete the healing He began during His ministry on earth. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. ~ Isaiah 35:5-6 Note: The verse above has two fulfillments, both being fulfilled in Jesus, the Messiah. At His First Coming, a foreshadowing or taste of the Kingdom to come...the Cornerstone is laid, the foundation prepared by His words and sacrifice. At His Second Coming, the Kingdom will be fully established, built atop that which had already been prepared, with He Himself clearing away all the remaining debris, making all paths straight and rough places completely smooth. For all mighty works done by Christ at His First Coming were done in a humble fashion as the Shepherd gathering and calling to His flock, saving them from judgment by His death. So then Jesus shall do the same at His Second Coming, but in full power and glory, with the complete authority to separate His flock from the wicked...by the wickeds’ deaths will the final cleansing of the earth be accomplished. Then shall the Kingdom come on earth as in Heaven. For what the Messiah has done will He do again, save that which was done once for all time. He is the same yesterday, today and all tomorrows to come...forever and unchanging. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified. ~ Isaiah 61:1-3 (Also see Luke 4:18-19) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and their shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain, for the former things are passed away. ~ Revelation 21:4 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people. And the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days... ~ Isaiah 65:19-20
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The land will be restored during Christ’s thousand-year reign on earth.
The same bountiful harvest theme continues in the future fulfillment of this festival. Through Isaiah, God spoke of the desert becoming productive land, and in the Book of Amos we are told that the earth will produce bountiful harvests. ...for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water. In the habitations of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. ~ Isaiah 35:6-7 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. ~ Amos 9:13 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat. For as the days of a tree are the days of My people, and Mine elect shall long enjoy the works of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them. ~ Isaiah 65:21-23
God’s people will be free from the temptation of sin because satan will be bound during the millennium.
During the millennium, satan will be bound. He will no longer be able to tempt God’s people or cause such great suffering as he does now. And I saw an angel come down from Heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil, and satan, and bound him a thousand years. And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled. And after that he must be loosed a little season. ~ Revelation 20:1-3 [Jesus speaking] The Day has come...transgression is overcome and nearly finished where wickedness and evil, death and dying, are banished and thrown into the fire. Love reigns, and My Kingdom is come...and it shall endure forever, and even forever, and forever shall it be. Amen and amen. ~ [Vol. 5, Letters from God and His Christ - The Lord Calls His Sheep...They Know His Voice. Enter In At His Gate And Become All Of One Fold, Forever Grazing In The Pastures Of God’s Graces]
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God’s people will be free from the temptation of sin because satan will be bound during the millennium. cont. [God speaking] Then shall the final Sabbath day come, for it is the seventh day of creation, the one thousand year Day of the Son and His Kingdom, in which the entire world shall rest from their evil-doings, and live in the sanctuary of God. Indeed, many things shall be put to rest in the seventh day, even that of death and evil. ~ [Vol. 1, pg. Letters from God and His Christ - Remember the Sabbath and Your God, and He Shall Remember You] [God speaking] Then He will cast them (the antichrist and false prophet) into the lake of burning fire, where they will suffer day and night without end. Then to the dragon (satan) will he do likewise, except this: He will bind him until the plan of the ages, the design of the Most High, comes to its conclusion. ~ [Vol. 1, Letters from God and His Christ - The Antichrist and the Judgment of This Wicked Generation]
During this thousand-year period, peace will extend even to the wild animals.
During the millennium, God will make peace even between the wild animals. The prophet, Isaiah, describes this time: And the cow and the bear shall feed, their young ones shall lie down together. And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’s den. ~ Isaiah 11:7-9 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock. And dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, saith the Lord. ~ Isaiah 65:25.
The Feast of Tabernacles will still be celebrated during the millennium.
Even in the days to come, Bible prophecy tells us that people from the nations of the world will come up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. And it shall come to pass, that everyone 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. ~ Zechariah 14: 16
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. ~ 1 Corinthians 2:9 74
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Part 6: Modern-Day Observance of the Feast of Tabernacles There are various ceremonies or observances of this day we, as Christians, should keep. Among them, reserving the first and eighth day as holy Sabbaths, to rest and to hold holy convocations. These eight days are to be days filled with rejoicing, prayer and studying God’s word. Although some people choose to actually “tabernacle” away from their home during this feast, this is not essential, because of Christ’s fulfillment of this feast. Because Christ fulfills the symbolic “tabernacling” of the Feast, it is not necessary for us to “tabernacle” elsewhere. The specific ceremonies, once observed in the Old Testament, are no longer necessary to observe with the exceptions of the Sabbath rests, because Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolic meaning of these ceremonies. Therefore, we encourage your focus to be on Christ and His future Kingdom to come, to truly recognize the meaning of this wonderful Feast. We also encourage you to observe these Holy Days on the day God ordained in the beginning. These days have specific relevance in God’s timeline, therefore it is important to keep the exact day if possible. To figure out the day you will need to use a Jewish calendar (easily found on the internet.) Most importantly, we should be ever mindful of Christ’s fulfillment of this Holy Day, as He is for all Holy Days. By praising Christ during the Feast, we can give Him His rightful position not only in our lives, but also acknowledge His importance in the salvation of mankind shown to us through God’s Holy Days.
Part 7: Conclusion Once again, through God’s wonderful Holy Day plan, we are given a glimpse of His plan for the salvation of mankind. The Feast of Tabernacles represents the thousand-year reign of Christ, on earth, when we will “tabernacle” with God and He will “tabernacle” with us. During this wonderful period of restoration, Christ will govern us with God’s Law, and we will live in an incredible time of peace and harmony, both with God and with each other. There will be no more pain, or sorrow, or sin...”for the old order of things has passed away”. By observing these Holy Days, we are acknowledging that we not only recognize, but appreciate, the great sacrifice of our Messiah, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all Holy Days...even all prophecy...even all things. “This is My Son in whom I am well pleased...listen to Him, for as the stars in the heavens are beyond the numbering of men, so then is He called Jesus, who being the Only Begotten of the Father, is the fulfillment of the Word of God and the prophets throughout all generations, whose fulfillment of which is also beyond the reason and comprehension of men’s calculations fulfilled in a single man. These things fulfilled in the Son of Man, being mentioned of a few, let it be a sign and awakening. To them of greater understanding, awakened to the knowledge of these things fulfilled in the Son of Man, prophesied, coming to light as a multitude...let it be a wonder. To My children, fully awake and receiving full knowledge of the Truth that indeed the Christ called Jesus fulfills all, in every sense, in all manner, every word written, every word spoken, every action within and without, being altogether the All in All of all things...let it be Truth undeniable, causing all both small and great, rich and poor, bond and free, to bow before Him, calling Him Lord!” ~ [Vol. 4, Letters from God and His Christ - Jesus Christ Is King!] 75
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I will lead you from the valley of the shadow of death into the light of salvation. Take My hand. Take My hand all peoples. Grasp it, and come with me as you are. Come, all those who know not My ways... I will show you. Come, all those who have been abandoned... I will comfort you and give you shelter. Come, all those who are crippled... let us run and leap for joy together. Come, all those faithless...I shall fill your cup, and watch how it overflows. Come, all murderers...watch Me raise you, and all who sleep, from the grave. Come, all you who blaspheme...I will give you a new voice. Bring with you all those who are blind and deaf, for they too shall see and hear. Indeed, come all those who have sinned against Me, take My hand. I will lead you to the waters where I shall wash you, and where your new clothes hang upon the tree which grows next to the stream. Come one, come all...ask and it shall be given you. All things are possible with God and made manifest through the Son. - [Jesus speaking - Vol. 1 , Letters from God and His Christ - Come...Love Awaits You]
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As booths are temporary dwellings, so also is our physical life transitory.
The name of the Feast of Tabernacles derives from God’s command to ancient Israel to build temporary “tabernacles”, sometimes called “booths”, to live in during the festival. The Bible emphasizes that, as with booths or temporary dwellings, our physical life is transitory. The apostle Paul’s writings reflect this theme: For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from Heaven. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:1-2
The Spring and Fall Holy Days represent the First and Second Coming of Christ.
The Feast of Tabernacles was also known as the Feast of Ingathering because it occurs at the time of the major harvest of crops. (The spring harvest of the crops was smaller than the autumn harvest, just as the “spring” harvest of salvation will be smaller than the “autumn” harvest). The “spring” harvest represents the Spring Holy Days or First Coming of Christ, and the “autumn” harvest represents the Fall Holy Days or Second Coming of Christ. In much the same way, this is also represented in the “early and latter rains”. Come and let us return unto the Lord, for He hath torn, and He will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up. After two days will He revive us. In the thrid day, He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord. His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. ~ Hosea 6:1-3 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God, for He hath given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. ~ Joel 2:23 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receiveth early and latter rain. ~ James 5:7* *James was also speaking of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit after Jesus’ First Coming (Acts 2), and God pouring out His Spirit in the Last Days (Joel 2). 58
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God’s instruction for mankind involves the restoration process, which is symbolically concluded on the Feast of Tabernacles.
The Holy Days, as a whole, symbolize the restoration process, which started with Passover when Christ died for us and restored us to life, and will be concluded with the Feast of Tabernacles, where the earth and its inhabitants are restored to their original glory as it was in the Garden, once again being at peace and harmony with God for one thousand years (the millennial kingdom), just as Jesus has promised us, saying, “I am the Restoration of all things.” In his first inspired sermon after receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, the apostle Peter summed up God’s instruction for mankind: Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 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. ~ Acts 3:19-21 The Feast of Tabernacles represents the glorious restoration process, which will take place during the millennium, where Christ will reign and dwell with His people. We observe these Feast Days with great rejoicing, because of this wonderful promise God has made to His people: That one day the “the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. ~ Revelation 21:3
Part 2: Old Testament Observance of the Feast of Tabernacles The Feast of Tabernacles commemorated many things for the Israelites.
The Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated for seven days, from the fifteenth through the twenty-first day of the seventh month, and an eighth day known as the Last Great Day. The Last Great Day is a separate feast day but still connected to the Feast of Tabernacles. The first and eighth days of the Feast were days of rest and sacred assemblies. Everyday work was not to be performed on these two feast days. A special offering was to be presented to God. This festival commemorates several important things. It is a feast that gives thanks to God for the fall harvest. It is a celebration of God’s care over the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness for forty years, and it is a reminder that just as the booths were temporary dwelling places for the Israelites, our fleshly existence here on earth is of a temporary nature.
The Feast of Tabernacles reminded Israel of their release of slavery from Egypt.
During the Feast of Tabernacles, the Israelites left their houses and built temporary dwelling places (Hebrew succah, meaning “hut of woven boughs”) to live in while rejoicing before God. These reminded them of their release from slavery and their dwelling booths when God brought them out of Egypt. 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. ~ Leviticus 23:34 59
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The Feast of Tabernacles emphasizes rest, peace and joy.
In contrast to the hardship of slavery, this festival emphasizes rest, peace and prosperity as it meets the needs of all people, including strangers, widows and the poor. The Feast of Tabernacles is also known as the Feast of Ingathering. This name signified the completion of Israel’s annual harvest. And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the fields, and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field” ~ Exodus 23:16.
God gave the Israelites specific instructions regarding the Feast week.
This included dwelling in booths made of tree boughs, not working on the first and eighth day, and several ceremonial rituals. The Scriptures actually speak of the Feast of Tabernacles as being seven days, but it also speaks of an eighth day (The Last Great Day) on which a holy convocation is to be held, with sacrifices made and no traditional work done on that day (Leviticus 34-36). We also know, by the verse below, that this Feast will be observed forever. 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. 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. And ye shall keep it a feast unto the Lord seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations. Ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month. Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths. That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the Lord your God. ~ Leviticus 23: 41-43 The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles
The Feast was a time of great rejoicing for the people of Israel, a time to celebrate the great abundance God had given. And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you, and your sons, and your daughters, and your menservants, and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your gates; forasmuch as he hath no part nor inheritance with you. ~ Deuteronomy 12:12. But thou must eat them before the Lord thy God in the place which the Lord thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates. And thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto. ~ Deuteronomy 12:18 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth. And thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou and thine household. ~ Deuteronomy 14:26. 60
The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 3: Observance of the Feast of Tabernacles in the New Testament Jesus Christ observed and taught on the Feast of Tabernacles.
Jesus celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. On several occasions during the Feast, He taught in Solomon’s Porch and elsewhere in the temple courts. These teachings were the formal announcement of the divinity of Jesus to the Jewish people and to the whole world. Many people marveled at Jesus’ teachings, proclaiming He is “the prophet” and “the Messiah”. After these things Jesus walked in Galilee, for He would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill Him. Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. His brethren therefore said unto Him, “Depart hence, and go into Judea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth anything in secret, and He Himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.” For neither did His brethren believe in Him. Then Jesus said unto them, “My time is not yet come, but your time is always ready. The world can not hate you, but Me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. Go ye up unto this feast. I go not up yet unto this feast, for My time is not yet full come.” When He had said these words unto them, He abode still in Galilee. But when His brethren were gone up, then went He also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. ~ John 7:1-10 Now about the midst of the Feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. ~ John 7:14 In the last day, great of the Feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” ~ John 7:37 But bade them farewell, saying, “I must by all means keep this Feast that cometh in Jerusalem. But I will return again unto you, if God will.” And he sailed from Ephesus. ~ Acts 18:21
Part 4: Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the ceremonial symbols of the Feast of Tabernacles The Gospels record that our Lord Jesus not only celebrated the festival, but He took traditional elements of the celebration and applied them to His own life and mission. We find this particularly in John 7 where Jesus uses two traditional symbols from the Feast of Tabernacles celebration, water and light, to help the people understand who He is and what He offers. He also uses the symbols of freedom and booths to give us a greater understanding of God’s plan of salvation for mankind through Jesus Christ.
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 4: Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the ceremonial symbols of the Feast of Tabernacles cont. Jesus is the Living Water.
Our spiritual thirst can not be quenched with anything less than Christ. On the last day and greatest day of the Feast of Tabernacles (the day the rabbis poured the water - part of the oral tradition of the rabbis), Jesus stood and proclaimed Himself the very “fountain of living water”. “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst, but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” [Jesus speaking] ~ John 4:14 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, “ If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” ~ John 7:37-38
Jesus is the Light of the world.
The light (Lev. 24:2) from the Feast of Tabernacles lamps illuminated the whole city. At the end of the first day of the Feast, the temple was gloriously illuminated. According to the Mishnah (part of the oral tradition of the rabbis), four gigantic candelabras, that were 75 feet high, stood within the court. The temple itself stood upon a hill so the glorious light from the lamps could be seen by the whole city. The light was to remind the people of how God’s Shekhinah glory had once filled His temple, but in the person of Jesus, God’s glory was once again present in the temple; and Jesus used that celebration to announce that very fact. Jesus referred to this custom when He spoke these well-known words, “I am the Light of the world”. 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 were made by Him. And without Him was not any made that was made. In Him was life. And the life was the light of men. And the Light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not the Light, but was sent to bear witness of the Light. That was the True Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. ~ John 1:1-9 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, “I am the Light of the world. He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” ~ John 8:12 “As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” [Jesus speaking] ~ John 9:5
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 4: Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the ceremonial symbols of the Feast of Tabernacles cont. Through our belief in Jesus Christ we are freed from sin.
Just as the Israelites were reminded of their freedom from slavery in Egypt during this Feast, so then are we reminded of our freedom from sin, through our belief in Jesus Christ, for we are in the world yet we are no longer part of it. Jesus answered them, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever commiteth sin is a slave to sin.” ~ John 8:34 “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” [Jesus speaking] ~ John 8:36 “They (believers in Christ) are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” [Jesus speaking] ~ John 17:16
Jesus Christ is the tabernacle or dwelling place of God. The fullness of God dwelled in Jesus Christ.
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. ~ John 1:14 For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power. ~ Colossians 2:9-10 Only God, who formed you, can unform that which He has made if one will not be reformed in His image, which is I, Christ Jesus. I am the perfect reflection of the Father, and have breathed into you My breath, so you might live and become the reflection of Me, the only image that has within Him eternal life. Be born again into My image, and wear the raiment of God in His kingdom without end, which is coming, and is come, and has come already. Amen. ~ [Vol 2, Letters from God and His Christ - The Judgment of God is True and Without Question. The Error of the People is Great, Brought Forth Out of Deception and Evil Arrogance, Leading to Corruption and Death.] I am the Christ, the Holy One of Israel. Jesus, the Gift, is My name... the Holy One sent of God in His image, the Face of the Almighty shown on all His children in His loving mercy. ~ [Vol. 5, Letters from God and His Christ - Harken First Unto The Lord, For He Is The Beginning Of All Things]
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 4: Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the ceremonial symbols of the Feast of Tabernacles cont. We are God’s and Jesus’ tabernacle, and They are ours.
Though we dwell in these temporary earthly bodies waiting for Jesus’ return, we have a glimpse of the Kingdom to come, for we have accepted Christ for our salvation; and in doing so He has come to dwell in us, or tabernacle with us, as we also dwell in Him by faith and His Word, until that great and glorious day when we enter into His Kingdom and His Rest (Hebrews 4:3-9) where we shall tabernacle with Him, and Him with us, for one thousand years and even forever and ever! Amen. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He is in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit. ~ 1 John 4:12-13 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them. [Jesus speaking] ~ Matthew 18:20 “...and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” ~ [Jesus speaking] ~ Matthew 28:20 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of a harlot? God forbid. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one Spirit. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:15, 17 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you. ~ Romans 8:9-11 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the Living God, as God hath said, I dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. ~ 2 Corinthians 6:16 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. ~ Ephesians 3:17-19 [God speaking] Behold, your King comes to destroy, and regain His inheritance. Then shall all those, who love His coming, abide truly in His doctrine, for He shall be in them and amongst them...and I shall be their God, and they shall be My people. ~ [Vol. 6, Letters from God and His Christ - Abide in the Doctrine of Christ]
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 4: Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the ceremonial symbols of the Feast of Tabernacles cont. We, in our current bodies, are living in a temporary home.
These physical bodies we now occupy are only temporary dwelling places. Our hope is not in what the world has to offer, but in what God has already provided for us for eternity. Our permanent home is being prepared for us in eternity. In My Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. ~ John 14:2-3 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:53-54
Part 5: The Prophetical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles The Feast of Tabernacles represents the Thousand Year Reign of Christ on Earth.
The Feast of Tabernacles speaks of a future time when men will again tabernacle with God, when He will dwell with them, and they with Him, during the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth (the millennium). In this day, all nations will gather to Jerusalem. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them. And I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands, and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. ~ Revelation 20:4 And I heard a great voice out of Heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. ~ Revelation 21:3 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. ~ Zechariah 8:22
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 5: The Prophetical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles cont. The Feast of Tabernacles represents the Thousand Year Reign of Christ on Earth.
The Feast of Tabernacles speaks of a future time when men will again tabernacle with God, when He will dwell with them, and they with Him, during the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth (the millennium). In this day, all nations will gather to Jerusalem. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them. And I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands, and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. ~ Revelation 20:4 And I heard a great voice out of Heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. ~ Revelation 21:3 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. ~ Zechariah 8:22 And in the days of these kings shall the God of Heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed. And the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. ~ Daniel 2:44 [Jesus speaking] Glorify My name, little children, and give Me perfect praise. The Day has come... transgression is overcome and nearly finished where wickedness and evil, death and dying, are banished and thrown into the fire. Love reigns, and My Kingdom is come...and it shall endure forever, and even forever, and forever shall it be. Amen and amen. ~ [Vol.5, Letters from God and His Christ - The Lord Calls His Sheep...They Know His Voice. Enter In At His Gate And Become All Of One Fold, Forever Grazing In The Pastures Of God’s Graces] [Jesus speaking] Behold, I have prepared yet another place for you and all those to come. My Kingdom comes on earth as in Heaven. ~ [Vol.2, Letters from God and His Christ - Be Blessed...Be Lifted Up...Be Glorified] [God speaking] The end is come, darkness destroyed, the strong man bound. The Bright and Morning Star has risen...the new Day begun. His reign, a thousand years and forever after, His seat taken. Give praise, thanksgiving and worship...The One True King has come! Amen! ~ [Vol. 3, Letters from God and His Christ - As God is Three Aspects, All as One...So Too is the Coming of the Son of Man] [God speaking] Behold, your King comes to destroy, and regain His inheritance. Then shall all those, who love His coming, abide truly in His doctrine, for He shall be in them and amongst them...and I shall be their God, and they shall be My people. ~ [Vol. 6, Letters from God and His Christ - Abide in the Doctrine of Christ]
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 5: The Prophetical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles
cont.
The Feast of Tabernacles represents the “seventh day” of creation, and a period of rest, a Sabbath Day one thousand years long.
During the thousand-year reign of Christ, or the millennium, the whole earth will rest. In Hebrews 4, the writer discusses the Sabbath as a day of rest. He uses Israel entering the Promised Land as a type of our entering into rest when Christ returns. If the week typifies the length of God’s plan, we are now living on “Friday”, the sixth day, as almost 6,000 years (a thousand years as a day) have elapsed since Adam’s creation. We will then enter the seventh day, the millennium, a day of rest, when Christ reigns on earth. For we that believeth do enter into rest, as He said, As I have sworn in My wrath, if they shall enter into My rest, although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For He spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, and God did rest on the seventh day from all His works. And in this place again, if they shall enter into My rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief, again He limiteth a certain day, saying in David, Today, after so long a time; as it is said, Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts. For if Joshua had given them rest, then would He not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” ~ Hebrews 4:3-9 [Timothy inspired by the Spirit] One day has passed, the second is ending, and just before the third, the Lord’s elect shall rise and live. In the third day they shall be established and live in His sight. Also five days have passed, the sixth is ending, and the seventh is coming quickly. ~ [Vol. 3, Letters from God and His Christ - The Word of God is Truth...Leading to Life] 67
The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 5: The Prophetical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles
cont.
The Feast of Tabernacles represents the “seventh day” of creation, and a period of rest, a Sabbath Day one thousand years long. cont. [God speaking] Then shall the final Sabbath day come, for it is the seventh day of creation, the one thousand year Day of the Son and His Kingdom, in which the entire world shall rest from their evil-doings, and live in the sanctuary of God. Indeed, many things shall be put to rest in the seventh day, even that of death and evil. ~ [Vol. 1, Letters from God and His Christ - Remember the Sabbath and Your God, and He Shall Remember You] [God speaking] Behold a new day!...The seventh, even one thousand years... all these kingdoms have become the kingdoms of My Christ. ~ [Vol. 5, Letters from God and His Christ - Consummation]
The millennium begins after Christ’s return in great power and glory.
Christ will indeed return, and when He does, He will return in great power and glory, and every eye shall see Him. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth unto the west, so shall also be the coming of the Son of man. ~ Matthew 24:27 For behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with His chariots like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire, for by fire and by His sword will the Lord plead with all flesh. And the slain of the Lord shall be many. ~ Isaiah 66: 15-16 [Jesus speaking] I am already here! And soon you will see Me coming on the clouds with great power and glory. I am the Beginning and the End of all things. Amen. ~ [Vol. 1, Letters from God and His Christ - Jesus Christ’s Love and Forgiveness Are With You] [God speaking] Then will the Son return in all glory and power. No one will escape the light of His coming - no one!...not in the heavens, on the earth or under the earth. His light will leave not even a shadow, for His glory shall pierce the heavens and permeate the entire earth, even unto the bottom of the abyss. ~ [ Vol. 1, Letters from God and His Christ - The Antichrist and the Judgment of This Wicked Generation] [God speaking] Then will the Son of Man appear in the full glory of His being, coming on the clouds, and His saints follow Him, for His power is the power of God. ~ [Vol. 1, Letters from God and HIs Christ - Those Things That Must Shortly Take Place] (Please read all volumes of Letters from God and His Christ, where Christ’s Second Coming is mentioned numerous times.) 68
The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 5: The Prophetical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles cont. During the millennium, we will live in a world of peace and abundance, being governed by God’s Law.
After Christ’s return, He will bring the creation, in its entirety, into harmony with God. Everyone will know God’s Law and live by it. A spiritual change will take place among God’s people. God’s Law will be the basis for the messianic rule of Christ. And He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people. And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. ~ Isaiah 2:4 (Also Micah 4:3) And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths, for out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. ~ Isaiah 2:2-3 They shall not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. ~ Isaiah 11:9 (Also Habakkuk 2:14) And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock. And dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, saith the Lord. ~ Isaiah 65:24-25 For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees. ~ Isaiah 66:12 [Jesus speaking] Consummation...The birth of a new day, even one thousand years...Peace. Amen. ~ [Vol. 5, pg. 41 - Letters from God and His Christ - Stricken] The Lord shall destroy...He shall shine from the east unto the west...all darkness and wickedness into the fire. His Kingdom shall be established on the flames of judgment, on the shoulders of retribution, and stand forever by the strength of His hand and the righteousness of His vesture. It shall endure forever because of His mercies...because of His love for His children, who have become His bride in the family of God, forever and ever. Amen. ~ [Vol. 6, Letters from God and His Christ - The Kingdom of God and His Christ Is Coming...Awake!]
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles Part 5: The Prophetical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles cont. The millennium is a period of restoration.
During this wonderful period of peace and abundance, Jesus will also be restoring all things. As He has said, “I am the Restoration of all things.” For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth. And the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be you glad and rejoice forever in that which I create. For behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. ~ Isaiah 65:17-18 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before Me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. ~ Isaiah 66:22 [Jesus speaking] I stand in front of you with arms wide open, smiling. That which was lost has been returned to Me, for the season when all leaves fall from the tree and rot upon the ground has ended; also have the cold harsh winds of winter ceased. All things dead and dormant are revealed. Spring forth My children, for you were once wild and withered...I have gathered you, every kind from every land, and replanted you in My garden. You are no longer wild, nor will you wither or be scattered upon the winds. You shall blossom forevermore, for I am your Light and the Water of Life. Come with Me and witness the restoration! You know the way to this place, for it is where all the wildflowers of the valley have gathered together, for they are the peoples from every country, tribe and nation, for every flower that yet remains in the world is wild, and must be uprooted and replanted in the good ground. Those who take the highway of holiness, which leads to, and is holy, will find themselves in the kingdom of Heaven, for the kingdom of restoration is My kingdom, the second kingdom, the kingdom to come. Behold the first kingdom, an everlasting kingdom, the Father’s kingdom. There have I prepared a place for you and give you the new clothes of white to wear...nothing hidden, all is clean...perfect in the eyes of the Lord. You have returned home, a visitation lasting one week, while I go and prepare a new place for you on earth, as it is in Heaven, for in My New Jerusalem it will be as if fashioned of pure gold, and My people refashioned as the angels in Heaven. ~ [ Vol.1, Letters from God and His Christ - On Earth As It Is In Heaven] [And the Angel’s Sing] Glory and everlasting praise to the Lord and His Son...They are the beginning of all things, and the end of all that is wicked...Glory be on high...all things have become new! ~ [Vol. 1, Letters from God and His Christ - The Antichrist and the Judgment of This Wicked Generation] You have been reborn and made new with no death or corruption in you. “Forever Young” is your new name. Even a person of ten millennia in age shall be as a child in My kingdom. What you see in the mirror is that very self that you are, and will be, for in My kingdom many rewards are given to My people...one is a new body clothed in glory. Come and fulfill your heart’s desire in the Lord.It is not vanity, but love. For My Father’s glory, all is made new. Amen. - [Vol. 1, Letters from God and His Christ - All is Made New in Christ the Lord]
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Part 5: The Prophetical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles
cont.
The millennium is a period of restoration. cont. [Jesus speaking] My precious creation has been corrupted...Shall I not cleanse them and make them whole? I have died so they may live. Never forget what the Father has done by way of His Only Begotten. Rejoice...for out of destruction comes restoration eternal. Amen. ~ [Vol. 1, Letters from God and His Christ - Come and Follow Me] [God speaking] The Mountain fills the entire earth, crushing all things. Nothing before is seen...all is beneath the Mountain and its infinite weight. All is made new and live in the Mountain. Amen. Glory be to God in the Highest. His will be done, and is done, in all the world. The birth is complete...the dawn of a new age without end. [Vol. 2, Letters from God and His Christ - Be Blessed...Be Lifted Up...Be Glorified] [God speaking] All will be whole in the second Kingdom...all may have and give life that is received from God. Behold the third Kingdom, for it comes down from above. None shall bring forth life...the cycle is complete...corruptable is incorruptable...all earthly has become spirit. ~ [Vol. 2, Letters from God and His Christ - Flesh as Flesh in the Beginning...Spirit Fulfilled in the Image of God] [God speaking] Also, all things, that have been corrupted unto death, are refashioned and once again made alive by He who has fashioned the universe. He is the Carpenter made King. He is the One who gave up everything for His beloved. There is nothing He would not do for His friends. So then, when you enter into His joy, which is in His Kingdom, you shall have all things that are fulfilled in His joy for your joy. Ask, and you shall receive. Call unto Him, and He shall speak to you. Question Him, and be filled with knowledge...all things revealed. [Jesus speaking] My joy is the fountain that overflows from Me into you, restoring all things lost, starting with your spirit...even unto your beloved pets. Behold the restoration is coming, coming quickly! All things shall be as in the beginning...a garden where none is destroying, and none is given to destruction...no more tears, pain or death, says the Father. Amen. ~ [Vol. 2, Letters from God and His Christ - All Things Will Be Fulfilled, and Restored, in the Kingdom] (For additional Letters regarding “Restoration” during the Millennial Kingdom, please read throughout Volumes One through Six).
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles
Part 5: The Prophetical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles
cont.
Jesus Christ will heal us during the millennium.
Jesus Christ will heal not only our physical infirmities during the millennium, but He will also heal our spirits during this time. Isaiah prophesied that Jesus Christ will complete the healing He began during His ministry on earth. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. ~ Isaiah 35:5-6 Note: The verse above has two fulfillments, both being fulfilled in Jesus, the Messiah. At His First Coming, a foreshadowing or taste of the Kingdom to come...the Cornerstone is laid, the foundation prepared by His words and sacrifice. At His Second Coming, the Kingdom will be fully established, built atop that which had already been prepared, with He Himself clearing away all the remaining debris, making all paths straight and rough places completely smooth. For all mighty works done by Christ at His First Coming were done in a humble fashion as the Shepherd gathering and calling to His flock, saving them from judgment by His death. So then Jesus shall do the same at His Second Coming, but in full power and glory, with the complete authority to separate His flock from the wicked...by the wickeds’ deaths will the final cleansing of the earth be accomplished. Then shall the Kingdom come on earth as in Heaven. For what the Messiah has done will He do again, save that which was done once for all time. He is the same yesterday, today and all tomorrows to come...forever and unchanging. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified. ~ Isaiah 61:1-3 (Also see Luke 4:18-19) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and their shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain, for the former things are passed away. ~ Revelation 21:4 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people. And the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days... ~ Isaiah 65:19-20
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles
Part 5: The Prophetical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles
cont.
The land will be restored during Christ’s thousand-year reign on earth.
The same bountiful harvest theme continues in the future fulfillment of this festival. Through Isaiah, God spoke of the desert becoming productive land, and in the Book of Amos we are told that the earth will produce bountiful harvests. ...for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water. In the habitations of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. ~ Isaiah 35:6-7 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. ~ Amos 9:13 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat. For as the days of a tree are the days of My people, and Mine elect shall long enjoy the works of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them. ~ Isaiah 65:21-23
God’s people will be free from the temptation of sin because satan will be bound during the millennium.
During the millennium, satan will be bound. He will no longer be able to tempt God’s people or cause such great suffering as he does now. And I saw an angel come down from Heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil, and satan, and bound him a thousand years. And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled. And after that he must be loosed a little season. ~ Revelation 20:1-3 [Jesus speaking] The Day has come...transgression is overcome and nearly finished where wickedness and evil, death and dying, are banished and thrown into the fire. Love reigns, and My Kingdom is come...and it shall endure forever, and even forever, and forever shall it be. Amen and amen. ~ [Vol. 5, Letters from God and His Christ - The Lord Calls His Sheep...They Know His Voice. Enter In At His Gate And Become All Of One Fold, Forever Grazing In The Pastures Of God’s Graces]
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The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles
Part 5: The Prophetical Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles
cont.
God’s people will be free from the temptation of sin because satan will be bound during the millennium. cont. [God speaking] Then shall the final Sabbath day come, for it is the seventh day of creation, the one thousand year Day of the Son and His Kingdom, in which the entire world shall rest from their evil-doings, and live in the sanctuary of God. Indeed, many things shall be put to rest in the seventh day, even that of death and evil. ~ [Vol. 1, pg. Letters from God and His Christ - Remember the Sabbath and Your God, and He Shall Remember You] [God speaking] Then He will cast them (the antichrist and false prophet) into the lake of burning fire, where they will suffer day and night without end. Then to the dragon (satan) will he do likewise, except this: He will bind him until the plan of the ages, the design of the Most High, comes to its conclusion. ~ [Vol. 1, Letters from God and His Christ - The Antichrist and the Judgment of This Wicked Generation]
During this thousand-year period, peace will extend even to the wild animals.
During the millennium, God will make peace even between the wild animals. The prophet, Isaiah, describes this time: And the cow and the bear shall feed, their young ones shall lie down together. And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’s den. ~ Isaiah 11:7-9 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock. And dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, saith the Lord. ~ Isaiah 65:25.
The Feast of Tabernacles will still be celebrated during the millennium.
Even in the days to come, Bible prophecy tells us that people from the nations of the world will come up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. And it shall come to pass, that everyone 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. ~ Zechariah 14: 16
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. ~ 1 Corinthians 2:9 74
The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles
Part 6: Modern-Day Observance of the Feast of Tabernacles There are various ceremonies or observances of this day we, as Christians, should keep. Among them, reserving the first and eighth day as holy Sabbaths, to rest and to hold holy convocations. These eight days are to be days filled with rejoicing, prayer and studying God’s word. Although some people choose to actually “tabernacle” away from their home during this feast, this is not essential, because of Christ’s fulfillment of this feast. Because Christ fulfills the symbolic “tabernacling” of the Feast, it is not necessary for us to “tabernacle” elsewhere. The specific ceremonies, once observed in the Old Testament, are no longer necessary to observe with the exceptions of the Sabbath rests, because Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolic meaning of these ceremonies. Therefore, we encourage your focus to be on Christ and His future Kingdom to come, to truly recognize the meaning of this wonderful Feast. We also encourage you to observe these Holy Days on the day God ordained in the beginning. These days have specific relevance in God’s timeline, therefore it is important to keep the exact day if possible. To figure out the day you will need to use a Jewish calendar (easily found on the internet.) Most importantly, we should be ever mindful of Christ’s fulfillment of this Holy Day, as He is for all Holy Days. By praising Christ during the Feast, we can give Him His rightful position not only in our lives, but also acknowledge His importance in the salvation of mankind shown to us through God’s Holy Days.
Part 7: Conclusion Once again, through God’s wonderful Holy Day plan, we are given a glimpse of His plan for the salvation of mankind. The Feast of Tabernacles represents the thousand-year reign of Christ, on earth, when we will “tabernacle” with God and He will “tabernacle” with us. During this wonderful period of restoration, Christ will govern us with God’s Law, and we will live in an incredible time of peace and harmony, both with God and with each other. There will be no more pain, or sorrow, or sin...”for the old order of things has passed away”. By observing these Holy Days, we are acknowledging that we not only recognize, but appreciate, the great sacrifice of our Messiah, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all Holy Days...even all prophecy...even all things. “This is My Son in whom I am well pleased...listen to Him, for as the stars in the heavens are beyond the numbering of men, so then is He called Jesus, who being the Only Begotten of the Father, is the fulfillment of the Word of God and the prophets throughout all generations, whose fulfillment of which is also beyond the reason and comprehension of men’s calculations fulfilled in a single man. These things fulfilled in the Son of Man, being mentioned of a few, let it be a sign and awakening. To them of greater understanding, awakened to the knowledge of these things fulfilled in the Son of Man, prophesied, coming to light as a multitude...let it be a wonder. To My children, fully awake and receiving full knowledge of the Truth that indeed the Christ called Jesus fulfills all, in every sense, in all manner, every word written, every word spoken, every action within and without, being altogether the All in All of all things...let it be Truth undeniable, causing all both small and great, rich and poor, bond and free, to bow before Him, calling Him Lord!” ~ [Vol. 4, Letters from God and His Christ - Jesus Christ Is King!] 75
The Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles
I will lead you from the valley of the shadow of death into the light of salvation. Take My hand. Take My hand all peoples. Grasp it, and come with me as you are. Come, all those who know not My ways... I will show you. Come, all those who have been abandoned... I will comfort you and give you shelter. Come, all those who are crippled... let us run and leap for joy together. Come, all those faithless...I shall fill your cup, and watch how it overflows. Come, all murderers...watch Me raise you, and all who sleep, from the grave. Come, all you who blaspheme...I will give you a new voice. Bring with you all those who are blind and deaf, for they too shall see and hear. Indeed, come all those who have sinned against Me, take My hand. I will lead you to the waters where I shall wash you, and where your new clothes hang upon the tree which grows next to the stream. Come one, come all...ask and it shall be given you. All things are possible with God and made manifest through the Son. - [Jesus speaking - Vol. 1 , Letters from God and His Christ - Come...Love Awaits You]
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