Overview
This Bible teaching focuses on the timing and meaning of the rapture, emphasizing that it aligns with Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets) rather than other suggested dates or calendars. The speaker discusses scriptural foundations, the significance of biblical appointed times, Jewish traditions, and key prophetic passages supporting this interpretation.
Rosh Hashanah and the Rapture
- The rapture is believed to occur on Rosh Hashanah, the biblical Feast of Trumpets, not any arbitrary date or based on other calendars.
- Rosh Hashanah is associated with multiple symbolic names: the day of awakening blast, the opening of heaven’s gate, the day of remembrance, and the day of concealment.
- The "awakening blast" is seen as the trumpet signaling the resurrection of the dead, referenced in Isaiah and Paul’s writings.
- Jewish traditions about observing the new moon involve testimony and witness, indicating it is not a fully-lit moon (full moon), but a sliver.
Scriptural Foundations and Appointed Times
- God declares the end from the beginning; understanding end times requires studying Genesis and the appointed times.
- The days of creation in Genesis metaphorically represent 1,000-year periods of human history, culminating in a Sabbath rest (the Millennium) after the rapture.
- Appointed times ("moedim") in Leviticus 23 are to be observed and rehearsed; these are not just Jewish feasts but the Lord’s.
- Four of seven key appointed times have been fulfilled by Christ; three remain relevant to future prophecy.
Clarification of Biblical Terms and Meanings
- "New moon" in scriptural context refers to the first sliver, not the full moon.
- The Hebrew word for "season" (moed) translates to appointed time, not simply a regular season or date.
- The feasts and convocations serve as rehearsals for future prophetic events.
Connections to End Time Events and Prophecy
- Joel 2 and related passages describe the trumpet blast marking the beginning of the day of the Lord (last 1,000 years).
- Rosh Hashanah marks the rapture, while Yom Kippur aligns with Armageddon and final judgment.
- The coronation of the Messiah as king occurs after the rapture on Rosh Hashanah.
Participation and Spiritual Significance
- Believers are considered grafted into Israel and are called to observe these appointed times as rehearsals for future fulfillment.
- The act of remembering God ensures He remembers the believer, aligning with themes from Exodus and Psalms.
- The wedding ceremony imagery connects Rosh Hashanah with the gathering of the bride (church) to Messiah.
Recommendations / Advice
- Study the appointed times in scripture to understand their prophetic implications.
- Avoid relying on extra-biblical calendars or traditions unsupported by scripture.
- Seek insight from both Old and New Testament passages to interpret end times.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Further explanation on the timing of the rapture in a jubilee year will be addressed in a future session.