There are seven feasts of the Lord. Passover is the first. Unleavened Bread is the second. Firstfruits is the third. Pentecost is the fourth. The Blowing of Trumpets is the fifth. Each of the seven portrays an aspect of our salvation.

The fact that there were seven feasts is very important to our understanding. It tells us that when we are at Pentecost we are only halfway through the program of salvation.

The Blowing of Trumpets is especially meaningful to us who are "at Pentecost" for two principal reasons. First, Trumpets is the next celebration after our present experience, which is Pentecost. We ought to know what comes after Pentecost, what we should be looking for.

Second, the Blowing of Trumpets is Rosh Hashanah of the Jews, that is, New Year's day. We are entering a new year of God's dealings.

The Jews have two overlapping years, a ceremonial year that begins with Passover and a civil year that begins with Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah is termed "the year of kings and contracts."

When we come to the Blowing of Trumpets we begin to understand that the Kingdom of God is coming to the earth. As in the twenty-fourth Psalm, the psalm that portrays the characteristics of the spiritual fulfillment of "Trumpets," the emphasis is on the earth.

Every revival brings with it an increase in wisdom and revelation. This is true now. Although we have been unaware of it, the Bible never speaks of eternal residence in Heaven as being the goal of salvation. Rather, the Bible clearly teaches that the Kingdom of God is to be installed on the earth.

Our land of promise is the earth, beginning with our own personality. The Lord Jesus has not come to bring us to a different place, for that would solve nothing. After all, sin began in Heaven around the Throne of God.

The Lord Jesus has come so we can possess our own soul, then our own body, and finally our environment. Then we can live anywhere and be in Paradise.

Do you want to see a preview of the Battle of Armageddon? Examine your own personality. The worldwide Armageddon can be fought successfully only by those who first have gained victory through the Lord Jesus over their present circumstances. Does this make sense to you?

As we move into "Trumpets" we can expect an increase in militancy, beginning with our music. The musicians are beginning to sing of war, of the army of the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord is informing us that the coming Day of the Lord will be characterized by "a great and mighty people."

After the Jews were at Mount Sinai (a type of Pentecost), Israel was formed into an army in preparation for the invasion of the land of promise. So it is today.

The Blowing of Trumpets announces the most solemn day of the Jewish year, the Day of Atonement. The ten days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) are the "Days of Awe," the time when God judges the world. In addition to the emphasis on war we will notice an attack on the sin in the world, beginning with the sin in the churches.

All this is preparation for the spiritual fulfillment of the Jewish feast of Tabernacles. As soon as His Church has been cleansed, the Lord will enter His people as never before. As soon as God cleanses the world through His Church, God will enter the world, as we read in the last two chapters of the Bible.

The conflict of the ages is upon us. Pray for courage if you are fearful. God's army in Heaven is preparing to invade the earth.

Put on your armor, submit to the Lord's discipline, and prepare to fight.