Pentecost: The Feast that Ties Everything Together for the Church

In studying the Feast of Pentecost, one of God’s Appointed Times (Mo’ed), it is becoming increasingly clear to me that this feast ties together so many loose ends for the church.  What has started out as a single post is evolving into a series, through which I hope to bring you along on a fascinating journey of discovery!  Pentecost – perhaps our “highest watch date”!  This journey is still under construction, but with less than three days to go to Pentecost 2019, I thought I would share what I have so far with you.

If you will remember, the Feasts of God tell the redemption story of mankind. The Jewish men were required to make three pilgrimages per year to Jerusalem, to honor these feasts:


1. Early Spring Feasts (Passover / Firstfruits)

2. Late Spring Feast (Pentecost)

3. Fall Feasts (Tabernacles)


Interestingly, the first resurrection (for believers) also has 3 stages:


1. Firstfruits – Jesus and the “many saints”

2. (main resurrection / rapture event)

3. Tabernacles – the tribulation martyrs resurrected to rule during the millennial kingdom


Are you seeing the pattern I am?

While studying the Feast of Pentecost, I have been praying very earnestly for God to connect threads of scripture together for me.  I believe He gave me Joel 2 and Hebrews 12 as two key passages.  Through my studies, I believe that Pentecost can be scripturally connected with all of the following:

• The Rapture of the Church and the Resurrection of the Dead in Christ
  
  
• Dispensation Changes
  
  
• Covenant Confirmations
  
  
• The Removal of the Restrainer
  
  
• The Trump of God
  
  
• The Last Trump
  
  
• The Last Day
  
  
• The Start of the Day of the Lord
  
  
• The Gog/Magog Battle of Ezekiel 38-39
  
  
• The Beginning of Birth Pains (the Time of Jacob’s Trouble)
  
  
• The Blood Moon Sign

The Late Spring Feast – Shavuot / Pentecost

You shall count seven full weeks from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering.  You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath. Then you shall present a grain offering of new grain to the Lord.  You shall bring from your dwelling places two loaves of bread to be waved, made of two tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour, and they shall be baked with leaven, as firstfruits to the Lord.  And you shall present with the bread seven lambs a year old without blemish, and one bull from the herd and two rams. They shall be a burnt offering to the Lord, with their grain offering and their drink offerings, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord.  And you shall offer one male goat for a sin offering, and two male lambs a year old as a sacrifice of peace offerings.  And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits as a wave offering before the Lord, with the two lambs. They shall be holy to the Lord for the priest.  And you shall make a proclamation on the same day. You shall hold a holy convocation. You shall not do any ordinary work. It is a statute forever in all your dwelling places throughout your generations.

 “And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.

- Leviticus 23:15-22

The Late-Spring (sometimes called Summer) Feast – Pentecost – establishes the body of Christ on the earth through the coming of the Holy Spirit.  Through Him we receive power and sealing until the day of our redemption.  The Israelite males are required to come to Jerusalem for this appointed time.

The late Spring feast stands alone, in between the three (early) spring feasts and the three Fall feasts.

Calculation: Seven full weeks from the day after the weekly Sabbath following Passover (i.e., 7 full weeks from Firstfruits, a Sunday)

Shadow fulfillment: The giving of the Torah (law) at Sinai.  This involved great displays of God’s power through thunderings, lightnings, clouds, and His reverberating voice.

Shadow fulfillment #2?:  The giving of the Spirit of the Law – the Holy Spirit coming down at Pentecost to dwell within and seal the body of Christ.

The question is – has this feast been completely fulfilled?  We noted that the shadow always points to the substance – who is Jesus Christ.  Jesus sent His Spirit to the church for this age, and that has been looked at as the definitive fulfillment.  However, Greg at A Little Strength has noted that the Holy Spirit isn’t actually Christ Himself (Sweet Hour of Prayer).  Could it be that Jesus snatching his church on the day of Pentecost will be the ultimate fulfillment of this feast?  I cannot say I have a prophetic answer for this, but this interpretation is worth considering.

Note how Pentecost/Shavuot seems to introduce new dispensations – first, the Dispensation of Law (Mosaic covenant), then the Dispensation of Grace (Spirit of the Law).  Will it also introduce the interim dispensation of wrath (the Day of the Lord, commonly called the “Tribulation”, which seems to involve both Law and Grace)?

Let's continue our study of Pentecost more in depth.

Pentecost Part 1 – The Giving of the Law, The Giving of Grace

Pentecost, also known as Shavuot or the Feast of Weeks, is one of God’s appointed times.  These feast days clearly point to God’s redemption plan for humanity.  We are currently in the “Summer Gap” between the Early Spring Feasts (Jesus’ Death and Resurrection – Suffering Servant) and the Fall Feasts (Jesus Second Coming in Power and Great Glory – King of Kings and Lord of Lords).

The first Pentecost, Shavuot, marked the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai.  In this way, it can be considered the “birthday” of Judaism.  On the first celebration of this feast day after Jesus’ resurrection, the Holy Spirit was given to the body of Christ in power and as a seal for the coming day of redemption.  Thus, Pentecost is also associated with the “birthday” of the Church.

The coming of the Holy Spirit upon all believers is unique to the church age.  Whereas in the Old Covenant (Age of Law), the Holy Spirit came upon specific individuals such as the kings, prophets, and judges, the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant (Age of Grace) comes upon all believers at the moment of salvation to Seal them for the Day of Redemption.

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

- Ephesians 1:13-14

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed  for the day of redemption. 

- Ephesians 4:30

Hebrew4Christians describes the festival of Shavuot as “the culmination of the redemption, sometimes called Atzeret Pesach, or 'The Gathering of Passover'.”  Culmination of redemption, and the gathering, hey?  Brings to mind these verses:

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him…

- 2 Thessalonians 2:1

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

- Romans 8:22-23

It’s looking like Pentecost just may be the feast that marks the culmination of our redemption.

Pentecost Part 2 – The Feast That Marks Dispensation Changes and Birthdays

As we said, Shavuot is considered the day on which Judaism was born (the Age of Law).  Pentecost is considered the day on which the Church was born (the Age of Grace).  In this way, Pentecost has already marked the beginning and ending of several dispensations.

Will a future Pentecost mark another dispensation change?

God’s revelation and dealings with humanity can be broadly separated into “ages”.  It is progressive in nature, as each “dispensation”, or “age”, unfolds into the next.  This is the basis for Dispensational Theology.  It’s not perfect, but it helps us grasp how God has progressively revealed Himself and His redemption plan to humanity.

Pentecost was the day on which the dispensation of Law began…and ended.  Pentecost was the day on which the dispensation of Grace began…and will end???  Remember that when the church age ends, a new 7 year “dispensation” will begin that seems to involve both Law AND Grace (per Matthew 25, sheep and goats judgment).  The tribulation saints will be responsible for remaining faithful without the sealing of the Holy Spirit in their hearts.

Enoch, a type for the gentile rapture, was reportedly “raptured” on his birthday at 365 years old. In the extra-biblical books (the Book of Enoch) it states that his birthday was on Pentecost.  Will we be “raptured” on our birthday as well?

Pentecost Part 3 – Pentecost Prophecies

I have been fascinated by the way Peter quoted Joel 2 in Acts 2:16-21 – on the first Pentecost of the Church Age.  Through this passage, I believe he defines the beginning and end of the church age for us.  Peter affirms that the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost was a partial fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy:

But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

[start of church age]

 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,    and your young men shall see visions,    and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants    in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

[church age]

And I will show wonders in the heavens above    and signs on the earth below,    blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;the sun shall be turned to darkness    and the moon to blood,    before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

[end of church age]

Verses 17-18 mark the beginning of the church age.  There is a “pregnant pause”, so to speak, between Verses 18 and 19.  Verses 19-21 mark the end of the church age.  It is clear why Peter quotes Joel 2:28-29 on Pentecost as fulfilling that part of Joel’s prophecy.   The end of the Holy Spirit’s sealing ministry in the church will be marked by wonders in the heavens, signs on the earth, blood, fire, vapor of smoke, darkened sun, and a blood red moon.  These events clearly did not occur on the first Pentecost, so why would Peter mention them in his sermon – on Pentecost?  Could it be that he is announcing the future fulfillment of the remainder of Joel’s prophecy on some future Pentecost?

I believe that what Peter did NOT quote is just as important to study as what he DID quote, and for that we turn to Joel 2.

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams,and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servantsin those days I will pour out my Spirit.

And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke.  The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.  And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.  For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls.

- Joel 2:28-32

I believe Peter is clearly defining the ending of the church age for us, on Pentecost. That’s why he included verses 30-32a in his sermon, on Pentecost.  I can think of no other reason why he would bother including verses 30-32a and leaving off 32b.  He did NOT include verse 32b, because that part will be fulfilled at the second coming, during the Fall Feasts.

Pentecost Part 4 – Temples of God and the Removal of the Restrainer

In the old testament, under the Old Covenant, God’s Holy Spirit dwelt among His people in the Holy of Holies first in the Tabernacle, then in the First Temple.  I am not sure when God’s presence left, perhaps it was when the Temple was destroyed or when the Ark of the Covenant left?  Regardless, His presence never did dwell in the Second Temple and neither did the Ark of the Covenant.  I would suggest a connection between this Ark of the Covenant – a symbol of the Mosaic Covenant – and the Holy Spirit’s dwelling, but would have to research further.

When Jesus came to the earth, the fullness of God dwelt in Him (Colossians 2:9).  When Jesus died for the sins of the world as the Lamb of God, the veil in the temple was torn in two.  Jesus Himself became our high priest.  No longer would the Spirit of God reside in the Holy of Holies in a building built by human hands.  He would now come to reside within the hearts of individual believers, and this takes us once again to Pentecost.

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. 

- Ephesians 1:13-14

And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

- 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

The sealing of the Holy Spirit is the mark of being part of the New Covenant, at least in the church age.  This time of special sealing is coming to an end, though, as the day of our redemption through the resurrection/rapture event draws near. The Holy Spirit will depart from the hearts of individual believers when the Restrainer is removed and the church is taken up into heaven in what we refer to as the “rapture”.  There is only one possible identity of the Restrainer: The Holy Spirit residing within the true body of Christ.

There will then be a push to finally build that Third Temple.

Pentecost Part 5- The Counting of the Omer – Day and Hour Unknown?

Shavuot is the last of the Spring feasts.  It concludes the Feast of Weeks, which begins at Firstfruits.  This is kind of confusing, so here’s a diagram:

In Deuteronomy, the Israelites are told to “count the seven weeks from the time the sickle is first put to the standing grain” (Deut 16:9 ESV).  Pentecost came exactly 7 weeks after the first harvest of barley.  Hebrew4Christians states “The 49 day countdown to the holiday is called the “Sefirat Omer” – Counting of the Omer.  Every day of the countdown a special blessing was recited naming exactly how many more days were left before the climactic 50th day – a Jubilee of days!”

Since the Feast of Firstfruits can vary by several days on the Hebrew calendar, Pentecost can also vary by several days.  Firstfruits is determined by “the day after the Sabbath following Passover”.  Seven full weeks later is Pentecost.  Thus, the day of Pentecost is not easily determined until after Firstfruits has been established for that year.  As we will see below, there is some variation in how the word “Sabbath” is applied in these day counts.

Interestingly, the Sadducees, Pharisees, and Karaites all had different methods of calculating the date on which Pentecost was to fall.  If you have been following the discussions about whether or not the “Barley Was Abib”, then you have already been introduced to the Karaite version.  Thus, it seems that Pentecost is also a contender, along with the Feast of Trumpets, for the “Feast of Unknown Day/Hour”.  (When is Pentecost this year?  Please see Chasing Pentecost 2019).

Pentecost Part 6 – God’s Covenant Changes on Pentecost – It’s All About the Blood

As we discussed previously, Shavuot is the feast that marks the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai.  This Law is regarded as the “Old Covenant”, or the “Mosaic Covenant”.  It was given by God, agreed to by the Hebrew people, and was ratified by the blood of sacrifices as well as a covenant meal.  Moses literally sprinkled the blood of the sacrifices upon the people to “cover them”.

When Jesus came, He fulfilled the Law and the Prophets and made a New Covenant in His blood.

“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah”.  Jeremiah 31:31 ESV

When Jesus came, He made a new covenant, a better covenant, in His blood.  Jesus fulfilled Jeremiah’s new covenant prophecy through His death and resurrection.  It was given by God, agreed to by individual believers, and ratified by the blood of the ultimate sacrifice – Jesus Christ.  Under the new covenant, we are covered by the blood of the Lamb – the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!

Jesus is the fulfillment of both the Law (the covenant of Moses) and the Prophets (the dispensation of the Law).  A new covenant and dispensation (Grace/Church Age) began at His death and resurrection.  The covenant meal that reminds us of this sacrifice is referred to as communion.  Communion points us to when Jesus will return and complete the redemption of our bodies.  It points to the consummation of our redemption, our wedding supper with Him!

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”  For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 

- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Communion is meant to remind us that JESUS IS COMING BACK FOR US!!!!!!!  Partake in communion joyfully, saints!

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,  so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

- Hebrews 9:27-28

Again, Christ will appear a second time TO SAVE THOSE WHO ARE EAGERLY WAITING FOR HIM!

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering,  and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,  and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

- Hebrews 12:22-24 (ESV)

Wow, just wow, guys.  Mind blown.  Read that last passage again and tell me if you see a clear picture of the rapture.  We just read that the new covenant in Jesus’ blood will be completely fulfilled when we celebrate it with Him in heaven.  The taking of communion – remembering Christ’s blood shed and body broken for us – is to remind us that He is coming back for us!!!  He will appear a second time to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him!!!  And now in Hebrews 12 we have a clear connection of this event to Pentecost.

Pentecost Part 7 – A Picture of a Pentecost Rapture in Hebrews 12

My dear watchmen, how have we not seen this???  Is this not clearly a rapture passage?  When is it that we will come to the heavenly Mount Zion and the city of the living God?  When do we enter our chambers, the ones that Jesus has been preparing for us in the Heavenly Jerusalem?  When will we attend a festal gathering?  When will the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven assemble?  Surely this is describing the rapture!

Ok, you are saying, I can see the rapture here, with our assembling together in heaven at the redemption of our bodies.  But where does Pentecost fit in?  For this we turn to the entire passage to ascertain context:

For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them.  For they could not endure the order that was given, 'If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.'  Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, 'I tremble with fear.'

The passage starts out describing the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai on what day?  PENTECOST.  It continues with no interruption:

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering,  and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

This is the rapture connection we have discussed above.  And what follows?  Keep going…

See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.  At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, 'Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.'  This phrase, 'Yet once more,' indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.  Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,  for our God is a consuming fire.

- Hebrews 12:18-29

Did you note the connection which confirms that the author is connecting the escaping at Mount Sinai and the escaping what is to come next?  The author then describes a shaking of the heavens and the earth, to remove the powers from them in order to establish Jesus’ Kingdom that will never be shaken!  We know that at the rapture there is an escape route, followed by a time of wrath on earth.

But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.  

- Luke 21:36

The giving of the Law on Mount Sinai was a somber and dramatic occasion, ON PENTECOST, which the author of Hebrews ties together with a future festal gathering in heaven as an escape, followed by a shaking of the heavens and the earth.  Could this be a clue that this gathering will also occur on a future PENTECOST, followed by a time of tribulation on earth?

Pentecost Part 8 – Pentecost, Joel 2, and the Coming of the Day of the Lord

Just as God marked His arrival on Mount Sinai with a time of darkness upon the mountain, the Day of the Lord will be a time of great darkness over the whole earth.  While the Day of the Lord and the Giving of the Law at Sinai obviously have very different intents and purposes, I want you to notice how God’s interactions with humanity invoke fear and terror in the hearts of man.

When praying for understanding the connections between Pentecost and the Day of the Lord several nights ago, the Lord brought to mind a song from when I was a kid in church:

I believe a key passage to understanding the connections between Pentecost, the Day of the Lord, the Ezekiel 38-39 war, and the rapture of the church is found in Joel Chapter 2.

Notice that a trumpet sounds in Zion before the Day of the Lord begins (Joel 2:1-2).  The Day of the Lord follows, accompanied by darkness, clouds, gloom, and thick darkness.  Note the assembly of the people, the bridegroom and the bride leaving their chambers.  The bridegroom would leave His chamber, heaven, at the time of the opening of the skies to reveal Him.  The bride would leave her earthly chambers to come join Him in the heavenly ones that He has prepared for her.  We will speak more on this wedding in a future post!

Next, however, we need to examine this trumpet that is blown in Zion!

Pentecost Part 9 – The Trumpets and the Feasts

We want to examine which trumpet is blown in Zion in Joel 2:1-2.  To examine this, first we’re going to back up a little bit and discuss another trumpet, and see if we can connect them.  There has been a lot of confusion and controversy surrounding three little words – “The Last Trump”.

…in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 

- 1 Corinthians 15:52

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

- 1 Thessalonians 4:16

Is this “Last Trump” the last of the 7 Trumpet Judgments?  Is this “Last Trump” the last trumpet sounded on the Feast of Trumpets?  Is it the “Last Trump” of a Jubilee year on Yom Kippur?  Is it the “Last Trump” sounded in a feast year on the mysterious Eighth Day after the Feast of Tabernacles?  Or is the “Last Trump” something else?  Could the “Last Trump” be the trumpet blast that is sounded in Mount Zion right before the Day of the Lord???  We will examine all these in this post.

A key passage is found in Numbers 10, which informs us that trumpets are involved in ALL the Feasts of God:

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying,  “Make two silver trumpets. Of hammered work you shall make them, and you shall use them for summoning the congregation and for breaking camp…  On the day of your gladness also, and at your appointed feasts and at the beginnings of your months, you shall blow the trumpets [chatsotsrah, H2689] over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings. They shall be a reminder of you before your God: I am the Lord your God.

- Numbers 10:1, 10

What we really want to know is which type of trumpet is the Last Trump????  Is the Last Trump a chatsotrsrah, that will sound on a Feast Day?

For this, we need to find out what kind of trumpet the First Trump was, and when it was sounded.  I do not believe that the First and Last Trump will both be sounded at the rapture, because I believe the First Trump has already sounded – on Pentecost!

Pentecost Part 10 – The First Trump and the Last Trump – On Pentecost?

The very first mention in the Bible of a trumpet blast is found in Exodus chapter 19.  You should be familiar with this chapter by now, as it records the very first Pentecost, when God came down to meet with Moses on Mount Sinai to give the 10 Commandments.  More specifically, God instituted the Mosaic Covenant and the Dispensation of Law on this day.  And He did so with the First Trump in scripture.

The First Trump was one long blast which summoned the entire congregation before Mount Sinai.  It also sounded the very first Pentecost.  So now let’s look, what kind of trumpet and blast is the Last Trump?

…in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet [salpigx, G4536]. For the trumpet [salpigx, G4536] will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 

- 1 Corinthians 15:52

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet [salpigx, G4536] of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

- 1 Thessalonians 4:16

We have to connect the Greek (New Testament) with the Hebrew (Old Testament).  We know the Last Trump is a Salpigx:

Last Trump: G4536, salpigx (1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16)

How do we connect the salpigx to the Hebrew?  Fortunately, Hebrews 12 gives us the answer:

For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet [salpingos, G4536] and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them.  For they could not endure the order that was given, 'If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.'  Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, 'I tremble with fear.'

- Hebrews 12:18-20

We now know that the Sinai Trump, the First Trump, is equivalent in meaning to the Last Trump.  They are of the same kind:

Sinai Trump: G4536, salpingos (Hebrews 12:19)

So what exactly does the concordance have to say about a salpigx?

From HELPS Word-studies:

4536 sálpigks – “properly, a war-trumpet” (WS, 797) that boldly announces God’s victory (the vanquishing of His enemies).

In the OT, trumpets were used to called God’s people to war, and to announce victory wrought by Him. That is, a military clarion that proclaimed the Lord inspired and empowered the victory on behalf of His people.

The “Last Trump”, while also calling us to assembly on the Heavenly Mount Zion as we have studied in Hebrews 12 (the rapture), seems to primarily be a call to war.

Do you remember what Numbers 10 told us was one of the purposes of the silver trumpets, which seem to be used interchangeably with the ram’s horn shophar?

And when you go to war in your land against the adversary who oppresses you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, that you may be remembered before the Lord your God, and you shall be saved from your enemies. 

The sounding of the trumpets, when used in war, was to cause Israel to be remembered before the Lord their God in order that He should save them from their enemies.  Does this sound shockingly familiar???

Pentecost Part 11 – God’s Battle Cry in the Last Trump

The sounding of the trumpets, when used in war, was to cause Israel to be remembered before the Lord their God in order that He should save them from their enemies.  From Parts 9 & 10 of our study, it seems that the “Last Trump” that sounds at the time of the rapture is likely this battle cry of remembrance – for God to rise up and save Israel from destruction.

God has seemed conspicuously silent towards Israel for the last several thousand years, but in the near future God will break His silence in a specific war detailed in Ezekiel 38-39.

It’s impossible to overemphasize the significance that God Himself is arranging this war exactly according to His schedule.  He will use Gog / Magog as a set-up for both Israel and the nations.  It will be deliberately presented so that it can be interpreted by Israel as the final war (Battle of Armageddon).  When God intervenes, Israel will look for the Messiah to inaugurate the Messianic Kingdom.  A “messiah” will most certainly appear.

Will Israel accept or reject the ultimate false messianic figure?

As on earth, it is in heaven… I believe that the Last Trump will also initiate the greatest heavenly battle of all time.  I believe that THIS is the “heavenly dragon sign” we have been watching for.  I believe it will occur in conjunction with the rapture… as we go up, the angelic hosts go to war.

The Last Trump will not be sounded by humans.  No matter what it is associated with – Feast of God, Battle Cry, Call to Assembly, or all of the above, the Last Trump is clearly sounded by God Himself.  The “Last Trump” that will call us up to heaven is the trumpet voice of God Himself, issuing forth from the Heavenly Mount Zion just as it did at the First Trump on the earthly Mount Sinai.  It will be a call for the body of Christ to assemble, a call for the angels to go to war, and a call for God to intervene on behalf of His people for the sake of His Holy Name.

(Under Construction: Pentecost Part 12 - Covenants Confirmed, Covenants Proclaimed)

Pentecost Part 13 – The Resurrection on the Last Day

We understand that the future resurrection/rapture event will occur prior to what is commonly known as the “7 Year Tribulation”, or the Time of Jacob’s Trouble.  How could this possibly be considered the “Last Day”?  Isn’t the “Last Day” of existence right before the eternal state, when the heavens and the earth are destroyed in preparation for the Great White Throne Judgment?  It’s a great question!

The only references to the “Last Day” are found in the book of John.  From these passages it is clear that the Last Day has to do with a resurrection to eternal life.  This resurrection is specifically for believers.  Each time Jesus mentions the “Last Day” it is sandwiched in between statements of eternal life.  It is also strongly connected to Him being the bread of life – that whoever comes to Him shall not hunger and whoever believes in Him shall never thirst.

The “Last Day” is the Resurrection/Rapture event for believers.  It marks the main harvest of the First Resurrection. Unbelievers won’t be resurrected until the end of the Millennial Kingdom, for the Great White Throne Judgment.  So why does Jesus call it a “Last Day”?  Why use such a confusing term?  Well… There is a specific Day that the scriptures talk about hundreds of times.  This Great Day will mark the end of humanity’s reign on earth, so one might refer to it as the Last Day of an era – The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord.

The resurrection/rapture on the Last Day marks the start of the Day of the Lord.  The “Last Day” is the last possible day to get in on the major resurrection/rapture event, before the wrath of God is unleashed upon the earth and the world as we know it comes to a screeching halt.

(Under Construction - Pentecost Part 14 - The Harvest of the Church Pictured on Pentecost (Amos 8))

Pentecost Part 15 – The Day the Skies Open

I’m a sola scriptura kind of gal, so I try not to include extrabiblical texts in my studies.  I do peek into Jewish expectation at times, as I believe that end times prophecy revolves around Israel and the Hebrew people.  Their expectations will play into how they respond to God’s call.  For that reason, we are going to briefly peek into a Kabbalistic Jewish custom today regarding the Feast of Pentecost.

The custom is known as the Tikkun Leil Shavuot.  The kabbalistic Jews stay up all night studying the Torah in preparation for the celebration of Shavuot (Pentecost).  Included in this tradition is the belief that the skies open up for a brief moment during the night.  Now, why do I include this mystical tradition in our study?  I include it because we actually are anticipating the skies rolling back as a scroll!

When seal 6 is opened, the sky vanishes like a scroll that is being rolled up.  This is the human perception of what is happening in the earth’s atmosphere and the universe.  It seems that what is occurring here is that the Third Heaven (supernatural) is becoming visible and colliding with the First and Second Heavens (natural realm of atmosphere and space).  The entire sky appears opened, allowing visibility into heaven – people on earth try to hide from what they see, which presumably is God on His throne (or some bright and terrifying supernatural scene).  Note, it’s not a doorway or window that opens, it’s the entire sky – no pushing and shoving necessary, there will be plenty of room for everyone if this is the rapture.  (Note my personal belief is that all 7 seals open at once, and then play out into the 70th week of Daniel.  Thus, we are snatched "pre-tribulation" as great anguish is being poured upon the Earth.)

Passages Describing the Feast of Pentecost

When studying Biblical teaching, I believe it is always important to read the source for yourself.  Not just a verse or two, but the entire relevant passage.  This will sharpen your discernment skills, as you examine the scriptures for yourself to see if these things are so.  Because we are going to be discussing Pentecost in great detail over the next few posts, I encourage you to read through the following at least once.  So with no further delay, here are the relevant passages describing the celebration of the Feast of Pentecost (Weeks):

On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai.

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”7 So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 8 All the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.”

 The Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments 11 and be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 And you shall set limits for the people all around, saying, ‘Take care not to go up into the mountain or touch the edge of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death. 13 No hand shall touch him, but he shall be stoned or shot; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.” 14 So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people; and they washed their garments. 15 And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not go near a woman.”

16 On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. 17 Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. 18 Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. 19 And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder. 20 The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

[10 Commandments Given]

18 Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off 19 and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.” 20 Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” 21 The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.

[Additional commandments Given – the Law]

3 Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord and all the rules. And all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words that the Lord has spoken we will do.”  6 And Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he threw against the altar. 7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” 8 And Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.”

15 Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain.16 The glory of the Lord dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. 17 Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. 18 Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

- Exodus 19:1, 5-8, 10-20; 20:18-21; 24:3, 6-8, 15-17

“You shall count seven full weeks from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering.  You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath. Then you shall present a grain offering of new grain to the Lord.  You shall bring from your dwelling places two loaves of bread to be waved, made of two tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour, and they shall be baked with leaven, as firstfruits to the Lord.  And you shall present with the bread seven lambs a year old without blemish, and one bull from the herd and two rams. They shall be a burnt offering to the Lord, with their grain offering and their drink offerings, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord.  And you shall offer one male goat for a sin offering, and two male lambs a year old as a sacrifice of peace offerings.  And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits as a wave offering before the Lord, with the two lambs. They shall be holy to the Lord for the priest.  And you shall make a proclamation on the same day. You shall hold a holy convocation. You shall not do any ordinary work. It is a statute forever in all your dwelling places throughout your generations.  “And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.”  

- Leviticus 23:15-22

26 “On the day of the firstfruits, when you offer a grain offering of new grain to the Lord at your Feast of Weeks, you shall have a holy convocation. You shall not do any ordinary work, 27 but offer a burnt offering, with a pleasing aroma to the Lord: two bulls from the herd, one ram, seven male lambs a year old; 28 also their grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil, three tenths of an ephah for each bull, two tenths for one ram, 29 a tenth for each of the seven lambs; 30 with one male goat, to make atonement for you. 31 Besides the regular burnt offering and its grain offering, you shall offer them and their drink offering. See that they are without blemish.  

- Numbers 28:26-31

“You shall count seven weeks. Begin to count the seven weeks from the time the sickle is first put to the standing grain. 10 Then you shall keep the Feast of Weeks to the Lord your God with the tribute of a freewill offering from your hand, which you shall give as the Lord your God blesses you. 11 And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant and your female servant, the Levite who is within your towns, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow who are among you, at the place that the Lord your God will choose, to make his name dwell there. 12 You shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt; and you shall be careful to observe these statutes.  

- Deuteronomy 16:9-12

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Further Resources:

Are you CERTAIN of your Salvation, beyond a shadow of a doubt?  Do you KNOW that no matter when the rapture occurs, you will be counted worthy to escape?  If not, please read Blessed Assurance: A Guide to Rapture Readiness.

Does Scripture Support a Pentecost Rapture? (PDF – T.W. Tramm)

The Feast of Pentecost (GraceThruFaith)

Shavuot – Revelation and the Fruit of the Spirit (Hebrew4Christians)

The Mystery of Pentecost (Prophecy Watchers)

Sweet Hour of Prayer (A Little Strength)

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