Many people assume that Christ’s death finished the plan of God. We [United Church of God] do not believe that is so.John 19:28-30My purpose today is to show you that God’s plan and purpose for humanity is not finished with the death of Jesus… rather His death is the beginning. The beginning of a plan far more satisfying, comprehensive, and complete.What Then Was Finished?John 17:1-5 Jesus completed the work the Father had given Him to do. 1 Corinthians 5:7 that work included the sacrifice of His life as “our Passover” to pay the penalty of our sins [see also Luke 12:50].That was not the end of the salvation plan, it was the beginning.John 4:34-36 reference to work as the calling of many people to enter the path of life and teach them to walk in it. Jesus began this enormous project and has handed it over to His church to continue [Matt 28:18-20].The First Passover Pictured Christ’s SacrificeGod’s had to inflict a terrible punishment upon Egypt to get them to finally release Israel from bondage. God had to put to death every first born child in the land to force Pharaoh to give in.But, through the blood of a lamb, smeared on the doorposts or their houses God would pass over the firstborn of Israel, and spare [or save] them from death. The blood of that lamb, at that first Passover, was a symbol… and a prophecy... of the blood of Christ, the lamb of God [John 1:29]With the institution of the Passover God began to reveal His salvation plan in prophetic form to His Church. Acts 7:38 at that time Israel was His Church. He gave them 7 annual festivals and commanded them be observed forever. Why Do We Keep The Festivals?Under the new covenant the Israel of God was reformed and is now made up of people from all nations begotten by His Holy Spirit. The new covenant Israel of God [aka Church of God] is tasked with the ongoing proclamation of God’s salvation plan.When someone comes to the Church they are discipled. Part of that discipleship or training is through the keeping of the Holy Days. Passover = fulfilled Unleavened Bread = in process Pentecost = in process Trumpets = future and prophetic Atonement = future and prophetic Feast of Tabernacles = future and prophetic Last Day = future and propheticIn this way we reveal, rehearse, and re-affirm the outline of God’s step-by-step plan of salvation. It is an understanding you may take for granted… but the vast majority of humanity has never known and even today does not know. When you know the plan… you have answers to many of the biggest and most perplexing questions humanity has regarding, immortality, freedom of the will, and the true justice, compassion and righteousness of our Creator. Here is an outline of that plan presented in the cycle of God’s Holy Days: Passover = repentance and forgiveness Unleavened Bread = overcoming sin and developing the mind of God Pentecost = receipt of the Holy Spirit, the foretaste of eternity Trumpets = the resurrection of first-fruits at Christ’s return Atonement = the removal of Satan and re-dedication of the world Feast of Tabernacles = the 1,000 year rule of Jesus Christ Last Day = the final resurrection of all flesh, truth revealed to all who have ever livedJust as the weekly Sabbath cycle keeps us in a right relationship with God as our Creator, the annual Sabbaths [festivals] keep His church in a right relationship and understanding of His plan of salvation.The holy days are for the Church of God… to keep us on track!False and deceived teachers replace these biblical revealed holy days with counterfeit celebrations [like christmas]. Such substitution goes hand in hand with replacing the truth of God for a false understanding of the very who, what, when, where, and how of God’s actual plan.The new covenant Passover is a memorial of Christ’s death and a yearly reminder of your personal deliverance from sin and reconciliation with your Creator. It is the 1st step in the amazing plan to bring about salvation and life for the untold billions of h