'History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week' By John Nevins Andrews (1829-1883) in PDF Format Now
Summary of the Fulfillment of the Feast Days
Here is a summary of the fulfillment of the feast days as outlined in Captain Joseph Bates' work, focusing on how the types were fulfilled by specific events:
Passover Feast
The first type was fulfilled by the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This feast, which commemorated the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, found its ultimate fulfillment in the sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God, who was crucified on the 14th day of the first month. Bates notes that this event fulfilled the type to the very hour of the day it was originally observed.
Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)
Fifty days after the Passover, this feast was fulfilled by the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2. This event marked the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the early Christian church, aligning perfectly with the type established by the Feast of Weeks.
Feast of Tabernacles
This feast, held in the seventh month, represents the final ingathering of God's people at the end of the world. Bates identifies this as a future event, symbolizing the gathering of all Israel at the end of time. The Feast of Tabernacles was a type of the final harvest of souls, which will be fulfilled at the second coming of Christ.
Each of these feast days serves as a type, with their respective fulfillments in the life, death, and future return of Jesus Christ, according to the interpretations of early Protestant Reformer Seventh Day Adventist pioneers like Captain Joseph Bates.
Bates' Challenge on Page 59
On page 59, Bates challenges the reader with a question regarding the fulfillment of these types: “Now if I can show the fulfillment to this type, will you believe?” He specifically ties the Day of Atonement, which began on the 10th day of the 7th month in 1844, to the beginning of Christ's work in the heavenly sanctuary. This date corresponds to the Great Disappointment when believers expected Christ’s return but instead were led to understand His entering into the Most Holy Place to perform the final atonement. Bates insists that this fulfillment of the type should be convincing evidence of the accuracy of their prophetic interpretation.
For a detailed study, you can read the full rare book by Captain Joseph Bates, one of the early numbers of the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 7 here: Bates: The Second Advent Way Marks and High Heaps (1847)
"The standard-bearers who have fallen in death, are to speak through the reprinting of their writings … to bear their testimony as to what constitutes truth for this time." Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 32, 1905
Why the Feast Days Are Not to Be Celebrated Since They Were Nailed to the Cross
In Chapter VII of "History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week," J.N. Andrews discusses the Hebrew festivals, including the feast days, and provides arguments against their observance by Christians today. The yearly feast days and ceremonial Sabbaths were part of the "ordinance system" that pointed forward to Christ and were nailed to the cross, rendering them obsolete.
"That the hand-writing of ordinances containing the feasts, new moons and the associated annual sabbaths of the Jews, has been abolished and taken out of the way, we do not doubt. This was not the moral law of God; but was merely the shadow of good things to come. But the royal law in which are the ten commandments of God is the subject of this investigation, and it is the perpetuity and immutability of this law that we affirm. If the law of God has been destroyed, the act must have been accomplished by one of three things; viz., 1. By the teachings of the Lord Jesus; or 2. By his death; or 3. By the apostles. We believe that all will agree to this statement." PRL 2.1 John Andrews
“How important it is, beloved brethren, in this, our final struggle with the dragon, that we be found UNITED in "the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ." Your brother in hope, JOHN N. ANDREWS. {December 1849 JWe, PTJW 39.4&5} 1850
Key Points
- Temporary Nature of Ceremonial Laws: The feast days were part of the Mosaic covenant, specific to Israel. These were instituted as shadows pointing forward to Christ’s redemptive work (Hebrews 10:1). Once Christ fulfilled these shadows, the ceremonial aspects, including the feast days, were no longer required (Colossians 2:16-17).
- Distinction Between Moral and Ceremonial Law: Andrews emphasizes that the moral law, which includes the weekly 7th day Sabbath, is universally binding, while the feast days were part of the temporary ceremonial system (Exodus 31:13-17).
- Fulfillment in Christ: The feast days served as a foreshadowing of Christ’s work. Once fulfilled, these observances were no longer binding on Christians (Ephesians 2:15).
- No New Testament Command: The New Testament does not command Christians to observe the Jewish feast days. Paul’s writings in Colossians 2:16-17 make it clear that these are "a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
Key Bible Passages (KJV)
Colossians 2:16-17
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.
Hebrews 10:1
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
Ephesians 2:15
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.
Conclusion
The analysis of J.N. Andrews' work shows that the feast days were part of the ceremonial law specific to Israel and served as types and shadows pointing to Christ. With Christ's fulfillment of these types, the observance of feast days is no longer required for Christians. The weekly 7th day Sabbath, however, is distinguished as a perpetual moral obligation, rooted in the memorial of creation week and reaffirmed in the Ten Commandments.
We Are To REPEAT THEIR WORDS, the Words of the Early SDA Protestant Pioneers
“We are to REPEAT THE WORDS of the pioneers in our work [Like John N. Andrews], who knew what it cost to search for the truth as for hidden treasure, and who labored to lay the foundation of our work. The word given me is, Let that which these men have written in the past be reproduced”—Ellen White, Review and Herald, May 25, 1905
"The science of true education is the truth. The third angel's message is truth" T. Vol. 6, p. 131.
Explore the Abolished Feast Days: Insights from the 144,000 and Rare Hidden Books - 'All scripture is given by inspiration of God' (2 Timothy 3:16)
Elder James White and Other SDA Pioneers on Ceremonial Laws
Elder James White (Similar to Moses):
“The ceremonial law, given at the time of the Exodus, was typical and shadowy. It pointed forward to Christ, the great antitype, and its purpose was fulfilled in Him. This law was nailed to the cross.” — Review and Herald, Jan. 7, 1862.
Prophetess and Messenger of the Lord, Ellen G. White:
“Type met antitype in the death of Christ, the Lamb slain for the sins of the world. Then, the significance of the ceremonial law ceased, and the observance of the feast days and sacrifices was no longer necessary.” — Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 365.
Elder John N. Andrews:
“The ceremonial law, with its sacrifices and ordinances, was a shadow of the good things to come, the substance of which is Christ. When Christ came and died for our sins, the shadow ceased to have any purpose, for the reality had come.” — History of the Sabbath, p. 525.
Elder Uriah Smith:
“The law of types and shadows pointed forward to the great sacrifice of Christ. With His death on the cross, these shadows passed away, for the reality to which they pointed had arrived.” — The Sanctuary and the 2300 Days, p. 234.
The Last Passover Feast That Was Ever To Be Celebrated
"This was virtually the last Passover that was ever to be celebrated; for type was to meet antitype in the slaying of the Lamb of God for the sins of the world." — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 652.
"The interviews between Jesus and his disciples were usually seasons of calm joy, highly prized by all of them. The Passover suppers had been scenes of special interest; but upon this occasion, Jesus was troubled in spirit, and his disciples sympathized with his grief although they knew not its cause. This was virtually the last Passover that was ever to be celebrated; for type was to meet antitype in the slaying of the Lamb of God for the sins of the world. Christ was soon to receive his full baptism of suffering; but the few quiet hours between him and Gethsemane were to be spent for the benefit of his disciples." -3SP, p. 83.3 - Ellen G. White
"When the Saviour yielded up His life on Calvary, the significance of the Passover ceased, and the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was instituted as a memorial of the same event of which the Passover had been a type." — Patriarch's and Prophets, p. 539.5 - Ellen G. White
To Continue These Rites Would Be An INSULT To Jehovah
“It was Christ’s desire to leave to his disciples an ordinance that would do for them the very thing they needed,—that would serve to disentangle them from the rites and ceremonies which they had hitherto engaged in as essential, and which the reception of the gospel made no longer of any force. To continue these rites would be an insult to Jehovah." — Ellen G. White, *The Desire of Ages*, p. 652; Review and Herald, June 14, 1898, par. 16
Feast Days Abolished at the Cross
Jesus abolished the Passover and REPLACED it with the Lord's Supper
"When the Saviour yielded up His life on Calvary, the significance of the Passover ceased, and the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was instituted as a memorial of the same event of which the Passover had been a type." — Patriarch's and Prophets, p. 539.5 - Ellen G. White
"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me." — Luke 22:19 (KJV)
"And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me." — 1 Corinthians 11:24 (KJV)
"After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." — 1 Corinthians 11:25 (KJV)
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:18).... (http://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/1965.54429) Do you individually believe these words? Or do you treat them as idle tales? Do you grasp them by faith, and accept them and rejoice in them? This is eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God.—Manuscript 42, October 25, 1890, (http://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/14056.7101001) “Diary.” From The Upward Look (https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/147.0) - Page 312
Quotes from Early SDA Pioneers
Prophetess and Messenger of the Lord, Ellen G. White:
"Christ was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. When type met antitype in the death of Christ, the ceremonial system, including feast days, was abolished." — *The Desire of Ages, p. 652.*
"The ceremonial law, given by God through Moses, consisting of sacrifices and ordinances, pointed to Christ, and His death marked their end." — *Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 365.*
"When Christ died on the cross, the ceremonial law, which included feast days, was nailed there, ending its observance." — *The Acts of the Apostles, p. 154.*
Elder James White:
"The ceremonial law, given at the time of the Exodus, was typical and shadowy. It pointed forward to Christ, the great antitype, and its purpose was fulfilled in Him. This law was nailed to the cross." — *Review and Herald, Jan. 7, 1862.*
"The observance of the Jewish feast days was no longer required after Christ's sacrifice, as He was the fulfillment of what these feasts symbolized." — *Review and Herald, Nov. 10, 1859.*
"The death of Christ was the fulfillment of the types and shadows of the ceremonial law, including the feast days, which were then abolished." — *Review and Herald, Sept. 16, 1858.*
Captain Joseph Bates:
"The feast days, including the Passover, were a shadow of things to come and were nailed to the cross when Christ was sacrificed." — *Second Advent Way Marks and High Heaps, p. 42, Captain Joseph Bates*
"The experience of William Miller and his associates, of Captain Joseph Bates, and of other pioneers in the advent message, should be kept before our people." Letter 105, 1903, Ellen G. White.
"The record of the experience through which the people of God passed in the early history of our work must be republished." Letter 105, 1903, Ellen G. White.
“Others rashly denied the light behind them, [old SDA Doctrines] and said that it was not God that had led them out so far. The light behind them went out, leaving their feet in perfect darkness, and they stumbled and lost sight of the mark [Sabbath Seal of God] and of Jesus, and fell off the path [old SDA beliefs] down into the dark and wicked world below.”Letter Christian Experience and Teachings (CET) 57.3, Ellen G. White.
Elder J.N. Andrews:
"The whole system of types and shadows, which included the Passover, was done away with at the cross when Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us." — *History of the Sabbath, p. 525.*
"With the death of Christ, the observance of the Passover and other feast days came to an end, for they were only shadows of the good things to come." — *History of the Sabbath, p. 526.*
Elder Stephen Haskell:
"The feast days, like the Passover, were a part of the ceremonial law, and their observance ceased when the Lamb of God was slain." — *The Cross and Its Shadow, p. 83.*
"The Passover was a type of Christ's sacrifice, and when He died, the feast's significance was fulfilled and it was no longer necessary to observe it." — *The Cross and Its Shadow, p. 97.*
"The feasts of the Jewish economy, including the Passover, were abolished at the cross when Christ, the true Passover Lamb, was sacrificed." — *The Cross and Its Shadow, p. 103.*
Elder Uriah Smith:
"When Christ died, the ceremonies and feast days of the Jewish economy, which pointed to His sacrifice, were abolished." — *The Sanctuary and the 2300 Days, p. 234.*
"The feast days, like the Passover, were abolished at the cross, where the true Lamb of God was offered for the sins of the world." — *Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation, p. 288.*
Elder J.H. Waggoner:
"The types and shadows of the ceremonial law, including the Passover, met their fulfillment in Christ, and therefore are no longer to be observed." — *The Atonement, p. 125.*
Elder M.C. Wilcox:
"The feasts and ceremonies of the Jewish economy, such as the Passover, were abolished at the cross, where the true Lamb of God was sacrificed." — *Questions and Answers, Vol. 2, p. 54.*
"The Jewish feasts, such as the Passover, were shadows of Christ's sacrifice and ceased to have any significance after His death." — *Questions and Answers, Vol. 1, p. 132.*
Elder E.J. Waggoner:
"The ceremonial law, including the feast days, was a shadow of the good things to come in Christ. These were fulfilled at the cross and are no longer binding." — *The Glad Tidings, p. 61.*
2300 Days Prophecy Summaries
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Father William Miller (1833): "The 2300 days began in 457 B.C. and ended in 1844, marking the start of the investigative judgment." — *Evidence from Scripture and History of the Second Coming of Christ about the Year 1843, p. 12.*
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Captain Joseph Bates (1847): "The 2300 days prophecy was fulfilled in 1844, pointing to Christ's final work in the heavenly sanctuary." — *The Second Advent Way Marks and High Heaps, p. 32.*
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Elder James White (1850): "The 2300 days ended in 1844, marking the beginning of the judgment and the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary." — *Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Aug. 19, 1850.*
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Elder J.N. Andrews (1853): "The prophecy of the 2300 days in Daniel 8:14 culminates in 1844, the time for the judgment to begin." — *The Sanctuary and Twenty-Three Hundred Days, p. 23.*
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Sister Ellen G. White (1858): "At the end of the 2300 days in 1844, Christ entered the Most Holy Place to begin the work of judgment." — *Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1, p. 158.*
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Elder Uriah Smith (1865): "The 2300 days prophecy was fulfilled in 1844, marking the beginning of the investigative judgment." — *Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation, p. 206.*
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Elder Stephen Haskell (1876): "The 2300 days prophecy ended in 1844, and Christ began His final work in the heavenly sanctuary." — *The Cross and Its Shadow, p. 57.*
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Elder John Loughborough (1878): "The 2300 days of Daniel 8:14 ended in 1844, marking the start of the investigative judgment in heaven." — *The Great Second Advent Movement, p. 65.*
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Elder W.W. Prescott (1895): "The 2300 days prophecy was fulfilled in 1844, initiating the judgment phase of Christ's ministry in heaven." — *The Doctrine of Christ, p. 91.*
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Elder A.T. Jones (1899): "The 2300 days ended in 1844, aligning with Christ's transition to His work in the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary." — *The Consecrated Way to Christian Perfection, p. 83.*
'History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week' By John Nevins Andrews (1829-1883) in PDF Format Now
