Seven annual holy days, like the weekly Sabbath, were ordained by God and commanded to be observed as holy convocations by His people. Both His covenant people Israel and the New Testament Israel of God, the church, observed them. Jesus and His apostles kept them, and they are prophesied to be kept after Christ's return. The holy days are Sabbaths but may fall on any day of the week. If one falls on the weekly Sabbath, the holy day takes precedence. Each festival has special meaning, depicting an important step in God's plan for man, and the teaching on that day centers on its meaning to God's purpose. The festivals and holy days are Passover, a festival but not a holy day; the seven Days of Unleavened Bread, with the first and last being holy days; Pentecost; Trumpets; Atonement; the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles, with the first being a holy day; and the Last Great Day.
Scripture References:
Exodus 12:1-17; 23:14-17; Leviticus 23:4-44; Matthew 26:17-18; John 7:1-39; 13:1-17; Acts 2:1; 18:21; 20:16; I Corinthians 5:7-8; 16:8; Ezekiel 45:17-25; Zechariah 14:16-19
From the Library: Holy Days
Does Paul Condemn Observing God's Holy Days?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennThrough the centuries, many arguments have been devised to dismiss the observance of God's holy days, despite their clear designation as holy to Him in His law. Some claim that certain New Testament scriptures, such as Galatians 4:9-10, negate the need for Christians to keep these days. In this passage, Paul expresses …
Are God's Holy Days To Be Kept Today?
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsGod's annual holy days are of vital importance, revealing a broad spectrum of understanding of His truth. People who do not keep these holy feasts remain in ignorance and confusion about His plan of salvation for mankind. These feasts, detailed in Exodus 12 and Leviticus 23, include Passover, the Days of Unleavened Bread, …
Are the Sabbath and Holy Days Done Away?
'Ready Answer' by Earl L. HennFor centuries, people have sought to argue that Christians are not required to observe the Sabbath and holy days. In Colossians 2:16-17, Paul addresses this issue, urging the Colossians not to let anyone judge them regarding what they eat or drink, or in respect to the Sabbath and holy days. He emphasizes that these days are …
Holy Days: Pentecost
Bible Study by Earl L. HennAs we explore the significance of God's holy days, a clear pattern emerges, revealing truths hidden from most of the world. God established His holy days around the two major harvests of the year, a smaller one in the spring and a larger one in the fall, typifying two spiritual harvests. Pentecost, occurring in late spring, …
The Spring Holy Days
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWe need to probe into the deeper meaning of the Spring holy days more than we have previously because God's wisdom is unsearchable.
'After Three Days'
Booklet by Richard T. RitenbaughThe holy days, as outlined in God's instructions, hold significant meaning within the framework of His plan. God Himself provided guidance on the use of the preparation day to the Israelites before they reached Mount Sinai, emphasizing its importance. The Jews later ensured that each of the holy days, which are also Sabbaths, …
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Six): The Eighth Day
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe holy days, as presented in this sermon series on Jesus in the Feasts, serve a primary purpose of pointing us to Christ in His various roles and offices. In the Passover, He is our Passover. In Unleavened Bread, He is our bread of life. In Pentecost, He is our firstfruit. In Trumpets, He is our divine King who is present. In …
Appointments
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaHoly days, as God's appointed times, hold significant importance as outlined in both the Old and New Testaments. These days, referred to as feasts or "moed" in Hebrew, meaning appointments, are proclaimed as holy convocations by the Lord in Leviticus 23:2, where He declares them as His feasts. They commemorate significant events …
For more resources, please see the library topic for Holy Days