Should Christians Keep the Biblical Feasts Today?
Many Christians today are hearing more about the biblical feasts and wonder if these special days still matter for believers under the New Covenant. Some see them as “Jewish holidays,” while others believe they were only for ancient Israel. But the Bible shows something much bigger. These Feasts were designed by God Himself, filled with meaning, and centered on the work of Jesus Christ.
Before we decide whether Christians should keep these Festivals today, we need to understand what they are, why God gave them, and how they point to Jesus. The Feasts are not random Old Testament rituals. They are part of God’s plan—carefully arranged, deeply symbolic, and full of spiritual lessons for believers.
Most Christians assume the main religious holidays God wants us to observe are Christmas and Easter. But the Bible never commands either one. There is no verse telling Christians to celebrate Jesus’ birth. There is no instruction to keep Easter as a holy day. In fact, the only time the word “Easter” appears in the King James Bible, it is a mistranslation of the Greek word pascha, which always means Passover.
So if Christmas and Easter are not commanded, what holy days does God actually tell His people to observe? The answer is found in Leviticus 23—God’s own list of His Festivals and Holy Days. These are not man‑made traditions. They are not cultural holidays. God calls them My Feasts, showing that they belong to Him, not to any one nation.
“The feasts of the LORD… these are My feasts.” (Leviticus 23:2–4)
These Festivals reveal God’s plan of salvation. Each one is a picture—a preview—of what Jesus would do in the past, is doing now, and will do in the future. The Spring Feasts point to Christ’s first coming. The Fall Feasts point to His return and the events that follow.
Many Christians are surprised to learn that the New Testament shows believers—including Gentiles—observing these Festivals long after Jesus’ resurrection. The Gospels, Acts, and Paul’s letters all mention them. The early Church did not abandon God’s Holy Days. They understood their meaning and kept them with a New Covenant understanding centered on Christ.
This study will walk through each of God’s Festivals, explain their purpose, show how they point to Jesus, and answer the big question: Do these Holy Days still matter for Christians today?
Are the Biblical Feasts Only for Ancient Israel?
Many people assume the biblical Feasts were only for the Jewish nation and have nothing to do with Christians today. But when we read Leviticus 23 carefully, God does not call them “Jewish holidays.” He calls them My Feasts. These Holy Days belong to God Himself, not to any one group of people.
“The feasts of the LORD… these are My feasts.” (Leviticus 23:2–4)
God gave these Festivals as His appointed times—special days set apart to teach His people about His plan. They were never meant to be cultural traditions or national customs. They were designed to reveal spiritual truths that point directly to Jesus Christ.
Even more surprising, the New Testament shows that the early Church—made up of both Jews and Gentiles—continued to observe these Holy Days. They understood that the Feasts were not outdated rituals but powerful reminders of God’s work through Christ.
So the real question is not whether these Feasts were Jewish, but whether God intended them to teach all believers about His plan of salvation. The Bible’s answer is clear: these Festivals belong to the Lord, and their meaning reaches far beyond ancient Israel.
Do Christmas and Easter Replace God’s Holy Days?
Most Christians today assume the main religious holidays God wants us to observe are Christmas and Easter. But the Bible never commands either one. There is no verse telling believers to celebrate Jesus’ birth. There is no instruction to keep Easter as a holy day. In fact, the Bible is completely silent about celebrating Jesus’ birth or resurrection as annual festivals.
The only time the word “Easter” appears in the King James Version (Acts 12:4), it is a mistranslation of the Greek word pascha, which always means Passover. The early Church never kept Easter. They kept the biblical Passover exactly as Jesus commanded.
So if Christmas and Easter are not commanded, what Holy Days does God actually tell His people to observe? The answer is found in Leviticus 23—God’s own list of His Festivals. These are the days God set apart, blessed, and filled with meaning. They reveal His plan from beginning to end.
Replacing God’s Holy Days with man‑made traditions has caused many Christians to miss the deeper meaning of Christ’s work. The Feasts are not burdens. They are blessings—beautiful pictures of God’s love, mercy, and plan for all humanity.
What Are the Seven Biblical Feasts God Commands?
Leviticus 23 lists seven annual Festivals that outline God’s plan of salvation. These Holy Days fall into two groups: the Spring Feasts and the Fall Feasts. Each one points to a major event in the work of Jesus Christ.
The Spring Feasts:
- Passover
- The Days of Unleavened Bread
- Pentecost (Feast of Weeks)
The Fall Feasts:
- The Feast of Trumpets
- The Day of Atonement
- The Feast of Tabernacles
- The Last Great Day
These Festivals are not random. They follow a pattern that reveals God’s plan from Christ’s sacrifice to His return, the binding of Satan, the Millennial Kingdom, and the final resurrection. When Christians understand these Holy Days, the Bible becomes clearer, and God’s plan becomes easier to see.
Does Colossians 2 Say the Holy Days Were Abolished?
Some Christians believe Colossians 2 teaches that God’s Holy Days were done away with. But when we read the passage carefully, we see that Paul was actually defending the Festivals—not abolishing them.
“Let no man therefore judge you… in respect of a holy day.” (Colossians 2:16)
Paul does not say, “Do not keep the Holy Days.” Instead, he tells believers not to let outsiders judge them for keeping God’s Festivals. The Gentile Christians in Colossae were being criticized by their pagan neighbors for observing what they viewed as “Jewish” customs. Paul encouraged them to continue keeping God’s appointed times.
The Holy Days were never intended only for Israel. They were given by God as part of His plan for all people. And Scripture shows that Christians will celebrate these Festivals with Jesus in the Kingdom of God.
How Do the Spring Feasts Point to Jesus Christ?
The Spring Feasts—Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Pentecost—reveal the first part of God’s plan of salvation. They point directly to Jesus’ sacrifice, His victory over sin, and the birth of the Church. These Feasts were fulfilled in exact order, showing that God’s plan is precise and purposeful.
Understanding the Spring Feasts helps Christians see how the Old Testament and New Testament fit together. The Feasts are like signposts that guide us through God’s plan, showing how Jesus fulfilled the types and symbols given long before His birth.
Let’s look at each Spring Feast and see how it points to Jesus Christ.
What Does Passover Teach Christians Today?
Passover is the first of the Spring Feasts. In the Old Testament, it commemorated God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. The Israelites placed lamb’s blood on their doorposts so the death angel would “pass over” their homes. God commanded Israel to keep this Feast as a memorial of His deliverance.
“On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the Lord’s Passover.” (Leviticus 23:5)
For Christians, Passover points to Jesus Christ—the true Lamb of God—whose sacrifice delivers us from sin and eternal death. At His final Passover meal, Jesus instituted new symbols: bread representing His body and wine representing His blood.
“This is My body which is given for you… This cup is the new covenant in My blood.” (Luke 22:14–20)
Paul later confirmed that Christians are commanded to observe this New Covenant Passover in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:23–26)
Passover reminds believers of the price Jesus paid for our salvation. It is a powerful, Christ‑centered observance that the early Church continued to keep long after Jesus’ resurrection.
What Does the Feast of Unleavened Bread Teach Christians?
The Feast of Unleavened Bread begins the day after Passover and lasts for seven days. In ancient Israel, the people removed all leaven from their homes. Leaven pictured sin, pride, and corruption. Removing it was a physical reminder of the spiritual work God wants to do in our lives.
“Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread… the first day and the seventh day shall be a holy convocation.” (Exodus 12:15–20)
For Christians, this Feast points to living a new life in Christ. After accepting Jesus’ sacrifice at Passover, believers are called to remove sin and walk in sincerity and truth. Paul directly told the Gentile church in Corinth to keep this Feast with a New Covenant understanding.
“Therefore let us keep the feast… with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” (1 Corinthians 5:6–8)
Jesus’ resurrection took place during this Festival, showing the new life God offers through Him. Unleavened Bread reminds Christians that salvation is not only about forgiveness—it is also about transformation.
How Does Pentecost Reveal God’s Work in the Church?
Pentecost, also called the Feast of Weeks, is the third Spring Festival. In the Old Testament, it celebrated the firstfruits of the harvest. God told Israel to count fifty days from Passover and then bring special offerings, including two leavened loaves waved before Him.
“Count fifty days… then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord.” (Leviticus 23:15–22)
In the New Testament, Pentecost marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. On this Holy Day, God empowered the disciples to preach the Gospel in many languages, and about 3,000 people were baptized.
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come… they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:1–4)
Pentecost teaches Christians that God is building a spiritual harvest. Believers today are called “firstfruits,” showing that God is working with a small group now and will call the rest of humanity later.
The early Church continued to keep Pentecost long after Jesus’ resurrection. Paul even planned his travels around this Holy Day.
“He was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.” (Acts 20:16)
The Spring Feasts—Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Pentecost—show how God begins His work in believers: forgiveness, transformation, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
What Do the Fall Feasts Reveal About Jesus’ Return?
The Fall Feasts point to events that have not yet happened. They reveal what Jesus will do when He returns, how God will deal with Satan, and how the world will finally learn God’s truth. These Festivals outline the future part of God’s plan.
Just as the Spring Feasts were fulfilled in order at Jesus’ first coming, the Fall Feasts will be fulfilled in order at His second coming.
What Is the Meaning of the Feast of Trumpets?
The Feast of Trumpets is the first of the Fall Festivals. In ancient Israel, it was a day of rest and a sacred assembly marked by the blowing of trumpets. The trumpet blasts called the people to attention and reminded them of God’s covenant.
“On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of sabbath rest… commemorated with trumpet blasts.” (Leviticus 23:24)
In the New Testament, the Feast of Trumpets points to the return of Jesus Christ. The Bible says the seventh trumpet will announce His coming as King of Kings.
“The seventh angel sounded his trumpet… ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord.’” (Revelation 11:15)
This trumpet blast signals the resurrection of the dead, the judgment of the nations, and the beginning of Christ’s rule on earth. The Feast of Trumpets reminds Christians to stay alert, watchful, and ready for Jesus’ return.
What Does the Day of Atonement Teach About Salvation?
The Day of Atonement, also called Yom Kippur, is the most solemn Holy Day of the year. Israel fasted for 24 hours, and the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies only on this day. It pictured cleansing, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God.
“It shall be a holy convocation… you shall afflict your souls.” (Leviticus 23:27)
In the New Testament, this Holy Day points to Jesus Christ as our High Priest who offers His own blood for our sins. It also pictures the removal of Satan, who will be bound for 1,000 years so he can no longer deceive the nations.
“He laid hold of… Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:1–3)
The Day of Atonement teaches Christians about the seriousness of sin, the need for repentance, and the hope of complete reconciliation with God.
What Does the Feast of Tabernacles Picture for Believers?
The Feast of Tabernacles is a joyful, seven‑day celebration. In ancient Israel, the people lived in temporary shelters to remember their time in the wilderness and to celebrate God’s provision.
“You shall rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days… you shall dwell in booths.” (Leviticus 23:40–43)
For Christians, this Feast points to the Millennial Kingdom—the time when Jesus will rule the earth and all nations will learn God’s ways. It pictures peace, joy, and the presence of God with humanity.
“All nations shall flow to the mountain of the LORD.” (Isaiah 2:2)
The prophet Zechariah even says that all nations will keep this Feast during the Millennium.
“All nations… shall go up… to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.” (Zechariah 14:16–18)
Tabernacles reminds believers that this physical life is temporary and that God’s Kingdom is our true home.
What Is the Meaning of the Last Great Day?
The Last Great Day is an annual Sabbath that follows the seven days of Tabernacles. It marks the completion of God’s Holy Day cycle and reveals the final step in His plan.
“On the eighth day you shall have a sacred assembly.” (Numbers 29:35)
This Holy Day pictures the Great White Throne Judgment—the time when all people who never understood God’s truth will be resurrected and taught His Word for the first time.
“The dead… stood before God, and books were opened… and the dead were judged.” (Revelation 20:11–13)
This is not a resurrection of condemnation. It is a resurrection of opportunity. Billions who lived and died without knowing Jesus will finally have a real chance to understand God’s plan and choose eternal life.
The Last Great Day shows God’s mercy, fairness, and desire to save all people in His perfect time.
What Conclusion Should Christians Draw From God’s Feasts?
When we look at all seven of God’s Festivals together, a clear picture emerges. These Holy Days outline God’s entire plan of salvation—from Christ’s sacrifice to His return, the binding of Satan, the Millennial Kingdom, and the final resurrection. The Feasts are not outdated rituals. They are living lessons that point directly to Jesus Christ.
The early Church understood this. They continued to observe God’s appointed times with a New Covenant understanding centered on Christ. Paul kept the Feasts. The apostles kept the Feasts. Gentile believers kept the Feasts. And the Bible shows that all nations will keep them in the Kingdom of God.
God’s Festivals were never meant to be replaced by man‑made traditions. They were given by God Himself, filled with meaning, and designed to teach believers about His plan. Understanding these Holy Days helps Christians worship according to Scripture rather than human customs.
The Feasts point to Jesus—past, present, and future. They reveal God’s love, His mercy, and His desire to save all people in His perfect time. For Christians who want to follow the Bible and understand God’s plan more deeply, these Festivals are a priceless gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should Christians keep the biblical Feasts today?
The Bible shows that God’s Festivals reveal His plan of salvation and point directly to Jesus Christ. The early Church kept these Holy Days with a New Covenant understanding centered on Christ.
Are the biblical Feasts only for Israel?
No. God calls them “My Feasts,” not “Israel’s Feasts.” They belong to God and were given as His appointed times for all humanity.
Did the early Church keep the Feasts?
Yes. The New Testament shows both Jewish and Gentile believers observing Passover, Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, and other biblical Festivals long after Jesus’ resurrection.
Do Christmas and Easter replace God’s Holy Days?
No. The Bible never commands Christmas or Easter. God’s Holy Days are the only Festivals He instructs His people to observe, and they reveal His plan through Jesus Christ.
Will the Feasts be kept in the Kingdom of God?
Yes. Prophecy shows that all nations will keep the Feast of Tabernacles during the Millennium, and God’s plan will continue to unfold through His appointed times.
