The Last Great Day Solves a Biblical Enigma

Countless human beings have lived and died without ever hearing of Jesus Christ or knowing anything about the Bible. Many more have heard of Jesus Christ but never understood or pursued biblical Christianity. What is the fate of these billions of people?

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the only way and name by which a person can be saved (Acts 4:12; John 10:9; 14:6), and God desires that every person repent and obtain salvation (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). However, no one can come to Jesus Christ unless drawn to Him by God the Father (John 6:44, 65), and God does not draw all people to Jesus Christ in their present lifetimes (1 Corinthians 1:26–29; Matthew 11:25). In fact, Jesus spoke in parables precisely so that many people would not understand His message (Matthew 13:10–13). Furthermore, God has allowed most of mankind to be deceived and blinded by Satan (Revelation 12:9; 2 Corinthians 4:4; John 12:37–40; 1 Corinthians 2:6–12).

Yet the Bible indicates in many places that God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). It says as well that God is fair, showing no partiality (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11). Does the Bible contradict itself? Or can all of these statements be true?

How to reconcile these biblical truths is one of the great “puzzles” of Christianity—and they are impossible to reconcile without the seventh of God’s annual Festivals. The Bible solves this puzzle through the meaning of what is called “the eighth day” (Leviticus 23:36–39) and “the last day, that great day of the feast” (John 7:37).

The Culmination of God’s Plan of Salvation

Leviticus 23:33–44 is one of the longest passages describing the Feast of Tabernacles, which lasts seven days. It also mentions an “eighth day,” which is a separate Festival occurring right after the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles. It is a “sacred assembly,” and examples of it being observed in the Old Testament are in Numbers 29:35, 2 Chronicles 7:9, and Nehemiah 8:18.

Jesus spoke of a future time of judgment for the sinful people who lived in the ancient cities of Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom (Matthew 11:21–24). Revelation 20:5 describes the time after Christ’s thousand-year Millennial reign when “the rest of the dead” will be resurrected to physical life (see Ezekiel 37:1–14). They will be taught and judged by the books of the Bible (Revelation 20:11–12). Christ will open “their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures,” as He did for His disciples (Luke 24:45). During His ministry on earth, when speaking on the Last Great Day, Jesus indicated that all would have access to Him and drink of His Holy Spirit (John 7:37–39). He was describing this future time of teaching and judgment, when billions will be resurrected.

Understanding the timing of God’s plan is vital for solving this important Bible enigma. The Last Great Day helps to explain that timing, because it foreshadows the final period of judgment in which most of mankind will have its chance to know the true God and His plan of salvation, accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, and sincerely repent. Ultimately, God will present to every human being who ever lived the same choice He set before ancient Israel: “I have set before you life and death… therefore choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

The Last Great Day pictures the spectacular culmination of God’s plan of salvation for all who ever lived—the time when mankind’s thirst for peace, prosperity, health, abundance, and loving leadership will finally be quenched—when Jesus Christ will say to every person, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37).

To learn more about the Last Great Day and the rest of God’s Feasts, you can read “What Is the Feast of Tabernacles?” by Rod McNair, which begins on page 16 of this magazine. You can also order a free copy of Is This the Only Day of Salvation?, which explains in much more detail what the Last Great Day pictures.