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The Eighth Day (2019)
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Eight Day (or Last Great Day) has little written about it, but the patterns of Scripture reveal much about the abundance of this holy day.
Lessons From the Eighth Day
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe Eighth Day holds a significant place among God's holy days, as it is a day He commands us to keep holy and to hold a sacred assembly. On the Eighth Day, as described in Leviticus 23:36, there shall be a holy convocation and an offering made by fire to the Lord, with no customary work to be done. This day, following the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles, is distinct yet connected, marked as a Sabbath rest in Leviticus 23:39. Unlike the preceding seven days, rejoicing and dwelling in booths are not specifically commanded for the Eighth Day, indicating a shift in focus. The Eighth Day is characterized by a sacred assembly, a term derived from the Hebrew word "atsarett," which conveys ideas of stopping, restraining, closing, and retaining. This solemn assembly, as noted in Leviticus 23:36, emphasizes reflection and retention of the lessons from the previous seven days, distinguishing it from regular holy convocations with a greater sense of solemnity. The reduced number of sacrifices on this day, as compared to the daily offerings during Tabernacles, further highlights its unique nature. Biblically, the number eight signifies abundance and overabundance, representing something beyond the perfection of seven, often indicating a new beginning or regeneration. This concept is reflected in various scriptural patterns where seven days of preparation or setting apart are followed by an Eighth Day of dedication or renewal. For instance, in Genesis 17:12, circumcision on the eighth day marks a new life under God's covenant with Abraham, symbolizing abundance and a fresh start. Similarly, in laws concerning the firstborn of oxen and sheep, lepers, and Nazarites, the Eighth Day is a time when what belongs to God is dedicated to Him, often after seven days of preparation. In the consecration of the priesthood, as detailed in Leviticus 8 and 9, seven days of preparation culminate on the Eighth Day with the appearance of God's glory, signifying acceptance and superabundance. This pattern echoes in the Feast of Tabernacles, where the Eighth Day serves as a culmination, a time to offer to God not just sacrifices but also His people, dedicated to Him. This day reminds us to reflect on what has been produced in us during the preceding seven days and to go forth with renewed strength, rededicated to serve Him as a consecrated priesthood.
An Abundant Spiritual Offering
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe number eight signifies a new start with abundance abundance following a period of time (a week, seven years, or a millennium) of preparatory activity.
Choosing the New Man (Part Two)
Article by Charles WhitakerThe spiritual new man is one who is reconciled to God and has chosen to collaborate with Him in creating a totally new mind—one just like Christ's!
The Blind See
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe man born blind from birth depicts the hopeless spiritual blindness of most of the earth. Only Jesus can release the world from spiritual blindness.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe New Covenant was designed by God to circumcise the heart, making it possible for God's laws to be written in our hearts and reflected in our behavior.
The Law of the Firstborn
Article by StaffIt is an unusual fact that the subjects of God's spring holy days and firstborns appear in the same contexts. Here is what this means to us.
The Covenant of Circumcision
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughCircumcision was the sign God gave Abraham indicating that his descendants would ascend to greatness, acquiring physical and spiritual blessings.
The Second Resurrection and Union With Christ
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are going to have to find ways to make God's way appealing to people of alien cultures, gently bringing them to a tipping point.