by Leonard V Johnson
The Day of Pentecost is from sunset on the 23rd of May through to sunset May 24th this year. As always, this means two holy Sabbaths ── back-to-back.
One does not grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ without gaining knowledge. We must, brethren, continue to grow spiritually. So, in addition to our sermons on our YouTube and BitChute channels, we also have two websites devoted to articles in helping you shine a little brighter with the glorious Light of Christ ── https://www.owensborocojc.com/ and
The Apostle Peter wrote ── under divine inspiration of God’s Spirit ──
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts …” – meaning set your heart apart and consider it holy unto the LORD our God. “ … and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” – 1st Peter 3:15, KJV.
“You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, BEWARE lest you fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” – 2nd Peter 3:17-18, NKJV.
‘The feasts of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times’ ── the Day of Pentecost
Now, a person can still gather with Christ’s Church as a whole spiritually even without being physically present. The Bible teaches that spiritual connection is not limited by distance, as God’s presence and the work of the Holy Spirit unite believers in a way that transcends physical location.
Certainly, most who profess Christ know a little something about Pentecost. Most do properly consider it the beginning of the New Testament Church of God.
The apostles were told to wait in Jerusalem to receive the power of the Holy Spirit ──
“And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard Me; 5) for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” – Acts 1:4-5; NKJV and hereafter unless otherwise noted.
So, they waited. And ──
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” – Acts 2:1.
Notice it was when the Day of Pentecost had fully come. The Bible is clear that the events that follow were directly related to the fact that the Day of Pentecost had fully come. And the apostles were all observing it together.
Here is what happened ──
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven [the sky], as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues [languages], as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
38) Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39) For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off [in the generations to come], as many as the Lord our God will call.’ 40) And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ 41) Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 47) [P]raising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the Church daily those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:2-4, 38-42, 47.
Yes! They received some of the power of God’s Spirit! The Holy Spirit (and be sure to read our free article “Is God a Trinity?” which Facebook had banned back in 2021) was gifted at a certain time (the same time that many Jews observed Pentecost).
That was not a coincidence.
Many may not realize that Pentecost represented more than just the gifting of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the New Testament Church of God.
It’s “CHRIST IN YOU!” We must have God’s Holy Spirit, which is represented by the Day of Pentecost. And so, INDIVIDUAL SALVATION ── and that plan is given to us with the spring Holy Days. The spring Holy Days are a continuum. Because there’s the LORD’s Passover, the Days of Unleavened Bread, and then as you get to the holy Feast of Pentecost ── it’s a continuous series of events which are all interrelated and intertwined. The same thing with the LORD’s fall Holy Days.
Let’s notice also some additional Scriptures providing even more valuable information about this sanctioned and commanded Day of the LORD’s ── along with its true meaning.
The Feast of Pentecost was kept by true Christians after the initial one, yet, without speaking in different languages. The Apostle Paul continued keeping Pentecost decades after the Pentecost mentioned in Acts chapter 2. Notice these inspired words, written about 55 AD ──
“For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. 8) But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.” – 1 Corinthians 16:7-8.
This shows us that Paul knew when Pentecost was and that he felt that the Corinthians knew when Pentecost was and that the Ephesians would have known when Pentecost was. So, it was being observed by Paul and the Gentiles in Ephesus and in Corinth.
Here’s another time, the Apostle Paul wished to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost, around the years 61-64 AD ──
“For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.” – Acts 20:16.
True Christians in Jerusalem were still observing Pentecost and Paul was observing it too! Otherwise, there would have been no obvious reason why Paul wanted to be in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost.
The Greek term for Pentecost means 50th. And that term is derived from the following Hebrew description of calculating the correct date ──
“’ And you shall count for yourselves from the day AFTER the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. 16) Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; …’” – Leviticus 23:15-16.
The Day of Pentecost in Scripture goes by different names, and because of that, many have been confused about it. Its other biblical names include the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks, and the day of firstfruits.
The Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries observes the biblical method.
Brethren, we should remember ── that our LORD God, our Lord Jesus Christ, condemned the Pharisees for relying way too much on their oral law over the LORD’s Law (Mark 7:5-13). Our Lord Jesus told them they were ‘making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.’ – Mark 7:13.
the New Testament Pentecost
The LORD’s holy commanded Feast of Pentecost has somehow become buried within this world’s Christianity. Now, why did our Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles actually keep and observe this important holy day, called “the Day of Firstfruits”? What exactly does it picture? And should true Christians be keeping and observing this holy day today? If so, what day should it be observed?
Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, kept and celebrated the Feast of Pentecost. So did His apostles along with the New Testament Church of God.
Sadly, I was unable to travel to Fayetteville, North Carolina to keep and celebrate the Feast of Pentecost with the brethren this year, but I am keeping and celebrating it at home. Again, it’s an important day, and so few professing Christians today actually keep and celebrate this important day. WHEN and WHERE did professing Christians quit following the example of our Lord and Savior and His apostles?
Most professing Christians don’t know too much about Pentecost. Yet, they know about “Whitsun” or “Whitsunday.” On Wikipedia we read ──
“the name used in Britain, and in other countries among Anglicans and Methodists for the Christian holy day of Pentecost. …The name is a contraction of “White Sunday”, attested in “the Holy Ghost, whom thou didst send on Whit-sunday.” … According to one interpretation, the name derives from the white garments worn by catechumens, those expecting to be baptised on that Sunday.” 1
This “White Sunday” has usurped the place of the LORD’s Day of Pentecost and has obscured its real meaning. Our Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles and followers DID NOT observe this “White Sunday.” This day is nothing more than an invention of man ── which, sad to say, has been instrumental in turning away people from the important, God-ordained Feast of Pentecost.
Let us notice how this “White Sunday” has obscured and supplanted God’s holy Feast of Pentecost which our Lord Jesus and His Church kept ──
“the real White Sunday is the octave of Easter, or Dominica in albis, and both of these derivations must be abandoned when the proper use of the title is considered. It is not Whit Sunday, but Whitsun Day, as Easter is Easter Day; and the week is Whitsun Week, not Whit Week; and the season Whitsuntide, not Whittide. In Yorkshire, and doubtless also in other parts of England, the feast is commonly called Whissun Day, the accent being strongly thrown on the first syllable; and the two days following, Whissun Monday and Whissun Tuesday. The name is thus derived, as Dr. Neale shows (Essays on Liturgiology, etc.), directly from Pentecost, passing, by various corruptions, Pingsten, Whingsten, into the German Pfingsten and the English Whitsun. The Germans have also their Pfingsten-Woche, in exact correspondence to our Whitsun Week.” 2
This “White Sunday” is NOT synonymous with the Lord’s Pentecost! Rather, this “White Sunday,” or “Whitsunday” is a counterfeit of the holy Day of Pentecost which the LORD God originally commanded the Church of God to keep and celebrate, and then later His New Testament Church ──
“’ This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us.’” – Acts 7:38.
Why has this important holy day, the very “birth” of our Lord Jesus’ Church, been obscured? Why do so many professing Christians not keep it or celebrate it?
God’s Holy Sabbaths
Should the Feast of Pentecost be kept and observed by true Christians today? What is the real meaning of this day? What picture does it show us for the glorious Plan of God… From the Beginning?
Well … truth be told, a great deal of this present evil age’s spiritual blindness, ignorance, superstitions and outright misunderstandings is a direct result of its rejection of the LORD God’s annual Holy Days and His Sabbaths ── including the Day of Pentecost!
The LORD’s Sabbaths are meant to be a “sign” between Him and His people throughout their generations ── “ ‘Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.’” – Exodus 31:13.
Sadly, most Christians are taught that His Sabbaths were fulfilled, or “nailed to the cross,” or ── you can celebrate His Sabbaths on any day.
In the Old Testament the Gentiles were completely cut off from the LORD God. The Eternal One had chosen the children of Israel to be His own special people ── to understand the LORD God’s purpose which they are working out here on planet Earth ──
“’ Now therefore, if you [the children of Israel] will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 6) And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ …” – Exodus 19:5, 6.
So, had the children of Israel obeyed the LORD God, they would have been used by Him to bring the LORD’s knowledge of the true Creator God to the far-flung regions of Earth ──
“ ‘ And these words which I command you TODAY shall be in your heart. 7) You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8) You shall bind them AS A SIGN on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.’” – Deuteronomy 6:6-8.
The LORD God’s Sabbaths (both the weekly Sabbath and the annual Sabbaths) would have identified the true God and would have kept His people in the grace and knowledge of the LORD God’s Way.
So, just as the Lord’s weekly holy Sabbath was designed to keep mankind in remembrance of the LORD God as CREATOR (cf. Exodus 20:8, 11), so His annual Sabbaths were designed to unfold before mankind their GREAT MASTER PLAN… FROM THE BEGINNING!
The Master Plan of Salvation for All Mankind
Few realize and understand that profess to be Christian the LORD God’s Master Plan… From the Beginning for the salvation of all mankind. The overall majority of professing Christians are taught and believe that God is trying to save the whole world at this present time. But nothing could be further from the truth of God.
The LORD God is not now desperately trying to save all mankind. God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ are not engaged in a desperate fight with Satan the Devil over your soul. The LORD God is now ── throughout this present evil age ── leaving mankind to their own devices and sins, under the inspiration and sway of Satan the Devil ── so that mankind might learn that Satan the Devil’s way of pride, deceit, sin, greed, hatred will only continue to produce a crop of misery and eternal death.
One reason why so many believe that the LORD God is trying to save the world at this time is the fact that they have lost sight of the LORD God’s annual Holy Days and feasts; they don’t understand what these Holy Days and feasts picture in God’s overall Master Plan… From the Beginning. It’s only by keeping and celebrating His commanded Holy Days and feasts, that mankind can properly understand His Masterful Plan of the redemption of all mankind.
Eternal Salvation Was Not Offered to Everyone in the Old Testament
First and foremost, the LORD God did not even offer eternal salvation either to the children of Israel or to the Gentiles throughout the Old Testament. Now … it is true that the LORD prophesied that there would come a time when eternal salvation would be offered. Yet, you can search the entirety of God’s living word in the Old Testament to find one promise of eternal salvation offered to either the children of Israel or to the Gentiles, and you will not find it. The LORD God promises the children of Israel primarily physical and material ── rain in due season, plenty of corn and wine, physical health, material wealth, and, in addition, peace and happiness.
Now … the LORD God did bless salvation to a few during the Old Testament dispensation ── to such men as Abel, Enoch, Noah, the patriarchs, Moses, and the prophets. But eternal salvation was not offered to the masses. It was, however, prophesied to be offered to all later.
Who first brought immortality to light?
“who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10) but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death [eternal death] and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” – 2 Timothy 1:9-10.
Also, our Lord Jesus Christ did not try and save the vast multitudes while upon the Earth. He cast out demons, healed the sick, and preached the gospel message, and went about “doing good.” Recall that our Lord Jesus spoke to the multitudes in parables in order to hide the true meaning ── whom He was not calling at that time (cf. Matthew 13:10-15).
Notice the 11th chapter of Romans clearly shows us that the LORD God is not now trying to save “all Israel” ── “What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. 8) Just as it is written: ‘God has given them [Israel] a spirit of stupor, Eyes that they should not see And ears that they should not hear, TO THIS VERY DAY.’” – Romans 11:7-8.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in. 26) And so all Israel will be saved, …” – verses 25, 26.
~ be sure to watch “Think About This... 'until the fullness of the Gentiles'?” ~
Indeed, during our Lord Jesus’ 3 ½ year ministry countless thousands heard Him speak, but very few actually believed His message. At the time of His ascension to the upper heavenly realms, there were only about one hundred and twenty disciples ── see Acts 1:15.
Why were there so few faithful believers at that time?
Well … the answer is revealed to us through His annual Holy Days and feasts ── including with the Feast of Pentecost.
Now, the LORD God had ordained that the very first real harvest of true believers and followers would occur AFTER He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within the believers. Also, while our Lord Jesus walked on this earth as a mortal, yet divine being (be sure to read our article “What Was Christ Jesus!?”).
“But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, [which] those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” – John 7:39.
We, Brethren, Are the FIRSTFRUITS
So, what does the Feast of Firstfruits picture in the Master Plan of Almighty God? It portrays this present New Testament Church age in which the LORD God is only calling out the “firstfruits” ── a small number. The vast overall majority of mankind is still spiritually blinded ── still deceived by Satan the Devil, following along with his deceits, hypocrisy, sin, and outright lies.
And so, When the Day of Pentecost had fully come (AD 31) the “firstfruits of the Spirit” came to dwell within the believers, transforming their lives from within so they could become divinely begotten children of God. Truly, the period from the first Pentecost until the glorious and powerful second coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, will constitute the “harvest of the firstfruits.”
“Not only that, but we also who have the FIRSTFRUITS OF THE SPIRIT, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.” – Romans 8:23.
When our Lord Jesus returns to Earth, the revived dead in Christ and the living in Christ are to be caught up together to meet Jesus in the atmosphere (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54). When will this happen? At the sounding of the seventh trumpet blast (1 Corinthians 15:52).
Notice Revelation 11:15-18 ── this magnificent and stupendous event is also described! “the SEVENTH ANGEL sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord [God the Father] and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’ 16) And the twenty-four elders [remember, this is a future event] who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, …”
Now, back in 2020 I had a conversation with a dear sister concerning – just who are the twenty-four elders mentioned here sitting on the thrones; “and they had crowns of gold on their heads”!? And I had stated, “Nowhere in God’s living word are angels referred to as ‘elders.’” Nor are angels ever depicted sitting upon thrones or wearing crowns. In addition, the Greek word presbyteros, meaning “ancients,” is the same word used in Hebrews 11:2 – “For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.” Referring to the elders, or rather “the fathers.” In Wycliffe’s Bible Dictionary it says – and I tend to agree – “As elders, they represent God’s people; their thrones and crowns symbolize a kingly role, while their acts of worship and the bowls of incense suggest a priestly function. Thus they seem to be the chief representatives of the redeemed as a kingdom of priests.” 1 – cf. Revelation 1:6. And, as I had said to my sister - I believe these twenty-four elders represent twenty-four representatives of the saints which are resurrected at the last trump – the seventh trump – extremely important individuals.
So, twenty-four very important saints of God, given eternal life at the glorious SEVENTH TRUMPET, the resurrection trumpet. They, too, comprise the “firstfruits” ── some of the very first (the first being the end-time prophets, Revelation 11:11-12) to be glorified with eternal life in the LORD God’s everlasting kingdom.
Also, among the firstfruits will be the prophesied 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel throughout this present evil age. “ … the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. 4) THESE are the ones who not defiled with women [the churches of this world], for they were virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed FROM AMONG MEN [again, throughout this present evil age], being firstfruits to God [God the Father] and to the Lamb.” – Revelation 14:3, 4.
But truly, who was the FIRST of the FIRSTFRUITS of all mankind ── to be the first raised from mortal to immortal, to receive immortality?
“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23) But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.” – 1 Corinthians 15:22-23.
Our Lord, Savior, and High Priest in the upper heavenly realms is called the “firstfruits” because He is the very first to have been “reaped” ── changed from mortal to immortal, receiving once again His glory and power!
All truly converted followers of Jesus Christ our Lord, during this Church dispensation comprise the “firstfruits unto God.”
Notice: Our Lord Jesus is called “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” – those who have died in Christ. He is also called “the firstborn from the dead” – Colossians 1:18. Also, “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” – verse 15. Also, “that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” – Romans 8:29. This certainly tells us, brethren, that others will be “born again” in the future. And our Lord Jesus’ Church is called “the general assembly and church of the FIRSTBORN who are registered in heaven” – Hebrews 12:23.
The Only Day of Salvation?
Sadly, most who profess our Lord Jesus Christ, incorrectly believe that this is the only day that salvation is being offered. They claim that if you do not accept Christ before you die, then you’re “lost” forever. This is patently false! The Catholics go to great lengths to try and personally “save” their followers before they die. And the Roman Catholics tradition of “praying for the dead” is inextricably linked to that Mother Church’s teaching on hell and purgatory.
~ be sure to watch our sermons “What Is Hell?” along with “Is There a Hell?” ~
The verse that they use as their proof text is 2nd Corinthians 6:2 ── “For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the acceptable time: behold now is the day of salvation.”
Notice that the word “is” is italicized, meaning it was added by the translators. Now it's certainly not the only day of salvation! Now is the day for the salvation of the “firstfruits unto God” ── those who have been called all throughout this present evil age, meaning ── from the time of Adam even unto this present 21st century.
Again, it’s sad ── the overall majority who profess to be Christian look upon the holy Day of Pentecost as being “Jewish” – that it was only for the Jews. And they have therefore been taught that they don’t need to keep or observe this important Holy Day.
But the Day of Pentecost is not “Jewish”! It is a FEAST OF THE LORD! Notice ── “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2) ‘Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, THESE ARE MY FEASTS.’” – Leviticus 23:1-2.
Our Lord Jesus’ disciples, and then apostles, understood that the holy Day of Pentecost was indeed one of the LORD’s commanded feasts; and they all kept and celebrated it. Think of this: Had they not been keeping and celebrating it, they would have missed out ── they certainly would not have received the glorious “Helper” sent by God when the Day of Pentecost had fully come! Think upon that for a moment.
It’s high time that all true Christians really begin to follow our Lord Jesus Christ’s example ── John 13:15. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us AN EXAMPLE, that you should follow His steps …” And what are those steps mentioned? “ … ‘Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth’; 23) who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24) who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the [cross], that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness──by whose stripes you were healed.” – 1 Peter 2:21-24.
My friend, isn’t it high time that all true Christians “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints”? □
Sources:
1 Wikipedia contributors. "Whitsun." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 20 May. 2026. Web. 22 May. 2026.
2 Whiton, John Milton, McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia, “Whitsunday.”
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