Hey friends, let’s address a misconception about the Feast of Trumpets since it just passed and is fresh on our minds.

As Bible students, we know about (and are studying) the 7 feasts God ordained for Israel, described in Leviticus 23. We also know, though the feasts have great Biblical significance to the Jews as a remembrance of the Lord’s redemption of them from Egyptian slavery, that Jesus is the fulfillment of each of those feasts. The first 4 feasts have already been fulfilled:

• Passover: Jesus is our Passover Lamb, the perfect sacrifice for sin.
• Feast of Unleavened Bread: As matzos (unleavened bread) appears bruised, striped, and pierced, so Jesus was bruised, striped, and pierced when He went to the cross for our sins.
• Feast of First Fruits: Upon Jesus’ death, He was buried but rose to life again. He was the first, that we also may rise to new life in Him.
• Pentecost: Yes, the giving of the law to Moses (which the Jews celebrate), but the birth of the church and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

If Jesus faithfully fulfilled the first 4, we can rest assured He will fulfill the final 3.

Admittedly, years ago I taught that the Feast of Trumpets (the 5th feast) will be fulfilled at the Rapture, when Jesus snatches believers from this earth to meet Him in the air. But it doesn’t make sense. All the feasts are for the Jews….why would the Feast of Trumpets be for Christians? Besides that, the Bible says we do not know the DAY or the hour of the Rapture! So, if we believe that the Rapture occurs on the Feast of Trumpets, it eliminates the other 359 days of the lunar year as potential days Jesus could return!

There are multiple trumpets mentioned in the Bible and I now believe the Feast of Trumpets will absolutely herald the return of Christ, but not at the Rapture. It seems more plausible the Feast of Trumpets will be fulfilled when Jesus returns to earth following the Great Tribulation to end the battle of Armageddon and redeem His people. It fits with the soon-to-follow Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) in which Jewish eyes will be open and all Israel will be saved. Then comes the last feast, the Feast of Tabernacles.

Now, back to the Feast of Trumpets and the Rapture. Not only is there a problem believing the Rapture will happen on the Feast of Trumpets. It also presents a problem for those who hold to a mid-tribulation or post-tribulation Rapture! Here’s why:

Israel’s feasts are fascinating, indeed, but I’m no longer convinced the Feast of Trumpets has anything to do with the Rapture. The feasts were ordained for Israel, not for the church. Though we partake of the benefits, such as salvation, it was meant first for the Jewish people! (John 4:22, Romans 1:16) The Jewish Jesus came for His people, yet through their fall, provided a way of salvation for us. (Romans 11:11) Through the feasts (shadow), Jesus revealed the substance. (Colossians 2:16-17)

Likewise, we can be certain that the Rapture will not occur during or after the Tribulation. It simply doesn’t make Biblical sense.

As we go on with our study of the fall feasts through the eyes of Zechariah, be keenly aware of how Jesus will redeem His people in those days!