The eighth chapter of Nehemiah tells how the Israelites wept when they heard the Law read. The reading of the Law occurred on the first day of the seventh month (the Blowing of Trumpets—Rosh Hashanah) and was followed by the observance of the feast of Tabernacles.

The spiritual substance of Nehemiah, Chapter Eight is occurring today; except that now the Lawgiver Himself, Christ, has come, not only to remind us of the moral Law of God but also (and especially) to cast out of us the presence of sin and to fill us with His Life and Presence so we keep God's laws by nature. It is time to put the laws of God into our mind and write them on our heart (Hebrews 8:10).

Also, we have rejoiced and praised the Lord in the Spirit. We have begun to enter the spiritual substance of which dwelling in booths and other ceremonies are shadows.

2. Will the spiritual fulfillment of the feast of Tabernacles replace the Jewish traditions?

Yes. The reality of the indwelling of God in Christ ultimately will replace the traditions of the Jews—and of the Christians as well.

All our religious forms and structures are scaffolding. In the case of Judaism, a major part of the forms had their origin in Divine edict and direction, as is true of the lampstand with its seven lamps.

In the case of Christianity, however, the forms and structures did not originate by Divine direction. They are an attempt of the human mind to make a religion out of what is intended to be a fellowship with a Person, with the living Lord Jesus Christ. We are to worship the Father in spirit and truth.

The coming of Jesus in His Kingdom will result in the spiritual interpretation of the forms of Judaism and in the abolishing of the manmade forms and implements of Christianity.

3. Why can we say that Christianity is not a religion separate from Judaism but that in the Lord Jesus, eternal life and substance are given to the forms and hopes of Israel?

The Lord Jesus is the living Reality, the Divine Life and Substance who is addressed by the forms and hopes of Israel. He is the Tabernacle of the Congregation, the Ten Commandments, the Lampstand, the Passover Lamb, Christ who is to come.

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. (Luke 1:32,33)

Jesus was born in a Jewish household and ministered to the people of His nation. The Holy Spirit fell first on Jews. The Apostles of the Lamb were Jews. The original Body of Christ consisted of Jewish saints.

The Law was given through the Jew, Moses. The explanation of the new covenant was given through the Jew, Paul.

To claim that Christianity is a "Gentile religion" is to ignore the facts. Both the Jews and the Gentiles refer to Christianity as a "Gentile religion." Both are incorrect

To be continued.