Bible Question: Can we still celebrate Passover? |
Bible Answer: Again, to answer, we are going to have to ask the question: Did the twelve apostles, and those who came after them, stop keeping the passover? If you are a Jew, then you are obligated by your circumcision to do so; however, if you're a gentile, not being of that circumcision of the flesh, then there is no obligation. The book of Galatians deals with the result of the gentiles who sought to be justified by circumcision and strict following of the works of the law - they fell from grace (Eph. 2:8,9). For we are justified "by grace and through faith", sanctified "by grace and through faith", and baptized with the Holy Spirit "by grace and through faith". Noone could ever be saved (justified, sanctified, or receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit) by working the law, for all have sinned (transgressed the law - I John 3:4) and fallen short of the glory of "God" (Romans 3:9-31, specifically 23 and also 19,20). Neither the Jew nor the gentile can be justified "by the deeds of (by strict observing of) the law", "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law" (see verse 28 of the above passage in Romans). Neither are we made perfect by strictly observing the law; but, by our walk in His Holy Spirit in us (who are in Him by that Spirit) we grow on into perfection. I believe that if your a gentile who is going to observe the passover to gain a deeper insight and understanding of the type, and not because you feel you have to do so, you are doing well. Otherwise, you have stumbled; but, be of good cheer, YHVH will uphold you even in your darkest hour. That is why he gave Paul the words to speak to the Galatians, and in a way to us today, so that we could be convicted of walking in legalism (if we do so) and repent. |