Our world is changing at a bewildering rate. Although the prophet Daniel lived during an age when technology was relatively simple, he foresaw a time on Earth when "many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased" (Daniel 12:4) How unlikely for a man, living 2,500 years ago, to foresee in his own ability a revelation that has been fulfilled within the last 200 years! For those embracing the words of Dickens, the assumption could be made that these are the "best of times" while anyone objecting to this premise might be judged to suffer from "neo-millennium phobia" But undeniably, a darker shadow is being cast upon the stage of current events as the curtain rises one last time for the final act of "Apocalypse" Apocalypse . . . A prophecy in which events of a great cataclysm and the destruction of all evil forces are foretold" . . . And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, 3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices" Revelations 10:2-3 The Voice Of Seven Thunders is the end-time revealing of God's hidden calendar for Earth's greatest events from Creation to the Kingdom Age of Christ.
THE VOICE OF SEVEN THUNDERS
Shadows Of Things To ComeBy Edwin L. WoolseyAuthorHouse
Copyright © 2011 Edwin L. Woolsey
All right reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4634-0630-1Contents
1 Origin.....................................................................................12 Sabbath....................................................................................53 Passover & Unleavened Bread................................................................114 Firstfruits................................................................................215 The Greater Fulfillment of Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits.....................256 Historical Pentecost.......................................................................697 Six Characteristics of Old and New Testament Pentecost.....................................778 Pentecost - A Love Story...................................................................899 Pentecost's Prophetic Placement............................................................9510 Feast of Trumpets.........................................................................10111 The First Four Trumpets of John's Revelation..............................................10712 The First Great Woe Trumpet Five..........................................................11913 Decision - The Second Woe.................................................................13314 The Parallelism of the Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls.........................................13915 The Seventh Trumpet.......................................................................16316 The Witnesses of the Seventh Trumpet......................................................18117 The Time of Great Shaking.................................................................18718 The Resurrection and Rapture..............................................................19319 The Day of Atonement Stage One - The Law..................................................19920 The Day of Atonement Stage Two - Grace....................................................20721 The Day of Atonement Stage Three - Wrath of the Lamb......................................21322 Feast of Tabernacles......................................................................21923 The Feast of Tabernacles Christ's Earthly Kingdom.........................................22324 The Joy of the Lord.......................................................................229
Chapter One
ORIGIN
Modern Bible studies and sermons sometimes marginalize the Old Testament's relevance. Without detracting from the importance of the New Testament, we must never forget that Christian Scripture is the fulfillment of everything written by Moses and the prophets. As Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." Matthew 5:17
The Bible of the Early Church was the Old Testament expounded on by Jesus' disciples in their personal letters. Defending the Gospel to Felix, Paul stated, "But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:" Acts 24:14
Then before King Agrippa, Paul said, "... believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest." Acts 26:27
Whereupon, King Agrippa replied, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Acts 26:28
Gentile Believers, who neglect the Jewish roots of their faith, are denied half a legacy. Trying to fully understand the New Testament without using the Old Testament is futile. The discovery of truth is hindered in such a limited environment. Thus, we must trace the origin of the Apocalypse deep within the Old Testament.
Surveying Old Testament Scripture, we notice one area which is often ignored. Sadly, these neglected texts are necessary for understanding New Testament doctrine. We refer to the Law. Without making Grace subservient to Moses, Paul said the Law completed God's purpose, "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." Galatians 3:24-25
As a schoolmaster, the Law provided many symbolic lessons that Paul said were examples, "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
Without giving the Law more authority than Grace, the apostle alluded to the Old Testament as a "shadow of things to come."
So does the Law contain relevant information today? Absolutely! And Paul, a proponent of Grace, often resorted to the Law's authority.
Although the book of Leviticus is rarely considered prophetic, it provides incredible clues for future events. In fact, Leviticus 23 was probably the reference Paul used when speaking symbolically of "holy days, new moons, and Sabbaths!" In this passage, God commanded Moses to institute the following holidays: Sabbath, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles.
Gradually, other traditional celebrations were added to the Jewish calendar. However, most subsequent observances are not mentioned in Scripture. But the holy days of Leviticus were important enough to be mandated by law.
But for what reason?
Each celebration was a reminder of God's faithfulness, ".... When thou shalt have eaten and be full; 12 Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage." Deuteronomy 6:11-12.
For Israel's survival, God was memorialized as the exclusive source of deliverance.
Although the events in Leviticus have already occurred, every memorial provides a double fulfillment. Each consummation attests to God's faithfulness during Old and New Testament times. But as before, the greatest, current threat is forgetfulness, "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." Hebrews 2:1
The success of the New Testament Church depends on God being our only source of help.
So, what is the significance of the holy days in Leviticus 23?
The entire text outlines events on earth from Creation to the Kingdom Age of Christ. Exploring this Scripture, we rediscover the forgotten origin of the Apocalypse and look ahead to the end of time.
But what criteria should be used for examining the Old Testament's apocalyptic roots?
First, two questions must be asked, "Is anything accidentally stated in God's Word? Does God's Word refute itself?"
The answer to both questions is a resounding "No!"
A universal "absolute" is embodied within God's Word. Despite a lack of understanding, we are not permitted to rummage through Scripture, accepting what is "comfortably" true. Even the Prophet Daniel did not always realize the full implication of divine revelation, "And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? 9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end." Daniel 12:8-9
Just as Daniel failed to completely grasp a vision, we must occasionally wait for the "day to declare" God's plan. (1 Corinthian 3:13) Thus, patient observance is required.
Additionally, Scripture must be self-substantiating, "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little." Isaiah 28:10
Church doctrine cannot rest on fragmented verses. The complete truth of God's Word is always based on the context of supporting Scripture.
The basis of our inquiry is anchored in the fact that "the accuracy of God's Word is cumulative." Without faith in the Word's merit and a preponderance of Scripture upon which to found doctrine, the significance of divine revelation is never understood.
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;" Revelation 2:7
Chapter Two
SABBATH
It is very difficult to imagine reality beyond this universe. But before anything existed, God was already present, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." John 1:1-3
Prior to the most basic essence of light, God reigned supreme, "He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies." Psalms 18:11
How strange to view the Creator isolated from the primary element of His handiwork! However, in eternity-past the solitary existence of God filled the void, oblivious to the basic components, "Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee." Psalms 139:12 God was God, and nothing more was needed.
But there came an instant during that endless span when God chose to reveal Himself in the mirror of His own creation. And in that moment, time was born. By the singular authority of His spoken Word, the majesty of the invisible God was revealed in the splendor of His craft.
Beholding the wonders of the cosmos, Paul said we are brought face to face with the Almighty, "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead ..." Romans 1:20
The object of creation was not the manufacturing of "things" but the revelation of God. And Sabbath was His day! Established as a weekly observance, Sabbath – the seventh-day rest, was a time for commemorating the awesome manifestation of God's first great work, "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made." Genesis 2:1-3
Later, the Sabbath was instituted in the Law of Moses, "Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee. 13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: 14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. 15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land ofEgypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day." Deuteronomy 5:12-15
The Sabbath law was meant to commemorate God's sovereignty.
David included the creation theme in his Sabbath Psalm, "IT IS A GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD, AND TO SING PRAISES UNTO THY NAME, O MOST HIGH: 2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, 3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. 4 For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. 5 O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep." Psalms 92:1-5
The first seven words of Deuteronomy 5:12 state, "Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it." The word "sanctify" means to make holy, consecrate, or set apart as being special. David esteemed the Sabbath as being different from all other days, both in its history and its observance. The psalm supplies the key for properly "keeping" the Sabbath.
So how were men to reverence the Sabbath? To better understand this question, we must examine God's dissatisfaction with Israel, "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. 12 When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? 13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. 14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. 15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood." Isaiah 1:11-15
Although God had instituted each element of worship, Israel's service had become a burden to Him! But why? Notice that the lawful observance was no longer honored by individuals entering God's presence. Although the day was being "kept," it was no longer sanctified as being "Holy!"
Isaiah provided the solution for Israel's lack of sanctification, "Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; 17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." Isaiah 1:16-20
The Prophet Samuel identified how God evaluates an individual's life, "Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7
Jesus made the same assertion to the Samaritan woman, "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." John 4:23
Using these Scriptures, we discover that God's will for "keeping" the Sabbath is to first "sanctify" the heart. Only in this way is the Creator truly glorified!
How is the Law currently applied if the Sabbath (Saturday) is to be kept holy? How did Sunday gain preeminence in most modern, Christian churches? To answer these questions, we should remember Jesus' words, "The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath. 28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath." Mark 2:27-28
Etymology helps explain the transitional observance from Sabbath to Sunday. In the English speaking world, the name for the first day of the week refers to our nearest star – the sun. However, unlike English, the French call Sunday, "Dimanche." The Spanish call it, "Domingo." The Italians call it, "Domenica." The French, Spanish, and Italian names all come from the Latin words, "dies dominica," which means "Lord's Day."
The Bible provides the connection, "In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me." Matthew 28:1-10
Early Christians lived under very difficult conditions, working every day without any rest except for sleep. Despite their rigorous lives, Sunday was a special day because of Jesus' resurrection. As Christianity spread, both Church and state officially recognized the weekly observance of Christ's resurrection as a day of rest in Europe (300 A.D.). However, some early Christians were still faithfully keeping both the Sabbath and the Lord's Day. But the Council of Laodicea (363-364 A.D.) later decreed in canon 29 that any Christian observing the Sabbath would be "anathema"- excommunicated from the Church! As a result, many gentile Christians gradually abandoned the observance of Sabbath.
What are the spiritual ramifications of the transition from Sabbath to the Lord's Day? The Sabbath was a memorial on the last day of the week commemorating God's first, great work. But the Lord's Day is a memorial on the first day of the week commemorating God's last, great work: A NEW BEGINNING ..., A NEW CREATION ..., A NEW REST!
(Continues...)
Excerpted from THE VOICE OF SEVEN THUNDERSby Edwin L. Woolsey Copyright © 2011 by Edwin L. Woolsey. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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