A Feast Day of The LORD our God (Jesus and The Father, together as God)--- see separate study "Jesus Christ, The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever"…
The observance of this Feast is a commandment given for ALL Israel (Galatians 3:7 " Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham."… Galatians 6:16 "And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.")
"The Israel of God" abides in their "Lawgiver" (Christ Jesus/Joshua Messiah/The Word/The LORD/JeHoVaH) and His Father’s Ways (Commandments)…And, when it comes to this Feast of God our Father, this holds true down to this very day, for all who are baptized into the True Faith and Way of Christ Jesus (Matthew 5:18 "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished).
The Commandment of God:
Leviticus 23:33-44 (KJV)
And The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, [34] Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord. [35] On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. [36] Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein. [37] These are the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day: [38] Beside the sabbaths of the Lord, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the Lord. [39] Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days: on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a sabbath. [40] And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days. [41] And ye shall keep it a feast unto the Lord seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month. [42] Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: [43] That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. [44] And Moses declared unto the children of Israel the feasts of the Lord.
‘Booth’ cukkah, Hebrew 5521
cukkah, sook-kaw'; feminine of Hebrew 5520 (cok); a hut or lair :- usage Old Testament KJV- booth, cottage, covert, pavilion, tabernacle, tent.
cok, Hebrew 5520, Strong’s
cok, soke; from Hebrew 5526 (cakak); a hut (as of entwined boughs); also a lair :- covert, den, pavilion, tabernacle.
We should be rejoicing in our God’s Feast Days, these days that are special sanctified Sabbaths (set apart as Holy) for us to keep:
Numbers 29:12-17 (KJV)
And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days: [13] And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish: [14] And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams, [15] And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs: [16] And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
[17] And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot:
:35-40 (KJV)
On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein: [36] But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish: [37] Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: [38] And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. [39] These things ye shall do unto the Lord in your set feasts, beside your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meat offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings. [40] And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the Lord commanded Moses.
Deut. 16:13-17 (KJV)
Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: [14] And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates. [15] Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the Lord thy God in the place which the Lord shall choose: because the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.
[16] Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the Lord empty: [17] Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee.
Note in Deuteronomy 31 how The Law of God was to be read in the hearing of ALL Israel in this Feast of Tabernacles, when they were gathered yearly to celebrate it…
Deut. 31:10-13 (KJV)
And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, [11] When all Israel is come to appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. [12] Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: [13] And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the Lord your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.
Nehemiah kept this Feast of Booths, along with all those who returned after the captivity- and they followed the commands as we see:
Neh. 8:13-18 (KJV)
And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law. [14] And they found written in the law which the Lord had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month: [15] And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.
[16] So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim. [17] And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness. [18] Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.
And you’ll remember from past discussions – and I’ll just note really quick in passing here - the full meaning of this word:
"Dwell in" yashab, Hebrew 3427, Strong’s yaw-shab'; a primitive root; properly to sit down (specifically as judge, in ambush, in quiet); by implication to dwell, to remain; causative to settle, to marry
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We’ve studied several times, how it is that we are enduring the same trials in the wilderness as the Children of Israel – wandering, as strangers in a wilderness, being tested and tried by God to know our hearts??? To know if we will obey Him…and how Paul tells us to learn from their example of failure – how we are not to crave evil things as they did, nor be fornicators, nor grumble, nor put the LORD to the test…
While in our earthly tabernacle (as we’re about to see), we are to be learning God’s ways and making them our life- a life that will be lived in eternity with God in His Kingdom-- which is the Promised Land for us- "The Heavenly Jerusalem".
We are shown by God, through His Apostles, that our fleshly bodies are a "temporary dwelling place"…
Peter and Paul both refer to this life and body as such:
2 Peter 1:13-15 (NASB)
And I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, [14] knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. [15] And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you may be able to call these things to mind.
The KJV uses the Proper word in this text…The Literal meaning of the word used here is ‘Tabernacle’ – as the KJV reads it:
2 Peter 1:13-15 (KJV)
Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; [14] Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. [15] Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
(NASB) skenoma, Greek 4638
skenoma; from Greek 4637 (skenoo); a tent :- dwelling(2), dwelling place(1).
(Strong’s) skenoma, Greek 4638 skay'-no-mah; from Greek 4637 (skenoo); an encampment, i.e. (figurative) the Temple (as God's residence), the body (as a tenement for the soul) KJV Usage:- tabernacle.
1) a tent, a tabernacle
a) of the temple as God's habitation
b) of the tabernacle of the covenant
c) metaph. of the human body as the dwelling of the soul
We don’t need definitions to prove out what Peter and Paul are talking about...as we’re about to see, these things are clearly revealed in the scriptures...[2 Peter 1:13-13]…
Paul also talks about our bodies as a temporary dwelling place…
2 Cor. 4:16-5:1 (KJV)
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. [17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; [18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
[5:1] For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Notice here – Paul says that our "Earthly Tent" is our "Temporary House" right now...and mentions how we are looking for a better House to come:
:2-10 (KJV)
For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: [3] If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. [4] For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. [5] Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. [6] Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: [7] (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) [8] We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. [9] Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. [10] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
The Feast of Booths is a time to remind us of this fact – this physical dwelling is ONLY "temporary"…
So are any of the trials and the hardships we may be put through to try and test and purify…
It's all "temporary", but it has great reward in the end, if we endure and overcome…
Remember also, what the scriptures show us about our body...as well as being the "temporary dwelling place"-- the earthly body is also the "Temple" of the Spirit of Christ for all those who are IN HIM...
1 Cor. 3:16-17 (NASB)
Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? [17] If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.
And, it is the same for this temple (our body-our manner of life in Christ) as it was back when The LORD (JeHoVah 'Elohiym) commanded Moses:
Exodus 25:8-9 (KJV)
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
Take special note of this scripture here:
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
[9] According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle…
"Let them make me a sanctuary"…
Christ Jesus is working with us to do just this in our lives- our body as the Temple of God in which His Spirit dwells… He is working to build our bodies– our lives– as a sanctuary (dwelling place) for Righteousness One…
The Sanctuary is the Tabernacle that is made...of which was said:
Exodus 26:30 (NASB)
"Then you shall erect the tabernacle according to its plan which you have been shown in the mountain.
Note that this Tabernacle in the Wilderness (which God said it was to be a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them) --- in which the LORD God of Israel DID in Fact dwell, in the cloud of thick darkness --- it represents something for all who are in Christ now...
It was this same Tabernacle in the Wilderness, which was transformed into the "glorious Temple" of Solomon in the Old Covenant...
2 Samuel 7:5-17 (KJV)
Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the Lord, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in? [6] Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. [7] In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar? [8] Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: [9] And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. [10] Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, [11] And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the Lord telleth thee that he will make thee an house.
[12] And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. [13] He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. [14] I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: [15] But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. [16] And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. [17] According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.
1 Kings 8:18-19 (KJV)
And the Lord said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart. [19] Nevertheless thou shalt not build the house; but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house unto my name.
Just as the Tabernacle in the Wilderness was a "temporary tabernacle"(or "tent")- until The Temple was built in Jerusalem by Solomon (the son of "Peace"- Solomon means "peaceful")– when the Tabernacle in the wilderness became the Temple of God...
So it is now for those in Christ…the Temple that Solomon built was "built with human hands", and it was destroyed by "human hands"--- and has not existed again since Christ’s Covenant entered with mankind...
We read what Paul said - that our body has become that "Temple" (or a "Sanctuary") of God…
The point I’m coming to is that ---- our earthly body right now is very much like that Temporary Tabernacle in the Wilderness, in which The LORD dwells right now...and it will remain just that– until, the time our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ (the "root of Jesse", of the lineage of David – "The Branch"- "King Of Salem, that is King of Peace") returns to establish God’s True Glorified Temple:
Zech. 6:12-13 (KJV)
And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord: [13] Even he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
Psalm 102:16 (KJV)
When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.
John 14:1-4 (NASB)
"Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. [2] "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. [3] "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. [4] "And you know the way where I am going."
This is that same "promise" from God (for ALL Those who will "ABIDE In Him") as has been all along...
It was The Promise to Abraham, as much as it was to David, to Solomon, even to Jeroboam, when the Kingdom was divided and ten tribes were given to Him by the LORD, we see the SAME Promise offered- IF we will abide in Him, is always the stipulation
1 Kings 11:29-38 (KJV)
And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field: [30] And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him, and rent it in twelve pieces: [31] And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee: [32] (But he shall have one tribe for my servant David's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:) [33] Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father. [34] Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant's sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes: [35] But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it unto thee, even ten tribes. [36] And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there. [37] And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel. [38] And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.
This [in verse 38], is the Promise of God for all who will Abide in Him...
He will build them a sure house (the promise from Christ – He has gone to prepare us a place in that House)...
Turn over to what we read on Atonement -- in:
Hebrews 9:1-12 (KJV)
Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. [2] For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. [3] And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; [4] Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; [5] And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. [6] Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. [7] But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: [8] The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: [9] Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; [10] Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. [11] But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; [12] Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us…
:18-28 (KJV)
Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. [19] For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, [20] Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. [21] Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. [22] And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. [23] It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. [24] For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: [25] Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; [26] For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. [27] And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: [28] So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Remember – Christ said – I go to prepare a place for you...He prepared that place through this very act of "the sprinkling of His Blood"...
1 Peter 1:1-13 (NASB)
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen [2] according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure.
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, [5] who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, [7] that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; [8] and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, [9] obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. [10] As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful search and inquiry, [11] seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. [12] It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven-- things into which angels long to look.
[13] Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 9:22-28 (NASB)
And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
[23] Therefore it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be cleansed with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. [24] For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; [25] nor was it that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the holy place year by year with blood not his own. [26] Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. [27] And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, [28] so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.
Hebrews 10:19-22 (NASB)
Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, [20] by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, [21] and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22] let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 12:22-24 (NASB)
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, [23] to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, [24] and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.
Rev. 1:4-6 (NASB)
John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne; [5] and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us, and released us from our sins by His blood…
As for our part in all of this--- it is just was for the Priests in the Old Covenant, who’s responsibility it was to keep the Tabernacle/then the Temple Pure in a Proper Service before God… So it is for all who are IN Christ, now – serving as "Priests to our God" through HIM-- as shown in:
Rev. 1:5-6 (NASB)
…and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us, and released us from our sins by His blood, [6] and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father; to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
----- we are responsible (As the Priests that serve in ‘This (the body) Temple of God’) to keep it "cleansed", to keep it from "defilement"- "pure", to "sanctify" It before Him in "Sincere Faith and Love"–
1 Cor. 3:17-4:2 (NASB)
If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.
1 Peter 1:14-19 (NASB)
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, [15] but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; [16] because it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." [17] And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each man's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon earth; [18] knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, [19] but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.
[18] Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become foolish that he may become wise. [19] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, "He is the one who catches the wise in their craftiness"; [20] and again, "The Lord knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are useless." [21] So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, [22] whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, [23] and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God.
[4:1] Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. [2] In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.
Remember what’s said here: "as stewards of the mysteries of God"-- it is required to be found Trustworthy......The command is to "Abide in Him"...
2 Tim. 2:15-26 (NASB)
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. [16] But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, [17] and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, [18] men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and thus they upset the faith of some. [19] Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness." [20] Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. [21] Therefore, if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. [22] Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. [23] But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. [24] And the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, [25] with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, [26] and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
The only way to Abide In Him, is through that Cleansing of the Temple, by "The Power" which He supplies- [Luke 24:49 (NASB) "And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." ]
- POWER, which only comes through THE ONE True Faith in His Name{remember – there is only "one faith, one baptism" one way into the Kingdom [John 10:1])
This Cleansing of The Temple comes through a sincere Love for God- which is shown to include 'Fear' and 'Reverence'
Hebrews 12:28-29 (NASB)
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; [29] for our God is a consuming fire.
2 Cor. 7:1 (NASB)
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
----In a sincere and pure heart that is humble and contrite (as King David showed us by example)…we’re not going to overcome through any form of man’s "knowledge" (so-called "logic").
True and Sincere Faith works many things-
"Endurance"…as we've studied, our Faith causes us to Cleanse The Temple, it Endures the trials and hardships…
How ?
By following and adhering to the path given by God in His Word…
It does require TRUE (sincere) FAITH in us to achieve this- as we’ve studied– the faith that will work the "righteousness" according to God’s Ways, and not 'our own viewpoints'...
Hebrews 10:35-38 (KJV)
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
[36] For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. [37] For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. [38] Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
And Remember what Paul tells us that Our purpose is –
2 Cor. 5:6-7:1 (KJV)
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: [7] (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) [8] We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. [9] Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. [10] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
[11] Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. [12] For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. [13] For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. [14] For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: [15] And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. [16] Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. [17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [18] And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. [20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
- Note here what an Ambassador’s duty is…
He is to ONLY represent his Leader in how he presents himself to those of the nation he is employed as ambassador to…
Remember, we are not of this world ------ we’re waiting for the city that is to come…and while waiting, we are to be representing Christ in all that we do now here in this place…this is what we are supposed to be striving to accomplish……So – we can see that we are to be ambassadors as well – representing Christ on this earth.
[21] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
[6:1] We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. [2] (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) [3] Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: [4] But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, [5] In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; [6] By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, [7] By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, [8] By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; [9] As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; [10] As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
[11] O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. [12] Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
These people were being kept from coming to maturity because their own wants and desires were "restraining" them...as Paul said elsewhere – the sin that so easily entangles...notice how the NASB reads here:
6:12 (NASB)
You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections.
[13] Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged. [14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? [15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? [16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
[7:1] Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Doing this---- So that, at His return, which The Feast of Trumpets symbolizes for us (that Last Trump and the return of Christ) – so, that at that time, we will not find ourselves "shrinking back from Him in shame" because of how we are living…because we fulfilled our Priestly duties, in keeping the Temple of God pure and holy in an Acceptable Service before God…
Now-- if Trumpets is symbolic of the return of Christ, and the 8th Day (the Last Feast Day, the "Great Day") is symbolic of the day when all is accomplished, and God the Father is All in all…
Then, these days of the Feast of Tabernacles SHOULD definitely be symbolic of a time of great rejoicing in Christ as the King…of the Millenium and Christ’s rule on Earth --- the time when will be fulfilled what all creation is groaning for…
Romans 8:1-27 (KJV)
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. [3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: [4] That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [5] For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. [6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. [7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. [8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. [9] 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. [10] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] 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.
[12] Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. [13] For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. [14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. [15] For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. [16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: [17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
[18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. [19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. [20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. [24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? [25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. [26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. [27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Endurance is produced through Hope – which comes through the Faith that looks ahead to the unseen- a Promised Reward to come… That, at that day, God will be the fufill what He has Promised as the rewarder of all those who diligently seek Him…
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
The Promise of what is to come at that time…
On the Feast of Trumpets we went over Christ 2nd appearance in Glory at the sounding of the 7th Trump…
Now, let’s read a few scriptures concerning what is to come about at that moment:
Zech. 14:4-21 (KJV)
And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. [5] And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. [6] And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: [7] But it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light. [8] And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. [9] And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one. [10] All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses. [11] And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.
[12] And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. [13] And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the Lord shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour. [14] And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance. [15] And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.
[16] And it shall come to pass, that every one 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. [17] And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. [18] And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the Lord will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. [19] This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
[20] In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the Lord's house shall be like the bowls before the altar. [21] Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the Lord of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts.
Rev. 19:6-20:6 (KJV)
And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. [7] Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. [8] And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. [9] And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. [10] And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. [11] And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. [12] His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. [13] And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. [14] And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. [15] And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. [16] And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
[17] And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; [18] That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
After His Return – there will be some who will STILL not accept His Ruling over them…as we’re shown here in the next few verses:
[19] And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. [20] And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
[21] And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
He will judge the people by the sword of his mouth – and they will die because they refuse His rule…
[20:1] And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. [2] And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, [3] 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. [4] And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment 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. [5] But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. [6] Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
And this is why we’re to be rejoicing during Tabernacles-- because we have been made partakers of that First Resurrection (as long as we hold firm to the Faith and Obedience In Christ to the end)...we’re looking forward to being part of this in Revelation (taking part in the 1st Resurrection and ruling with Christ)…It marks an End to all the Trials, an end to all the Tribulations…It marks the Entering Into the "REST" in the eternal Inheritance of the Israel of God, that we discussed the other week…
Granted – there is still the release of Satan, and the final battle, and then the picture of the Burning up of all of the elements……but as it said in verse 6:
Blessed and holy is THE ONE WHO HAS A PART IN THE FIRST RESURRECTION; OVER THESE THE SECOND DEATH HAS NO POWER".
I’m going to finish up today with a few relevant Old Testament Scriptures:
Psalm 96:1-13 (KJV)
O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. [2] Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. [3] Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. [4] For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. [5] For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens. [6] Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. [7] Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. [8] Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. [9] O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. [10] Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. [11] Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. [12] Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice [13] Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
Isaiah 11:1-16 (KJV)
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: [2] And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; [3] And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: [4] But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. [5] And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. [6] The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. [7] And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. [8] And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. [9] They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
[10] And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. [11] And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. [12] And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. [13] The envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim. [14] But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them. [15] And the Lord shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dryshod. [16] And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.
Isaiah 2:2-5 (KJV)
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. [3] 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. [4] And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [5] O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.