1. The Passover: Why Jesus Christ Had to Die

The Passover teaches us that Jesus Christ was sinless and, as the true Lamb of God, gave His life so that the sins of humanity could be forgiven and the death penalty removed (1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:18-20; Romans 3:25). Passover, although not observed as a Holy Day, is the first festival of the year.

2. The Feast of Unleavened Bread: Replacing Sin With The Bread of Life

The Feast of Unleavened Bread teaches us that we have been called to reject lawlessness and repent of sin. We are to live by every word of God and according to the teachings of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 5:8; Matthew 4:4). During this festival, leaven symbolizes sin and, as such, is removed from our homes for the seven days of the festival (1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Exodus 12:19). By eating unleavened bread we picture living a life of sincerity and truth, free from sin.

3. The Feast of Pentecost: The First Fruits of God’s Harvest

The Feast of Pentecost, or firstfruits, teaches us that Jesus Christ came to build His Church. This festival pictures the coming of the Holy Spirit and the establishment of the Church. The firstfruits are those who will be given salvation at the return of Christ. They have been empowered with the Holy Spirit, which creates in each one a new heart and nature to live by the commandments of God (Exodus 23:16; Acts 2:1-4, Acts 2:37-39; Acts 5:32; James 1:18).

4. The Feast Of Trumpets: A Turning Point in History

The Feast of Trumpets teaches us that Jesus Christ will visibly return to the earth at the end of this age. At that time He will resurrect the saints who are no longer living and instantly change those saints who are still alive to immortal spirit beings (Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:52-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). This festival commemorates the blowing of the trumpets that will precede His return. Seven angels with seven trumpets are described in Revelation 8-10. Christ will return with the blowing of the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15).

5. The Day of Atonement: Removal of Sin’s Cause

This Holy Day pictures our High Priest, Jesus Christ, making atonement for the sins of all mankind, which allows us to be reconciled to God and enter into the “holiest of all” (Leviticus 16:29-30; Leviticus 16:20-22; Hebrews 9:8-14; Hebrews 10:19-20). It also points to the time when Satan will be bound for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1-3). By fasting on this day, we draw closer to God and picture the reconciliation of mankind to God. Christ is essential in this process as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-15; Hebrews 5:4-5; Hebrews 5:10) and as our eternal sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:26-28).

6. The Feast of Tabernacle: Jesus Christ Reigns Over Earth

The Feast of Tabernacles teaches us that when Jesus Christ returns, a new society will be established with Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Christ, assisted by the resurrected saints, will set up His government on the earth for 1,000 years (Revelation 19:11-16; Revelation 20:4; Leviticus 23:39-43; Matthew 17:1-4; Hebrews 11:8-9). Rule under His laws will spread from Jerusalem throughout the world to usher in an unprecedented period of peace and prosperity (Isaiah 2:2-4; Daniel 2:35; Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:13-14).

7. The Eighth Day: Salvation Extended to All of Humanity

The Eighth Day teaches us that Jesus Christ will complete His harvest of humans by raising from the dead and extending salvation to all human beings who have died in the past and have never been given a full opportunity for salvation (Ezekiel 37:1-14; Romans 11:25-27; Luke 11:31-32; Revelation 20:11-13).

This infographic is only available online and is not available inside the print version of the “God's Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind” booklet.