What Are The Sabbaths In Colossians 2:16, 17 Shadows Of?

[Martinman]

"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]:
Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ."
Colossians 2:16, 17.

In this discussion I would particularly like to focus the attention--not on the holy day, not on the new moon, but only on the Sabbaths. All of the list of different portions of the old covenant named in the verse above, were "shadows" of some reality within the New Covenant system.

Please notice that these "shadow" Sabbaths were not necessarily feast days, they were dispersed among the feast days. There are 8 of these "shadow" Sabbaths listed to fall between Passover and Pentecost. The day after the Passover is specified as the first one of the eight. The second one appears the day after the 7th day of Unleavened Bread. It was the first "shadow" Sabbath of the seven "shadow" Sabbath count to the day before the Day of Pentecost.

What were these "shadow" Sabbaths shadows of? What did they represent? It is common knowledge that a shadow does not make a shadow. It must be caused by something of substance. For example, a pencil will make a shadow of a pencil--not of any other item.

I would appreciate any comments or discussion.

 

[TrustAndObey]

"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]:
Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ."
Colossians 2:16, 17.

In this discussion I would particularly like to focus the attention--not on the holy day, not on the new moon, but only on the Sabbaths. All of the list of different portions of the old covenant named in the verse above, were "shadows" of some reality within the New Covenant system.

Hi Martinman,

I am not sure that I understand your statement entirely, but I’ll try my best to answer you. Let’s start by taking out the word “were” because that is not what Paul said. Paul said that those things ARE (“esti”……present tense in Paul’s time, after Christ’s birth, death, resurrection and ascension) a shadow of things to come.

Keep in mind that when Paul wrote this, Christ had already come….so the things listed were not shadows of Christ’s first coming, obviously. They remain shadows now, after Christ, just exactly like when Paul made the statement. The New Covenant had already began, yet Paul said those were things that shadowed something to come.

Please notice that these "shadow" Sabbaths were not necessarily feast days, they were dispersed among the feast days. There are 8 of these "shadow" Sabbaths listed to fall between Passover and Pentecost. The day after the Passover is specified as the first one of the eight. The second one appears the day after the 7th day of Unleavened Bread. It was the first "shadow" Sabbath of the seven "shadow" Sabbath count to the day before the Day of Pentecost.

What were these "shadow" Sabbaths shadows of? What did they represent? It is common knowledge that a shadow does not make a shadow. It must be caused by something of substance. For example, a pencil will make a shadow of a pencil--not of any other item.

I would appreciate any comments or discussion.

They are a shadow of something to come, just like Paul said, after Christ’s first coming. The shadow could not have been cast by Christ since He had already been here when Paul made the statement.

My guess is that they’re a shadow of the second coming, like sacrifices were a shadow of Christ’s first coming.

If the inference is that they were done away with, then so was food and drink, and we know that's not true since we still need those things.

The verses are about not letting man judge you in those matters, but they say nothing at all about God not judging us for them.

Hope that helps!

 

[Martinman]

Hi Martinman,

I am not sure that I understand your statement entirely, but I’ll try my best to answer you. Let’s start by taking out the word “were” because that is not what Paul said. Paul said that those things ARE (“esti”……present tense in Paul’s time, after Christ’s birth, death, resurrection and ascension) a shadow of things to come.

Thank you very much for responding. I would agree that Paul uses the
present tense "are". Please consider this. Actually the same could be said at any time--before Christ's first advent or after it--as Paul is listing components of the Old Covenant system and then making a blanket statement that "they are shadows of things to come" which would include all of the marvelous plan of salvation which God had given to Moses in such detail, as illustrated in the spring types, the fall types, the Sabbatical year, and the Jubile year.
The components he lists are from both the first advent types as well as the second advent types. He is not differentiating between first advent types or second advent types.

Inspiration points us to the only One who could interpret the meaning of the whole earthly sanctuary system -- the old covenant that ended when the veil separating the Holy place from the Most Holy place was torn from the top to the bottom by an unseen hand.

"The true Interpreter must come. The One whom all these types prefigured must explain their significance." {DA 33.2}

"These types were fulfilled, not only as to the event, but as to the time... In like manner, the types which relate to the second advent must be fulfilled at the time pointed out in the symbolic service." GC 399, 400

In context, the first part of this statement is speaking of the first advent types, which have already been fulfilled to give us the true interpretation
to the WHOLE system of types and shadows. Then the statement continues and emphasizes the fact that "in like manner" the types which have not met a fulfillment or a complete fulfillment yet, MUST fulfill "at the time pointed out in the symbolic service."

The actual time when the ritual observances were done in the old covenant is the precise time when the events in the new covenant have
been and will be fulfilled.

"For if the ministration of condemnation [be] glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
"For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
"For if that which is done away [was] glorious, much more that which remaineth [is] glorious." 2 Corinthians 3:9, 10, 11.

To understand the "shadow" Sabbaths dispersed within the feast days, I have found a literal translation of the Bible to be the best, like the King James Version of the Bible or Young's Literal translation.

 

[lordworshipper]

With regards to the new moon mentioned, that's what the hebrew calendar is based on, and when you don't have a calendar, and are dirt poor in the first century CE, the moon was your calendar and how you determined when Sabbath was. Also, most christians (and nearly everyone for that matter, regardless of faith) was illiterate, so reading a calendar wasn't an option.

Other than that, I am not really sure.

 

[Martinman]

With regards to the new moon mentioned, that's what the hebrew calendar is based on, and when you don't have a calendar, and are dirt poor in the first century CE, the moon was your calendar and how you determined when Sabbath was. Also, most christians (and nearly everyone for that matter, regardless of faith) was illiterate, so reading a calendar wasn't an option.

Other than that, I am not really sure.

Right, the sacred year calendar given by God to Moses for the Hebrews was made up of 7 months, each month beginning with the new moon. The first month of the year coincided with the time of the barley harvest.

"...the first month of the Jewish year, corresponding to the last of March and the beginning of April." PP 537.

All of the annual feast days and "shadow" Sabbaths from Leviticus 23 were scheduled to occur within these 7 months. After the seventh month, there were several more months to complete the year and to maintain the 7 months of the sacred year in syn with the seasons.

Without visual calendars, the Hebrews were able to count the days from the new moon to the day designated for each of the feast days including the days designated as "shadow" Sabbaths.

"Beside the sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings,... on the first day [shall be] a sabbath, and on the eighth day [shall be] a sabbath." Leviticus 23: 38, 39.

The 7th-day Sabbath, however, was scheduled entirely by the sun, from sunset to sunset the days were numbered.

There is a very interesting phenomona that applies to all the feast days and that is--whenever the new moon that regulates the annual feast days coincides with the 7th-day Sabbaths then all the "shadow" Sabbaths that are governed by that new moon, also fall on 7th-day Sabbaths. There are 8 "shadow" Sabbath dispersed among the spring festivals and 4 dispersed among the fall festivals, making a total of 12 (using the King James Version of the Bible). It first appears that only 11 of them could coincide with 7th-day Sabbaths, but a closer and a deeper examination
clearly shows that all 12 of them precisely align with 7th-day Sabbaths within a particular setting. (This will be explained in depth later).

When our Messiah fulfilled the festivals relating to His first advent, the new moon of the first month and ALL 8 of the "shadow" Sabbaths within the spring feast days, coincided with 7th-day Sabbaths. He is the True Interpreter. His interpretation is the only valid one that we can consider.

 

[SoldierOfTheKing]

They are shadows of the coming Kingdom of God.

 

[TrustAndObey]

Martinman, I'm trying to keep up, but I think you're saying that Christ fulfilled the 8 spring "shadow" Sabbaths...right? But do you feel He fulfilled the fall festivals/sabbaths?

I'm just curious if you do feel He fulfilled those feasts/sabbaths, and how? (I'm asking specifically about the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement (Judgment), and Feast of Tabernacles).

 

[Martinman]

Martinman, I'm trying to keep up, but I think you're saying that Christ fulfilled the 8 spring "shadow" Sabbaths...right? But do you feel He fulfilled the fall festivals/sabbaths?

I'm just curious if you do feel He fulfilled those feasts/sabbaths, and how? (I'm asking specifically about the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement (Judgment), and Feast of Tabernacles).

I'll have time to give the more detailed answer to your question in a day or so. All of the evidence is quite lengthy.

The short answer is YES. The Messiah fulfilled all 8 of the "shadow" Sabbaths within the literal 52-day setting of the spring festivals from the Passover to the Day of Pentecost in 31 C.E.

Please note that all of the spring festivals were not specified as "shadow" Sabbaths. The Messiah fulfilled each festival on the exact day of the week that was prophesied in the symbolic service.

Regarding the fall festivals--the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, the first day and the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles, all are "shadow" Sabbaths and they have not yet had a fulfillment in their literal 22-day setting in relation to the second advent. In other words, according to inspiration they have not yet been fulfilled "In like manner" as they must be.

Referring to the spring festivals the statement says,

"These types were fulfilled, not only as to the event, but as to the time...In like manner, the types which relate to the second advent must be fulfilled at the time pointed out in the symbolic service.." Great Controversy p. 399.

 

[TrustAndObey]

I'll have time to give the more detailed answer to your question in a day or so. All of the evidence is quite lengthy.

The short answer is YES. The Messiah fulfilled all 8 of the "shadow" Sabbaths within the literal 52-day setting of the spring festivals from the Passover to the Day of Pentecost in 31 C.E.

Please note that all of the spring festivals were not specified as "shadow" Sabbaths. The Messiah fulfilled each festival on the exact day of the week that was prophesied in the symbolic service.

Regarding the fall festivals--the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, the first day and the eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles, all are "shadow" Sabbaths and they have not yet had a fulfillment in their literal 22-day setting in relation to the second advent. In other words, according to inspiration they have not yet been fulfilled "In like manner" as they must be.

Referring to the spring festivals the statement says,

"These types were fulfilled, not only as to the event, but as to the time...In like manner, the types which relate to the second advent must be fulfilled at the time pointed out in the symbolic service.." Great Controversy p. 399.

We see eye-to-eye then!

 

[Jimlarmore]

This is a good study and I appreciate the depth of research it shows but I would like to see "Martinman" also show that the ceremonial "sabbaths" are not the 7th day Sabbath of creation. He may also show why we are not to judge anyone for observing or not observing these ceremonial holy days. I would like to see this for the lurkers who may wonder by this thread.
God bless
Jim Larmore

 

[Martinman]

This is a good study and I appreciate the depth of research it shows but I would like to see "Martinman" also show that the ceremonial "sabbaths" are not the 7th day Sabbath of creation. He may also show why we are not to judge anyone for observing or not observing these ceremonial holy days. I would like to see this for the lurkers who may wonder by this thread.
God bless
Jim Larmore

The first point I would make to show that the ceremonial "Sabbath" (shadow Sabbaths) are not the 7th-day Sabbath is the fact that Lev. 23:38, 39 (KJV) mentions that there were "Sabbaths" beside the Sabbaths of the Lord:

1. "Beside the sabbaths of the LORD, ... 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." Lev. 23:38, 39 KJV.

2. The entire old covenant feast day schedule was based upon the moon cycle.

3. The 7th-day Sabbath was calculated entirely by the sun, each day being measured from sunset to sunset.

4. To enlarge upon the moon cycle, each month began with the new moon. The new moon falls on a different day of the week every month since the moon cycle is not an even 28-day cycle.

5. The special days designated as Sabbaths in Leviticus 23 (KJV) which were dispersed within the spring and fall feast days, were to be calculated from the new moon. Whichever day of the week that the new moon occurred on, then all of the "shadow" Sabbaths, scheduled from that new moon, fell on the same day of a week. For example, if the new moon occurred on a Wednesday, then the 15th day, the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread would also occur on a Wednesday as would the other 7 "shadow" Sabbaths in the count to the day just preceding the Day of Pentecost (Lev. 23:15, 16 KJV) If the new moon occurred on the 7th-day Sabbath, then the "shadow" Sabbaths would all coincide with 7th-day Sabbaths until the day just before the Day of Pentecost.

6. This principle holds true for the "shadow" Sabbaths dispersed among the spring feasts scheduled from the first new moon of the year, as well, as those "shadow" Sabbaths of the fall feasts scheduled within the 7th month.

7. Incidentally, there are exactly 12 of these annual "shadow" Sabbaths, 8 of them dispersed within the spring feasts and the remaining 4 among the fall feasts.

8. One major proof that the "shadow" (ceremonial) Sabbaths of the old covenant system were not 7th-day Sabbaths is in the fall feast days that occurred in the 7th month. The new moon which was the 1st day of this month, is specified to be a Sabbath. Also, the 10th day of this same month has the same specification of being a Sabbath. These two Sabbaths being 9 days apart present an impossibility of both being 7th-day Sabbaths in that particular month. (A deeper study of this phenomenon will show the glorious design behind it, where on the surface it appears to be confusing.)

9. Now, taking another look at Colossians 2:16,17 (KJV) it states that the holydays, new moons, and Sabbath are shadows of things to come.

For example, if I have a pencil, it will make a shadow of a pencil. It will not make a shadow of a cookie, or a dog, or a cat. The shadow of a pencil is not the pencil. Let there be no confusion. One point to remember is that a shadow cannot make another shadow of anything. It is completely impossible.

10. It is an absolute impossibility that this Sabbath could be referring to the 7th day of the week because of the interpretation that the Messiah gave to the "shadow" Sabbaths within the literal 52-days of the spring feasts, from Passover to the Day of Pentecost. The type occurred on the antitype. The "shadow" Sabbaths fell on 7th-day Sabbaths. This is what the "shadow" Sabbaths were shadows of.

 

[Martinman]

Jimlarmore,

The Sadducee method of calculating the "shadow" Sabbaths within the annual feasts was to delay the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread until the next 7th-day Sabbath after the Passover that occurred on the 14th of the month. But this creates big problems for understanding the "shadow" Sabbaths within the fall feasts. And, furthermore, the Messiah did not endorse the Sadducee method of interpretation.

The position that the Wave Sheaf offering was to be observed on the 16th of the first month, just as the Pharisees believed and taught, and just as the Messiah interpreted it when He fulfilled these feasts, is the correct position.


He fulfilled the springs feasts exactly as the Pharisees taught this doctrine. Every "shadow" Sabbath came on the 7th-day Sabbath. That is the reason why these Sabbaths were termed "high days", because the shadow fell on its reality. See John 19:31--KJV"for that Sabbath was an 'high day'". This is speaking of the Sabbath that the Messiah lay in the tomb, which was the first day of Unleavened Bread.


The Sadducees position was to celebrate the Passover on the 14th day of the first month and then wait until the next 7th-day Sabbath to continue the schedule of the spring feasts, observing the Wave Sheaf offering "on the morrow after the Sabbath, the priest shall wave it." Lev. 23:11. They viewed this "shadow" Sabbath as a literal 7th-day Sabbath every year--BUT IF THEY DREW THIS POSITION ACROSS TO THE FALL FEASTS THEY HAD A HUGE PROBLEM WITH ALL 4 SABBATHS WITHIN THE FALL FEAST DAYS--because the 1st day of the seventh month which is stated to be a "Sabbath", as was the 10th day, do not consistently fall on the 7th-day Sabbath each year. Nor is it possible that it could ever be, since the Day of Atonement is scheduled on the 10th day of the 7th month.


The Sadducees perception was only in the physical realm--only that which they could see with their physical eyes, they had no spiritual eyesight. The texts below show some of what they believed.


"The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection,.." Matthew 22:23 KJV


"Then came to [him] certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection;" Luke 20:27 KJV


"For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both..." Act 23:8 KJV





This would be the reason that the Messiah gave such positive warnings against the doctrine of the Sadducees, and demonstrated the validity of the position of the Pharisees, and admonished believers to follow the teachings of the Pharisees, yet not to do as they do, as they were hypocrites--saying one thing and doing another.


Luke 24:44-46-"KJV And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet 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. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:"


In these verses, the Messiah repeats to the disciples the subjects that He had discussed with them before His death. Now He opens their understanding so that they perceive the meaning of the old covenant system-the law of Moses-besides other Scriptures. In verse 46 He actually states, "THUS IT IS WRITTEN, AND THUS IT BEHOVED CHRIST TO SUFFER, AND TO RISE FROM THE DEAD THE THIRD DAY:'


Give this evidence serious consideration, as the schedule of the old covenant system is so prophetic in events and timing of the plan of salvation. This is very important.


We cannot understand these prophecies if we reject the Pharisaical interpretation, and, of course, most importantly, the Messiah's teaching through His fulfillment of them.

 

[Jimlarmore]

Jimlarmore,


Give this evidence serious consideration, as the schedule of the old covenant system is so prophetic in events and timing of the plan of salvation. This is very important.


We cannot understand these prophecies if we reject the Pharisaical interpretation, and, of course, most importantly, the Messiah's teaching through His fulfillment of them.

Martinman,

You've presented quite a bit to study here. From a cursory look it appears to be very indepth and complete. Thanks for this presentation of evidence, I am pleasantly surprised you took my request and responded to it. With all of that said you must be aware that the every day interested person will not go to the depth you have taken this to disprove, the "sabbaths" in Galations as the 7th day Sabbath of the Lord. They read the word "sabbath" and assume it's the 7th day Sabbath of the Lord. It's good to dig this deep into Biblical truths don't you think?

Again, thanks and
God Bless
Jim Larmore

p.s. It would also be a good idea to provide your source/s of information outside of your Biblical interpretation, just a suggestion

 

[Man-ofGod]

I understand that many people may have a different perception on the meaning of this verse. My exegesis on this verse focuses on comparing two verses.

Colossians 2:16 (King James Version)

16Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

This verse is identical to eze 45:16

Ezekiel 45:17 (King James Version)

17And it shall be the prince's part to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.

Notice the identical chronological order in comparison to col 2:16 when viewing these verses. Could Paul have been quoting this very passage? Seems highly likely to me. Notice this, at the end of eze 45:17 it states the purpose of the offerings and sabbaths, [I]to make reconciliation for the house of Israel. [/I] Similar to Paul's statement, 17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

 

[Martinman]

Martinman,

You've presented quite a bit to study here. From a cursory look it appears to be very indepth and complete. Thanks for this presentation of evidence, I am pleasantly surprised you took my request and responded to it. With all of that said you must be aware that the every day interested person will not go to the depth you have taken this to disprove, the "sabbaths" in Galations as the 7th day Sabbath of the Lord. They read the word "sabbath" and assume it's the 7th day Sabbath of the Lord. It's good to dig this deep into Biblical truths don't you think?

Again, thanks and
God Bless
Jim Larmore

p.s. It would also be a good idea to provide your source/s of information outside of your Biblical interpretation, just a suggestion

Yes, we must dig deep and build on the "Rock". Thank you very much for all your suggestions.

 

[Martinman]

I understand that many people may have a different perception on the meaning of this verse. My exegesis on this verse focuses on comparing two verses.



This verse is identical to eze 45:16



Notice the identical chronological order in comparison to col 2:16 when viewing these verses. Could Paul have been quoting this very passage? Seems highly likely to me. Notice this, at the end of eze 45:17 it states the purpose of the offerings and sabbaths, [I]to make reconciliation for the house of Israel. [/i] Similar to Paul's statement, 17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Thank you for posting this comparison. It is a very good point.

 

[Martinman]

We see eye-to-eye then!

This is a lengthy post. I just finished collecting all the statements that I wanted to present as evidence from both the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy on the future fulfillment of the fall feast days, that I promised.

The evidence for a future fulfillment of the fall feasts is:​

1.
The spring feasts were fulfilled in a literal 52-day setting in 31 C.E. There is inspired evidence showing that the spring feasts will have an application for the end-time, as well, which I will explain later.

2.
The fall feasts have never been fulfilled in their literal 22-day setting with all the four “shadow” Sabbaths dispersed within them falling on 7th-day Sabbaths, which would be necessary to be fulfilled “in like manner”.


3.
The ceremonies within the spring feasts are observed the same every year, whereas, that is not the case with the fall feasts.

4.
The fall feasts had extra special significance in the Sabbatical year. During the Feast of Tabernacles the commandments of God were read before all Israel...men, women , children and the stranger


“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, 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. 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: 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.” Deut. 31:10-13.


This positively indicates that the fulfillment of the fall feasts will be in a Sabbatical year when the focus will be on the law of God, at that time the tables of stone that the prophet Jeremiah hid, will be brought from their hiding place and displayed before world. The ancient Jewish historical records found in 2 Machabees 2 describe this future fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles.


“It was also contained in the same writing how the prophet being warned by God commanded that the tabernacle and the ark should accompany him, till he came forth to the mountain where Moses went up and saw the inheritance of God. And when Jeremias came thither he found a hollow cave: and he carried in hither the tabernacle and the ark and the altar of incense and so stopped the door: Then some of them that followed him came up to mark the place: but they could not find it. And when Jeremias perceived it, he blamed them, saying: The place shall be unknown till God gather together the congregation of the people and receive them to mercy. And then the Lord will shew these things: and the majesty of the Lord shall appear and there shall be a cloud, as it was also showed to Moses, and he shewed it when Solomon prayed that the place might be sanctified to the great God.” 2 Machabees 2:4-8.


The following inspired statements also point to this same time.


“When the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened, and every man shall be judged according to the things written in the books, then the tables of stone, hidden by God until that day, will be presented before the world as the standard of righteousness. Then men and women will see that the prerequisite of their salvation is obedience to the perfect law of God. None will find excuse for sin. By the righteous principles of that law, men will receive their sentence of life or of death.” Review and Herald, January 28, 1909.


“And He [Christ] gave unto Moses, when He had made an end of communicating with him upon Mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written by the finger of God." Nothing written on those tables could be blotted out. The precious record of the law was placed in the ark of the testament and is still there, safely hidden from the human family. But in God's appointed time He will bring forth these tables of stone to be a testimony to all the world against the disregard of His commandments and against the idolatrous worship of a counterfeit Sabbath (MS 122, 1901). {1BC 1109.2}


“God will not break His covenant, nor alter the thing that has gone out of His lips. His word will stand fast forever as unalterable as His throne. At the judgment this covenant will be brought forth, plainly written with the finger of God, and the world will be arraigned before the bar of Infinite Justice to receive sentence. {PK 187.1}


“It was written with the finger of God, never to be obliterated, never to be destroyed. The tables of stone are hidden by God, to be produced in the great judgment-day, just as He wrote them (RH March 26, 1908). {1BC 1109.3}


5.
The apostle Peter spoke of a future end-time fulfillment when he admonished his hearers to ..”repent and be converted, that their sins may be blotted out when the time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord and He shall send Jesus...” Act 3:19

This statement connects the end-time fulfillment with the latter rain and the second coming of the Messiah.

The Day of Atonement, which was one of the fall festivals, was the feast day when the sanctuary was cleansed by the blotting out of sins.

6.
The Day of Atonement, this second fall feast, had special significance in the Sabbatical year since it was on this day that a certain class of Hebrew slaves were set free

“At the end of [every] seven years thou shalt make a release... [And] if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.” Deut. 15:1, 12.

“In the sabbatical year the Hebrew slaves were to be set at liberty, and they were not to be sent away portionless.” Patriarchs and Prophets, p.532.


Please note this: Although the Day of Atonement has extra special significance in the Sabbatical year, its major fulfillment was in the Jubile year which is the year following a Sabbatical year.


“And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years.
Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubilee to sound on the tenth [day] of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land.
And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout [all] the land unto all the inhabitants...” Lev. 25:8-10)

In the Jubile year on the Day of Atonement all the remaining slaves obtained their freedom. This evidence shows that only the Day of Atonement has extra special significance in two consecutive years, the Sabbatical year and the Jubile year. By this divine placement on the tenth day of the seventh month, the Day of Atonement occurs on a 7th-day Sabbath in the Jubile year, the very year of its greatest significance. Thus arranged the four “shadow” Sabbaths of the fall feasts would all occur on 7th-day Sabbaths in their fulfillment within these two consecutive years. Only by this design could the Day of Atonement fulfill its prophetic destiny of occurring on the 7th-day Sabbath.

7.
By the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement on October 22, 1844, the beginning of the judgment of the dead, God was directing attention to the connection of the fall feasts, or harvest festivals, to the closing events of the plan of salvation. This fulfillment in 1844 teaches us that the correct scheduling of the feast days is according to the Hillel I calendar, the ancient Hebrew calendar in use until the middle of the fourth century C.E. when it was replaced by the Hillel II calendar. Thus the reason that the Day of Atonement occurred on October 22, 1844, instead of September 23, 1844, was that the correct calendar began the new year with the first new moon after the spring equinox, whereas the Hillel II calendar presently used by the Hebrew community begins the new year with the new moon nearest the spring equinox. There are many years when the two calendars arrive at the same dates, however, the year 1844 was not one of these years.



8.
The experience of the pioneers in the 1840-1844 movement teaches many wonderful concepts.



A. It teaches us that the Day of Atonement is the day that ends the time prophecy of the 2300 days.

B. The “midnight cry”, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh!” is connected with the end of the 2300 days.


C. The three angels' messages of Revelation 14 focus on this same time period.

D. The close of this 2300-day period marked the end of prophetic time meaning that there will never be another prophecy based upon “a day for a year” interpretation.


E. The Day of Atonement in the setting of the 2300-day (2300 year) prophecy did not meet all the specifications for the timing of the fall feasts in the laws of Moses.

F. The Day of Atonement in 1844 could not be the main fulfillment of that feast day since the year, 1844, occurred in the middle of a week of years rather than being a Sabbatical or a Jubile year, as would be required.

G. The fulfillment of the Day of Atonement, October 22, 1884, fell on a Tuesday instead of on a Monday or on a 7th-day Sabbath, as would also be required to be a main fulfillment.


9.
There was no actual 22 literal day fulfillment of the fall feasts, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles in the year 1844 as would be necessary in the main fulfillment.

10.
Of the Bible texts portraying the judgment of the Day of Atonement, commented on in the Spirit of Prophecy, there are approximately twenty percent referring to the Day of Atonement of October 22, 1844. The remaining approximately eighty percent point to the future for the fulfillment of this event.

11.
In the Spirit of Prophecy statements there are two future judgments described to take place before the second advent of Christ. The first of these would be the judgment of the Church, while the other is the judgment of living individuals. Two examples of each of these judgments are as follows:


“The church will be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary. If her moral character and spiritual state do not correspond with the benefits and blessings God has conferred upon her, she will be found wanting.” 5 Testimonies p. 83.

“ [FONT=Times New Roman, serif]In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist church is to be weighed. She will be judged by the privileges and advantages that she has had. If her spiritual experience does not correspond to the advantages that Christ, at infinite cost, has bestowed on her, if the blessings conferred have not qualified her to do the work entrusted to her, on her will be pronounced the sentence: "Found wanting." By the light bestowed, the opportunities given, will she be judged.”8 Testimonies p. 247 [/FONT]

“[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The precious record of the law was placed in the ark of the testament and is still there, safely hidden from the human family. BUT IN GOD'S APPOINTED TIME HE WILL [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]BRING FORTH THESE TABLES OF STONE to be a testimony to all the world against [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]the disregard of His commandments and against the idolatrous worship of a counterfeit[/FONT]​

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Sabbath.” 1 Bible Commentary, p. 1109. Emphasis ours[/FONT]


“[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]When the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened, and every man shall be judged according to the things written in the books, then the tables of stone, hidden by God until that day, will be presented before the world as the standard of righteousness, Then men and women will see that the prerequisite of their salvation is obedience to the perfect law of God, None will find excuse for sin. By the righteous principles of that law, men will receive their sentence of life or of death.” The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, January 28, 1909.[/FONT]

12.
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Another Bible verse that the Spirit of Prophecy gives a dual application is the verse from Matthew 25:6, “ Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”[/FONT]


[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]"Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city." Revelation 14:8. That message was first proclaimed by the servants of God in the summer of 1844. As a result, many left the fallen churches. In connection with this message the "midnight cry" [See Matthew 25:1-13.] was given: "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him." Christian Experience and Teachings, 51.[/FONT]

“[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]My mind was carried to the future, when the signal will be given. "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." Review and Herald, February 11, 1896.[/FONT]


[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]13.[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The three angels' messages of Revelation 14 that were given in the setting of the 1840-1844 movement have another application under the latter rain just before the end of time. These two statements from the Spirit of Prophecy illustrate this fact.[/FONT]

“[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The messages of the first, second, and third angels will in the future be proclaimed with a loud voice.” Loma Linda Messages, p.85[/FONT]

“[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The first, second, and third angels' messages are to be repeated.” Review and Herald, October 31, 1899.[/FONT]

 

[Martinman]

Martinman,

You've presented quite a bit to study here. From a cursory look it appears to be very indepth and complete. Thanks for this presentation of evidence, I am pleasantly surprised you took my request and responded to it. With all of that said you must be aware that the every day interested person will not go to the depth you have taken this to disprove, the "sabbaths" in Galations as the 7th day Sabbath of the Lord. They read the word "sabbath" and assume it's the 7th day Sabbath of the Lord. It's good to dig this deep into Biblical truths don't you think?

Again, thanks and
God Bless
Jim Larmore

p.s. It would also be a good idea to provide your source/s of information outside of your Biblical interpretation, just a suggestion

The Lord said to follow the teaching of the Pharisees [Matthew 23:2]. Just don't do what they do...as they are hypocrites. The Pharisees began the count of the omer on the 16th.....not the Sunday after the first weekly Sabbath.​

Josephus, a reknowned Pharisee; [Antiquities III, Chapter X, Paragraph 5] ​

In the month of Xanthicus, which is by us called Nisan, and is the beginning of our year, on the fourteenth day of the lunar month, when the sun is in Aries, (for in this month it was that we were delivered from bondage under the Egyptians,) the law ordained that we should every year slay that sacrifice which I before told you we slew when we came out of Egypt, and which was called the Passover; and so we do celebrate this passover in companies, leaving nothing of what we sacrifice till the day following. The feast of unleavened bread succeeds that of the passover, and falls on the fifteenth day of the month, and continues seven days, wherein they feed on unleavened bread; on every one of which days two bulls are killed, and one ram, and seven lambs. Now these lambs are entirely burnt, besides the kid of the goats which is added to all the rest, for sins; for it is intended as a feast for the priest on every one of those days. But on the second day of unleavened bread, which is the sixteenth day of the month, they first partake of the fruits of the earth, for before that day they do not touch them. And while they suppose it proper to honor God, from whom they obtain this plentiful provision, in the first place, they offer the first-fruits of their barley, and that in the manner following: They take a handful of the ears, and dry them, then beat them small, and purge the barley from the bran; they then bring one tenth deal to the altar, to God; and, casting one handful of it upon the fire, they leave the rest for the use of the priest. And after this it is that they may publicly or privately reap their harvest. They also at this participation of the first-fruits of the earth, sacrifice a lamb, as a burnt-offering to God. ​

 

[Martinman]

“[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Light and grace will be given to those who thus obey God.They will behold wondrous things out of His law.Great truths that have lain unheeded and unseen since the day of Pentecost,are to shine from God's word in their native purity. To those who truly love God the Holy Spirit will reveal truths that have faded from the mind, and will also reveal truths that are entirely new.Those who eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God will bring from the books of Daniel and Revelation truth that is inspired by the Holy Spirit. They will start into action forces that cannot be repressed. The lips of children will be opened to proclaim the mysteries that have been hidden from the minds of men. The Lord has chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise, and the weak things of the world to confound the mighty.” Review and Herald, August 17, 1897.[/FONT]

 

[Martinman]

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]There are only two areas of time in history from 27 C.E., until today, 2010, when all the fall feast days meet all the Bible specifications for these feasts, as originally designed by our lord God, these specifications were revealed to Moses, and, later, explained by His fulfillment of these types, relating to His first advent. These two areas of time would be 1888-1889, and 1986-1987, (however, according to (Hebcal) the perpetual Hebrew calendar, there are four perfect sets of Sabbath alignments in our day, two in the past and two in the very near future, and then after these, no more alignments even if one looks 1000 years farther into the future.) All these sets of Sabbath alignments occur at the end of the six thousand years, what is God trying to tell us about this amazing phenomenon?? (See the Jubilee calendar on the last page of this study.) [/FONT]