Should we keep the Scriptural Feasts

We all have a free choice of what we want to believe. But the truth is still the truth, even if no one believes it. A lie is still a lie even if everyone believes it.

Leviticus 23:2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, ‘The appointed times of Yahuah, which you are to proclaim as set-apart gatherings, My appointed times, are these:….

There are countless subtle ways the devil's presence is normalized in our minds, ways that we often accept without question. The devil’s most cunning tactic is convincing us that he doesn’t exist at all. His influence can be seen in social media, movies, TV shows, and even in the teachings and doctrines of various denominations. For instance, how many of these groups willingly observe the devil’s festivals like Halloween, Easter, and Christmas, despite the fact that these are rooted in pagan traditions?

At the same time, how many denominations neglect the Father’s appointed times, such as the Spring and Autumn Feasts, claiming they’re irrelevant or unnecessary, yet have no issue with observing the devil’s festivals?

This contradiction doesn’t make sense, and it’s precisely why the Natsarim are called out of Babylon in Revelation 18:4..

This just does not make sense does it and is why the Natsarim are called out from Babylon in Revelation 18:4

Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from the heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. 5 “Because her sins have piled up to reach the heaven, and Elohim has remembered her unrighteousness’s.

Many denominations believe in observing parts of the Ten Commandments. Some go as far as keeping all ten, including the weekly Sabbath, but sadly, few people follow the other commandments outlined in the Old Testament. Among these commands are the Feasts of Yahuah.

These Feasts, along with the High Sabbath days, are detailed in the Old Testament. They are the Father’s Feasts, not Israel’s alone. Therefore, if we believe in the Father and the Messiah, these feasts are for us too. They aren't just for a specific race, church, or denomination—they are meant for anyone who has committed to following the Father’s commands.

John 14:15 “If you love Me, you shall guard My commands.........21 “He who possesses My commands and guards them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I shall love him and manifest Myself to him.”

Keeping the commandments of the Messiah is more than just a rule to follow—it’s a sign of our love, obedience, and connection to Him. It also serves as a test of our devotion. As we continue to obey, even when faced with challenges, we strengthen both our faith and our resolve.

There’s a deeper meaning behind this. The apostle John often emphasizes the link between love and obedience, showing how they shape our relationship with the Father and with each other. As believers and followers of the Messiah, our obedience to Him mirrors the way children obey their earthly father. This obedience lays the foundation for us to truly love the Father, love others, and experience the love that the Father has for us. The Messiah Himself said:

1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of Elohim, when we love Elohim and guard His commands which to the faithful are not grievous 3 For this is the love for Elohim, that we guard His commands, and His commands are not heavy, 4 because everyone having been born of Elohim overcomes the world. And this is the overcoming that has overcome the world: our belief.

Keeping the commandments also means honoring the Feasts. The Spring Feasts were fulfilled as the first part of God’s salvation plan, which is why we should remember and rejoice on those days. The Autumn Feasts, on the other hand, symbolize the gathering of believers at the end of time—something we should all look forward to. What better reason is there to remember our salvation plan and celebrate as the Father has asked us to?

While Israel was specifically instructed to honor the Feasts, the Old Testament doesn't limit this command to just physical Israel. The command applies to all people—those who seek the Father, as well as those who identify as spiritual Israel. To teach otherwise is to ignore the Father’s original instructions.

The idea that the Father’s actions are eternal is made clear in Ecclesiastes. There is no altering what He has set in motion:

Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that whatever Elohim does is forever. There is no adding to it, and there is no taking from it. Elohim does it, that men should fear before Him.

Furthermore, the Feasts' eternal relevance is reaffirmed in Zechariah. In the end, all nations will be required to observe the Feast of Sukkoth. If the Feasts were only meant for Israel—or if they were no longer necessary—then why would all nations be commanded to keep them? But they are, which clearly shows that the Feasts are for all people, for all time.

Zechariah 14:16 And it shall be that all who are left from all the nations which came up against Jerusalem, shall go up from year to year to bow themselves to the Sovereign, Yahuah of hosts, and to celebrate the Festival of Sukkot

The Father established appointed times—holy convocations—that are rich with meaning and centered entirely on Him. These Feasts are acts of worship, revealing both His expectations of us and His plan of salvation for humanity. Observing and understanding these set-apart days is essential to our spiritual journey and growth in His truth.

In addition to the weekly Sabbath, there are seven annual High Sabbaths:

The first and last days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Hag Hamatzot
Pentecost (Shavuot), also known as the Feast of Weeks or the Feast of Harvest
The Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah)
The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur, also called the Fast)
The first day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkoth)
The Eighth Day (often referred to as the Last Great Day)

We are also commanded not to come before the Father empty-handed during three of these High Sabbaths,

Deuteronomy 16:16 “Three times a year all your males appear before Yahuah your Elohim in the place which He chooses: at the Festival of Unleavened Bread and at the Festival of Shavuot and at the Festival of Sukkot. And none should appear before Yahuah empty-handed,

On these days, the Father is calling his people together, not just for fellowship (although that is very important), but also for instruction and to honour and worship Him. These appointed times produce unity in purpose, doctrine, and relationships within believers. These days are also described as being set-apart. The same term that is used when the Father gave instructions for sacrifices and offerings to atone for sin and guilt.

The New Testament, under the Messiah, reflects and fulfills the spiritual meaning of what was established in the Old Testament. The Feasts, which were physically observed under the Torah, carry deep spiritual significance under the New Covenant. The table below illustrates how the Feasts of the Old Testament are mirrored and fulfilled in the New Testament through the life, ministry, and promises of the Messiah.

There are some interesting parallels in the Feast dates of Yahuah. For instance:

The first month of the year is Nisan, and the calendar could begin before the Vernal Equinox, but would be close (vernal equinox is when day and night are the same length)
The exodus from captivity started with the Passover, but it also ended with the Passover as the Hebrews crossed the Jordan into Israel, the promised land on the 10 day of the first month (Joshua 4:19), and first ate the produce of the land on Passover day (Joshua 5:10). That is, the Hebrews exodus from captivity is framed at both ends with Passovers. Our salvation also started with Passover with the sacrifice of the Messiah, but has not yet ended.
On the 10th day of the first month of the year, the Passover lamb is selected. And the 10th day of the seventh month (half a year later) is the Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread starts on the 15th day of the first month and continues for a week. The Feast of Tabernacles starts on the 15th day of the seventh month and continues for a week. Both of these weeks start and end with a High Sabbath (Set Apart day).
If you believe in the lunar-solar calendar, both Passover and Tabernacles fall on the full moon.

Some additional interesting facts, days set out in the Scriptures can be divided into three groups.

Days requiring no work be done unless that work is necessary, ie relates to safety or health;

The weekly Sabbath - Leviticus 23:3
10th Tishri, The Day of Atonement - Leviticus 23:28,30,31

Days requiring no customary (occupational/servile) work be done unless that work is necessary, ie relates to safety or health;

15th Nisan, 1st day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread - Leviticus 23:7
21st Nisan, 7th day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread - Leviticus 23:8
6th Sivan, Feast of Weeks/Pentecost - Leviticus 23:21
1 Tishri, Day of Trumpets - Lev 23:25
15 Tishri, 1st day of Feast of Tabernacles - Leviticus 23:35
22nd Tishri, Last Great Day - Leviticus 23:36

Days on which any work could be done;

14th day of Nissan, Passover - Leviticus 23:5
The first day of the new week following 15 Nisan, Feast of first fruits - Leviticus 23:10 to 14
16th to 20th Nisan, 2nd day to 6th day of Feast of Unleavened Bread - Leviticus 23:5, 6
16th to 21st Tishri, 2nd day to 7th day of the Feast of Tabernacles - Leviticus 23:35,36

The Messiah, His disciples, and the early assembly all observed the Feasts, setting a clear example for us to follow. Their practice confirms that we, too, are called to keep these appointed times. But our calling goes beyond individual days—we are to live set apart from the sin of the world at all times.

As Romans 12:2 reminds us:

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you prove what is that good and well-pleasing and perfect desire of Elohim.

These are set-apart days, and Scripture commands that we “do no customary work” on them (see Leviticus 23:7–8, 21, 24–25, 35–36). This includes refraining not only from our regular jobs but also from ordinary tasks around the home—like housework, gardenwork, or vehicle maintenance. These days are to be wholly dedicated to the Father.

However, work that supports life and well-being is permitted. The Messiah affirmed this in the Gospels when addressing the Pharisees:

Matthew 12:11 And He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, shall not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 “How much more worth is a man than a sheep! So it is right to do good on the Sabbath.”

Feasting and rejoicing are also central to the observance of these holy days. The Father desires His people to come before Him with thanksgiving, joy, and celebration during His appointed times.

SO – when we do not set ourselves apart on these days, cleanse ourselves and honour and worship the Father, we are not following what the Father has asked of us. Many churches and denominations teach the believers do not need to follow the Feasts, but in ignoring the Feasts we are ignoring an instruction given to all mankind in the Old Testament by the Father Himself.