The Torah to Revelation: The Mystery

[Michael37]

Relevant to the thread title:

The Bible Wheel Story

[revvel]

Michael: Thank you for that. I need to look into that book. I appreciate your love for the Old and New Testaments.

I was thinking… before posting the glory of God’s marriage template in The Torah, I thought it appropriate to see the glorious continuity between the two testaments given to Paul by Christ.

Through the lens of the Old Testament, and by the mystery once hidden within it (what it foreshadowed), we see what God wrought: a plan that fooled the princes of spiritual darkness—and Christ revealed this in particular in 1 Corinthians.

THE MYSTERY: THE HOLY DAYS

To the apostle Paul, Christ revealed why God had hidden a mystery:

[W]e speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age knew it. For had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Cor. 2:7, 8)

And the question that should be addressed—and frankly should be addressed by every pastor, every priest, every theologian, and every believer—is this: What is the mystery of God that Christ revealed to Paul in this letter, First Corinthians?

Fast forward to Chapter 15. Paul wrote:

Lo! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead [in Christ] will be raised imperishable, and we [alive in Christ] shall be changed. For this perishable nature must put on the imperishable, and this mortal nature must put on immortality. (1 Cor. 15:51–53)

By referencing “the last trumpet,” Paul referenced the foundation of the mystery: the Law of Moses. How? The context. In his letter, Paul referenced God’s blueprint for our salvation and glorification—the first five holy days:  

Passover

For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. (1 Cor. 5:7)

The mystery hidden in the holy day of Passover (The Torah) is that the Lamb of God would fulfill the Law—and be sacrificed on Passover, and become the perfect sacrifice for sin, ultimately yielding, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” If Satan understood this, he never would have instigated the Crucifixion.

Here's the punch line: If we can see this mystery once hidden in Passover, then we can see the mystery in the rest of the holy days that follow in Paul’s letter.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread

For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Cor. 11:26)

Jesus in the burial tomb. Jesus is the bread of life.

The Feast of First Fruits

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Cor. 15:20–23)

Jesus was resurrected on the Feast of Firstfruits. This feast always fell on the first day of the week (Sunday) during the 7-day Feast of Unleavened Bread. Thus, this feast foreshadowed the Resurrection—on a Sunday.

The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)

For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. (1 Cor. 12:13) 

Christ baptized His disciples with the Holy Spirit on the Feast of Weeks—a pilgrimage feast. And this is why 1000s of Old Testament believers descended upon Jerusalem to worship. 

The Feast of Weeks is 50 days after the Feast of Firstfruits. Both feasts always fell on a Sunday. Thus, every year when we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate the mystery once hidden in the Feast of Firstfruits, and when we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the mystery once hidden in the Feast of Weeks. “Pentecost” literally means, “count 50.”

If we can understand the mystery in the first four holy days (the spring holy days), then we can understand the mystery in the fall holy days—beginning with the Feast of Trumpets, which Paul revealed. 

The Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah)

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. (1 Cor. 15:51-55)

It’s the mystery in the Law—revealed. And God must follow His own Law.

Our Bridegroom will return for us, His Bride, when the Father sounds the last trumpet.

The parallel to the marriage template from Mount Sinai is stunning! Marriage template next.

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let him who hears say, “Come.” (Rev. 22:17)

Peace. 

revvel

[WilliamL]

1 hour ago, revvel said:

The Feast of First Fruits

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Cor. 15:20–23)

Jesus was resurrected on the Feast of Firstfruits. This feast always fell on the first day of the week (Sunday) during the 7-day Feast of Unleavened Bread. Thus, this feast foreshadowed the Resurrection—on a Sunday.

This "firstfruits" ceremony was not one of the seven sacred feast days. It was a wave offering of the first green ears of the barley harvest. Lev. 23:10-14 But it was not a "a holy convocation."

[revvel]

Thank you, William, for joining this thread, and for your thoughtful input. I respect your position on the Torah. Your post prompted a most important thought: 

It is by the authority of Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul that we as Christ’s Bride can refer to the annual “feasts of the Lord” (Lev. 23:2) as “holy days.” In essence, we see the Old Testament through the lens of the mystery (revealed by Christ). 

God’s Appointed Times: Annual, Monthly & Weekly 

Regarding God’s appointed times, Christ revealed 3 categories: annual, monthly, and weekly. He identified them in His revelation of the mystery to Paul. Paul said:

[R]eceive all the riches and assurance of full understanding, and knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ…. Therefore let no one judge you regarding food, or drink, or in respect of a holy day [annual feasts/appointed times] or new moon [monthly appointed times] or sabbath days [weekly appointed times]. These are shadows of things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. (Col. 2:2,16, 17) 

God’s appointed times are “shadows” because they contained a mystery: these appointed times foreshadowed significant events of the first and second revelation of Christ. And Christ is the One who categorized the annual feasts as “holy day(s).” 

Feasts of the Lord: Moeds 

The Hebrew word for “feast” is “moed” which means, “a signal” (for the) “appointed time”; “appointed beforehand” (by God) (for) a “solemn feast.” Each feast is solemn. 

Combining the revelation of the mystery given in Colossians and 1 Corinthians, we see what we need to know: The Feast of Firstfruits foreshadowed the most pivotal moment in human history, the Resurrection of God’s Son. If needed, we can agree to disagree. Let us leave it at that. What we call that feast doesn’t change the mystery our God had hidden in that feast. And this thread is about the mystery.

Feast of First Fruits: The Mystery, Resurrection Sunday 

William: Your post was a catalyst for thought. There is yet another dramatic dimension to the mystery once hidden in this holy day. 

[W]e speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age knew it. For had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Cor. 2:7, 8) 

On the Feast of Firstfruits, Jesus said to Mary: 

Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17)

There are thought-provoking questions that we can ponder. 

1.       Why did Jesus say, “Touch me not” to Mary, and what relation does it have with the Feast of Firstfruits?

2.    Where in Scripture did Christ reveal the answer, and what does it reveal us, His Bride about us and our Bridegroom?

3.      Why—after telling Mary not to touch Him—was Jesus able tell Thomas to feel His wounds?

When these questions are answered, we see just how holy this holy day truly is. 

Peace. 

revvel

  

 

[WilliamL]

On 5/13/2024 at 2:55 PM, revvel said:

The Feast of Firstfruits foreshadowed the most pivotal moment in human history, the Resurrection of God’s Son.

Again, the Bible never called this date a feast day. When you claim it to be so, you are adding to the Word.

On 5/13/2024 at 2:55 PM, revvel said:

Why did Jesus say, “Touch me not” to Mary, and what relation does it have with the Feast of Firstfruits?

2.    Where in Scripture did Christ reveal the answer, and what does it reveal us, His Bride about us and our Bridegroom?

3.      Why—after telling Mary not to touch Him—was Jesus able tell Thomas to feel His wounds?

" Although Jesus lived a sinless life, God “made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Cor. 5:21; Is. 53:4-6 Therefore, He was unclean upon His Resurrection from the dead, and needed to immediately ascend to the Most Holy Place in heaven to become purified. This is why He said to Mary Magdalene,

" John 20:17 “Touch me not, for I have not yet ascended to my Father…”

" In contrast, the same day in the evening, after His return from “having obtained (for) Himself eternal redemption” (Heb. 9:12, above), he told His disciples, “Handle Me and see…” Luke 24:39 By that time, atonement had been made “for Himself and for His household.” Lev. 16:17, above. "

https://www.worthychristianforums.com/blogs/entry/1505-the-tabernacle-and-court-part-4-the-most-holy-place/

[revvel]

Thank you, William! Yes! On Resurrection Sunday, the Son ascended to the Father! It is the mystery, revealed.

Consider the prophecy in the Psalms: 

The Lord has sworn and will not change, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Ps. 110:4) 

Our High Priest—who entered the heavenly holy of holies—is after the order of Melchizedek (not the Levites): 

We have this hope as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, which enters the Inner Place behind the veil. This is where Jesus has entered for us as a forerunner, since He has become the everlasting High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. (Heb. 6:19, 20)

Melchizedek was both priest and king—as is our Lord. And He entered the “Inner Place” “for us.”  

Yes, the Feast of Firstfruits is truly a most holy day, for, the mystery once hidden within it foreshadowed:

1.       The Resurrection of Christ

2.      Christ ascending to the heavenly holy of holies

3.      A future resurrection (of all those who died in Christ, 1 Cor. 15:20-23)

If we can see the mystery once hidden in the Feast of Firstfruits, then we can see the mystery once hidden in the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost).

Pentecost Sunday is this Sunday.

To intro the next post…

Here’s a few questions about the Feast of Weeks—and the mystery that pertains to us, as His Bride: 

1.       Why on Pentecost did Peter quote Joel 2:28-32a?

2.      Why did he stop at 32a?

3.      What does it have to do with the mystery—and us, as His Bride? 

Peace. 

revvel

[Prycejosh1987]

I agree with the symbolism. Its totally possible that you are onto something. But i also believe you could be wrong. Why would God promote Jewish festivals as part of His judgements. But i but believe these relate to Jesus and His return and its timing. But its also possible we could of got the timing wrong. Jesus knows the bible better than anyone and everyone. 

[revvel]

Thank you Prycejosh1987 for joining this thread. You bring up a most important subject: Why “Jewish” holy days? 

1.       Let us follow the text of the Torah: The annual holy days are “feasts of the Lord” (Lev. 23:2)—not feasts of the “Jews.” Our Lord instituted the holy days. 

2.      These holy days were celebrated by the seed of Abraham, yes, but we also know what Paul revealed to us: ^“If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:29). 

3.     Paul told us these holy days contained shadows, or a mystery, foreshadowing God’s plan (Col. 2:16. 17). Paul said we are not to be judged by the Law, but he also said we are not to shred the Law because contained in the Law “are shadows [prophecies] of things to come.” And as Christ is the “substance” of the “shadows,” He will personally fulfill the prophecies.

4.      Following His Resurrection, Christ issued this prophecy:

He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms concerning Me.” (Luke 24:44)

The obvious question is: What must be fulfilled, that is “written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms” concerning Christ?

From the Book of Acts to the Book of Revelation, Christ directed His disciples to quote prophecies in “the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms” (including on Pentecost). By doing so, Christ revealed the mystery once hidden—including in the Law, the holy days.  

The mystery revealed on Pentecost is astounding! And next. 

Peace. 

revvel

[WilliamL]

On 5/16/2024 at 5:38 PM, revvel said:

Yes, the Feast of Firstfruits is truly a most holy day, for, the mystery once hidden within it foreshadowed:

1.       The Resurrection of Christ

2.      Christ ascending to the heavenly holy of holies

3.      A future resurrection (of all those who died in Christ, 1 Cor. 15:20-23)

If we can see the mystery once hidden in the Feast of Firstfruits, then we can see the mystery once hidden in the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost).

You still don't get that the Feast of Firstfruits IS the Feast of Weeks. The offering of the sheaf of firstfruits (green ears of barley) on the Sunday after the Passover was NOT a feast day. Confound the two different ceremonies, and you will not be able to understand their deeper meanings.

Leviticus 23:10 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you come into the land which I give to you, and reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. 11 ‘He shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted on your behalf; on the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it."

Leviticus 23:15 ‘And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. 16 ‘Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the LORD. ... 21 ‘And you shall proclaim on the same day that it is a holy convocation to you. You shall do no customary work on it. ... Exodus 34:22 “And you shall observe the Feast of Weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest... Numbers 26:28 ‘Also on the day of the firstfruits, when you bring a new grain offering to the LORD at your Feast of Weeks, you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work.

The Feast of Firstfruits, a.k.a. the Feast of Weeks, a.k.a. Pentecost

Exodus 24:4 And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD. … 7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of all the people. And they said, “All that the LORD has said we will do and we will hear. 8 And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it upon the people, and said, “Behold, the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you according to all these words.”

Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound out of heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind*… 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit… 1:7 And [Jesus] said to them… 8 “…when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…you shall be witnesses to Me [that is, esp. to His words]…unto the ends of the earth. *Gr. pnoēs, from the same root as pneuma.

Leviticus 23:16 “Count fifty [cf. Gr. pentēkostē: fiftieth] days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall bring a new grain offering to the LORD. 17 …two wave loaves…of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven: the firstfruits to the LORD.

All of these events took/take place on the Feast of Firstfruits, that is, Pentecost. They mark new covenants: the former with Israel, the latter with the Church.

excerpted from: https://www.worthychristianforums.com/blogs/entry/1498-the-tabernacle-and-the-court-part-3-the-holy-place/

 

[revvel]

William: I appreciate your posts. Thank you. It allows us to open yet another door to understand the mystery God had hidden in the Law.

1.       I too am aware that Hebrew authorities refer to the Feast of Weeks as “Firstfruits” (because of the “firstfruits” of this harvest). However, this Hebrew reference has no relevance to the mystery that Christ revealed to Paul in 1 Cor. 15:20-23, because the Feast of Weeks did not foreshadow the Resurrection.  

2.      The mystery revealed in 1 Corinthians 15:20 “firstfruits” refers to Leviticus 23:10 “firstfruits” [Hebrew: “Reshyth”]. Reshyth refers to “the first in place/time… in order and rank, the chief (of firstfruits), the best.” The “firstfruits” of Leviticus 23:10 is literally the “firstfruits” of the first month of the Hebrew religious calendar (Nisan/Aviv)—just as Christ was the firstfruits (from the dead) during the first month of the Hebrew religious calendar. 

3.      1 Corinthians 15:20 “firstfruits” is not Leviticus 23:20: “firstfruits” [Hebrew: “Bikkurim”]. Bikkurim refers to what is “first.” This “firstfruits” (of the wheat harvest: Exod. 34:22) is the Feast of Weeks—which foreshadowed the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 

4.      William: Let us understand the mystery once hidden Leviticus. God had hidden the mystery of the Resurrection—Christ the Chief among Firstfruits—not in Bikkurim, but Reshyth! This holy day of “firstfruits” (Lev. 23:10) may have appeared as (relatively) insignificant, but in the eyes of God, Reshyth (“firstfruits”) would ultimately change the course of human history. Is it any wonder that Christ refers to this annual appointed time as a “holy day”?! (Col. 2:16, 17).  

5.      Reshyth (Lev. 23:10/firstfruits) was a literal harvest, with a literal sacrificial offering, and yes, the Hebrews ate the harvest (aka feast, after the offering of firstfruits was made). It is the first—the “chief”—of the “firstfruits.” 

If Jesus Christ called this annual appointed time a “holy day,” then it is a “solemn feast,” and therefore, by the authority of Jesus Christ, and the through the lens of the mystery, we as His Bride have every divine right to call “Reshyth” (“firstfruits”) of Lev. 23:10 the Feast of Firstfruits. It is singularly unique among the firstfruits harvests. 

6.      Finally, regarding the Feast of Weeks, I use the same terminology as Moses: “the Feast of Weeks” (Deut. 16:10).

William, with all proper respect: To refer to the Feast of Weeks as the Feast of Firstfruits is to echo Hebrew tradition—which is completely irrelevant to the mystery of God/the Resurrection, and frankly, causes needless confusion regarding the mystery that God had hidden in “Reshyth” —and the mystery Christ revealed to Paul.

Next: The mystery once hidden in the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Trumpets: The creation and glorification of us, the Bride of Christ. 

Peace. 

revvel

Edited May 27, 2024 by revvel