A Prophetic Parallel to the Seven Feasts
The Bible provides profound prophetic insights through the seven feasts of Israel, pointing to God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Among these feasts is the Feast of Trumpets, which holds special significance for the Church. It symbolizes a time of preparation, repentance, and expectation of the Messiah’s return. The sounding of the trumpet during this feast illustrates the progression of the Gospel and climaxes with the 100th trumpet blast — the final trumpet, heralding the return of Christ.
This article explores the prophetic meaning of the Feast of Trumpets, the significance of the 100th trumpet sound, and how it relates to Christ’s return.
The Feast of Trumpets and the Church
The Prophetic Timeline
- The seven feasts of Israel (Leviticus 23) outline God’s redemptive plan:
- Passover: Christ’s sacrifice as the Lamb of God.
- Unleavened Bread: Christ’s burial, symbolizing sinlessness.
- Firstfruits: Christ’s resurrection.
- Pentecost: The birth of the Church and the coming of the Holy Spirit.
- Trumpets: The Church Age, marked by the proclamation of the Gospel and anticipation of Christ’s return.
- Day of Atonement: Israel’s national repentance and reconciliation.
- Tabernacles: Christ’s millennial reign and God dwelling with His people.
The Church is currently in the prophetic fulfillment of the Feast of Trumpets, characterized by the preaching of the Gospel — the “blowing of the trumpet” — calling people to repentance and readiness for Christ’s return.
The Sounding of the Trumpet
- During the Feast of Trumpets, the trumpet (shofar) is blown repeatedly, culminating in the 100th blast, also known as the Tekiah Gedolah, or “the great blast.”
- This final trumpet represents the return of Christ, described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16:
- “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.”
The Role of the Trumpet Blower
The Trumpet Blower: A Man of the Word
- In the biblical tradition, the trumpet blower must ascend from the valley to the mountaintop to sound the shofar. This symbolizes a life rich in God’s Word, filled with spiritual nourishment, and elevated by intimacy with God.
- The 99 trumpet blasts represent the preaching of the Gospel by faithful servants of God throughout the Church Age. Each blast is a call to repentance, preparation, and alignment with God’s purposes.
Moving to Higher Ground
- The act of ascending the mountain reflects the spiritual maturity and depth required to proclaim God’s Word effectively. The trumpet blower must be well-fed in the Word, capable of calling people to higher spiritual ground.
The 100th Trumpet: The Return of Christ
The Final Sound
- The 100th trumpet blast, unlike the first 99, is louder, more profound, and marks the culmination of God’s redemptive plan. This final trumpet is blown not by man but by Christ Himself.
- Paul writes: “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump” (1 Corinthians 15:51–52).
The Voice of the Archangel
- When Christ returns, He will come with the voice of an archangel. This holds deep significance in the realm of justice:
- The deceiver, Satan, was once an archangel who fell from grace through rebellion (Ezekiel 28:14–17).
- Christ’s return as the righteous Judge balances the scales of God’s justice, triumphing over the works of the enemy (Revelation 19:11–16).
The Peace Treaty and the Sign of the Times
- The final trumpet will sound in a time marked by false peace and deception. The Bible warns:
- “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).
- A peace treaty signed during the end times, particularly one involving Israel, will be a key prophetic sign signaling the approach of Christ’s return (Daniel 9:27).
The Church’s Responsibility During the 99 Trumpet Sounds
Sounding the Gospel Trumpet
- The Church’s role is to proclaim the Gospel faithfully, preparing the world for Christ’s return. Each sermon, prayer, and act of evangelism is a trumpet blast calling people to repentance.
- Key Verse: “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression” (Isaiah 58:1).
Spiritual Readiness
- Just as the trumpet blower ascends the mountain, believers are called to spiritual maturity, living holy lives in anticipation of the 100th trumpet.
- Key Verse: “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:14).
Encouraging One Another
- As we await the final trumpet, the Church must encourage and strengthen one another, building unity and faith.
- Key Verse: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).
The Fulfillment of the 100th Trumpet
When the 100th trumpet sounds, Christ will return to:
Rescue His Church
- The Rapture will take place, gathering believers to meet Christ in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
Defeat Evil
- Christ will establish His justice, defeating Satan, the Antichrist, and all who oppose God’s kingdom (Revelation 19:19–21).
Establish His Kingdom
- The Millennial Reign of Christ will begin, fulfilling God’s promises of peace and righteousness on earth (Revelation 20:1–6).
Conclusion
The Feast of Trumpets prophetically illustrates the Church’s mission and the timeline of God’s plan. As believers, we are in the season of the 99 trumpet sounds — proclaiming the Gospel, preparing for Christ’s return, and living holy lives. But soon, the 100th trumpet will sound, and Christ will return with power and glory.
Let us remain faithful, vigilant, and steadfast, knowing that our work in sounding the Gospel trumpet is not in vain. The final trumpet, sounded by Christ Himself, will usher in the fulfillment of all things, bringing eternal joy to the faithful and establishing God’s eternal Kingdom.