Should We Celebrate Both Passover AND "the Lord's Supper" -- and How Often Should We Partake of the Foot-Washing Ceremony?

Some, in their great personal desire to be teachers, and to be looked up to, have rejected the government of YEHOVAH God, and have concluded that they can worship YEHOVAH as "independent Christians" and proceed to teach others their own ideas and doctrines, purporting that they are Biblical in origin. Half-baked, cracked ideas often in such manner become customs and observances by themselves, their friends, and anybody else whom they can convince to "follow them."

We have warned YEHOVAH's people Israel repeatedly to beware of friends, or former friends, and associates who leave the fellowship of YEHOVAH's true "church," and begin teaching their own ideas and spiritual heresies. But often it seems such warnings fall on DEAF EARS. As a result, the blind wind up following the blind to their own peril and eventual destruction!

A year ago a man left the fellowship of YEHOVAH's true Work, and His true people, and began to teach heresy. At that time, he made an issue of the question "who should partake of the Passover." He insisted that only baptized Christians, with YEHOVAH God's holy spirit, should ever partake of the Passover. He began teaching this error without our permission, on his own, quoting Scriptures out of context, and convinced one man not to partake of the Passover last year.

This year he has come up with a new brain-storm -- which is not really "new," entirely, but is a viewpoint held by the "House of Yahweh" sect in Texas, and possibly by others. They observe what they call "Yashua's Memorial" on the night of the 14th of Nisan, at its beginning, and then observe what they call "Passover" on Nisan 15th.

This particular individual, however, in a recent article entitled Passover Or the Lord's Supper? -- Why Not Both? goes even further. He claims that in all the Bible there is only one description of how to observe the Passover -- in Exodus 12. So he says we should not only keep the Passover at the end of the 14th of Nisan, and beginning of Nisan 15, but that in order to do so properly we must slay a goat or sheep at home in the afternoon of Nisan 14, roast it with fire, daub the blood on the lintels of the front door of our homes, and then eat it, staff in hand, with bitter herbs and unleavened bread!

Does this reasoning sound bizarre? It should! It is very strange -- yet some are gullible enough to accept it, and fall for it -- just as Eve fell for Satan's "line" in the garden of Eden!

The individual who advocates this view wrote:

Can you believe it? He goes on to add:

How easy it is for the unlearned and unscholarly -- the ignorant and those desiring to exalt themselves to positions of teachers -- to go astray! We are astonished at how easy it is for such people to manipulate and twist the Scriptures -- and how easy it is for them to get otherwise sensible and once converted Christians to forsake the truth and to follow them, and even help them do the "dirty work" of their so-called "ministry"!

If this sounds "strong" to some of you, it is meant to be "strong." Such men are in the condition the apostle Paul warned about -- "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived" (II Timothy 3:13). But "we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ" (II Corinthians 2:17). "But having renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God" (II Corinthians 4:2).

Those guilty of vain posturing and deceitful, crafty teaching, will find themselves one day in the lake of fire. Sadly, those who follow them will also suffer the same fate! Therefore, brethren, it behooves us to take these matters seriously, and "Prove ALL things," remembering where you learned the truth (I Thessalonians 5:21). As Paul said, we must "work out our OWN salvation with fear and trembling" (Philemon 2:12).

Just as Paul prophesied, so it has happened once again, and some are being led astray. Paul warned: "I know that after I have gone, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Some even of your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them" (Acts 20:29-30). Sadly, the sheep of YEHOVAH's pasture seem all too ready to be "fleeced," picked apart, and seduced. They are all to willing to make "friends" of wolves, who come disguised as "sheep." They love the personality, friendship, and camaraderie. Not realizing that their own eternal life is hanging in the balance!

Since these questions have come up, and some are in doubt of the truth, let's answer them one at a time. First, should Christian-Israelites really slay a lamb on the afternoon of Nisan 14, just like the original Passover in Egypt, during the time of Moses? Have the Jews gone astray by keeping a Passover "seder" (which means "setting forth") or dinner, explaining the history of the day, instead of each family killing a lamb and roasting it, at home?

The author of the above nonsense has failed to appreciate the FULL Word of YEHOVAH God on this subject, and completely ignores the fact that YEHOVAH God Himself, after this first Passover, later COMMANDS HIS PEOPLE ISRAEL NOT TO KILL THE PASSOVER AT HOME! In fact, YEHOVAH FORBIDS His people to do this, on pain of excommunication and DEATH!

Notice! YEHOVAH God says in plain language:

YEHOVAH God absolutely FORBIDS His people Israel to kill the Passover at their own homes, or locations. He made it perfectly clear that the Passover was ONLY to be killed at the tabernacle or Temple of YEHOVAH God -- the place where He put His name! Since there is no Temple in existence today, then the Passover must not be sacrificed. However, the Passover dinner -- called a "seder" by the Jews -- can still be observed since YEHOVAH commanded that the Passover be observed forever (Exodus 12:14-16). And that is what the Jewish families do every year according to their corrupted calendar!

It is really strange how once people begin to "go off" into the hinterland of error and false teaching, that they plunge recklessly with abandon into the brambles and briars of confusion, and sow discord and cause dissension, among the people of YEHOVAH God. They begin with a little bit of error, which doesn't seem too dangerous to others, who may see it. But they begin to go off into greater and more ludicrous error and sin, and those who accompany them, and who associate with them, and who assist them in their evil work, become "blindsided" by the error, and blinded to their own error by commiserating with such false teachers, and aiding their efforts.

Like the frog that is put into tepid water, they sense no danger. Although they could jump out of the pot, it seems comfortable. As the heat is slowly turned up, they don't sense any peril. They feel pleasant, swimming around in the pot, as the temperature increases, with the heat causing a certain lethargy to their movements. Finally, when the water begins to boil, they have become numb and listless -- their energy is gone, dissipated -- and it is too late. Unable to save themselves, they boil to death -- and they die!

That's the way it is with false doctrines, and associating with false teachers. We urge all YEHOVAH's people to have nothing to do with such snakes in the grass! They are not as mild-mannered and "friendly" as they may appear on the surface! BEWARE of them!

This particular individual first began to go astray over the question of who should partake of the Passover. About a year ago, he came up with the teaching that only baptized Christians should participate. But is this necessarily true? Who really should partake of the Passover, anyway?

"Should a person uncircumcised in heart take the Passover?" This question was asked of us by a man who send us a letter, trying to prove that only Christians who have YEHOVAH God's holy spirit should partake of the Passover! Who should partake of YEHOVAH's Passover? And just what does YEHOVAH mean when He inspires the apostle Paul to write that none should partake of the "bread and wine" symbolizing the body and blood of the Messiah "unworthily"? Was Paul even talking about the "Passover"?

There have been shrouds and cobwebs of confusion regarding the Passover, just what it is, and who should and should not partake of it!

First of all, let us be specific, and be sure of what we are discussing. Just what do we mean by the expression, "uncircumcised in heart"? The Passover was and is a "festival of the LORD." As such, it was commanded to be celebrated by ALL ISRAEL -- men, women and children -- as a FAMILY affair (Exodus 12:3-4). Many of the Israelites were not "converted" -- that is, they were a rebellious people -- yet they were indeed commanded to celebrate the Passover and festivals of YEHOVAH God.

However, there was a distinction made in Old Covenant times between "Israel" and their uncircumcised Gentile, pagan neighbors. YEHOVAH God commanded: "This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof: But every man's servant that is bought for money, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof. A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof...And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof" (Exodus 13:43-48).

In the Old Testament times, then, spiritual circumcision of the heart was not required -- only physical circumcision, which implied that the person so circumcised had willingly chosen to become identified as "Israel," and had accepted the covenant YEHOVAH God made with Israel.

However, in New Testament times, the apostle Paul plainly showed that physical circumcision is not required to become a truly converted Christian, and to enter into the New Covenant relationship with the Messiah as our personal Saviour. Paul explained:

Understand this! The disciples of the Messiah kept the Passover with him each year, no doubt, although they had not yet received a large amount of the spirit of YEHOVAH God as a begettal (John 7:37-39), which did not come upon them until the day of Pentecost in 31 A.D., after the Messiah's ascension to heaven (Acts 1:8-10, 2:1-6). Of course, they were physically circumcised, but not yet circumcised "in the heart," by the reception of the spirit of YEHOVAH God as a begettal. Nevertheless, no doubt the spirit of YEHOVAH God was working with them, as they were "disciples" or "learners" of the Messiah, and followers of him, although not yet begotten.

Since Yeshua observed the Passover with them, even though they were not yet converted, this example should tell us something. It shows us that it is permissible for a person of Israel who has not yet received a large measure of the holy spirit of YEHOVAH God to partake of the Passover, so long as they are a sincere disciple and student of the Word of YEHOVAH God, sincerely seeking YEHOVAH's way!

The question is, then, who should not partake of the Passover? What about one who is a follower and supporter of the truth of YEHOVAH God, but not yet a big recipient of the "spirit of God" as a begettal (Acts 2:28, 5:32)? As we have seen, the twelve disciples would fit into this category -- and Yeshua allowed them to partake of the Passover with him during his ministry.

However, on the other hand, it is obvious that no one of Israel should partake of the Passover if they are a carnal, unconverted, uncircumcised unbeliever, whose attitude would be one of hostility, disbelief, ridicule, scorn, and outright disobedience to YEHOVAH God. Such a person would make a mockery of the Passover, and should definitely not be invited -- even if he or she is a family member! YEHOVAH God says in His Word, "For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law -- indeed it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God" (Romans 8:7, NRSV).

However, one of the purposes of YEHOVAH God's festivals is to draw people to Him, and His way of life -- not to reject them or put them off. In other words, if a person of Israel is truly seeking YEHOVAH God, and His truth, and has shown by the evidence that he or she supports the Work of YEHOVAH God, and believes His Word -- even though they have not yet been physically "baptized" -- such a person is on the pathway to becoming circumcised in heart, and in the process of becoming converted. Such a person should not be categorically, summarily rejected from participating in the Passover! Yeshua himself set us an example in this matter. Yeshua kept Passover with his disciples who were mere learners of the truth and his students, at the time, and they did not yet fully understand his purpose and teachings, and had not yet received a large measure of the holy spirit (John 7:37-39; Acts 2:1-2).

The Passover and Holy Days may be observed by those of Israel who are becoming true Christians, and learning YEHOVAH's way, if in their own heart they desire to obey YEHOVAH and participate in this manner. Consider the example of Daniel. His example should help us understand this principle. The prophet Daniel was told, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you SET YOUR MIND to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words have been HEARD, and I have come because of your words" (Daniel 10:12). In other words, from the time a person begins to humble themselves, and to earnestly seek YEHOVAH's way, YEHOVAH will hear their prayers -- and such people may participate in the observance of the Passover.

The key is the heart. If one is truly seeking YEHOVAH God, then he is entitled to partake of the wonderful feast of the Passover dinner with all its symbolism and trappings. In fact, such an occasion may well help lead a new person or beginner into the family of YEHOVAH God, being a wonderful witness and experience for them, such as they have never before enjoyed or experienced. What better way is there to introduce a new person to the wonderful meaning of the Passover with all its rich heritage and spiritual symbolism and significance?

The Passover is a festival which YEHOVAH God especially designed for "children" to be taught and to learn the truth. YEHOVAH expressly tells us, "And when your children ask you, 'What do you mean by this observance?' you shall say, 'It is the passover sacrifice to the LORD...'" (Exodus 12:26-27). In fact, YEHOVAH God declares plainly of the Passover, "You shall observe this rite as a perpetual ordinance for you and your children" (v.24). Children are a vital, integral part of the Passover!

Even so, spiritual children, and babes in the Messiah, and those who are just beginning YEHOVAH's way, who are however not yet converted, may partake of the Passover so long as they sincerely desire to do so, and have an excellent attitude, like that of Daniel, and are seeking the truth of YEHOVAH God and to obey His laws.

What about the "Lord's Supper"? Should it be observed in addition to the Passover, the night before, as an annual memorial?

Much confusion, we believe, regarding this subject stems from a vital misunderstanding of Yeshua's final night with his disciples. Let's notice this carefully. First, of all, in the book of John, we note that this final meal Yeshua held with his disciples was itself not the Passover. John plainly states:

Notice! We know the Bible does not contradict itself (John 10:35). YEHOVAH's Word is pure truth (John 17:17). As David wrote, "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times" (Psalm 12:6).

This same evening Yeshua gave his disciples the bread, after supper, saying, "Take, eat, this is my body" (Matthew 26:26), and wine, saying, "Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many [of Israel] for the remission of sins" (v.27-28). This bread and wine ceremony is reiterated in Mark and Luke's account, but was left out by the apostle John!

Matthew, Mark and Luke mention the bread and wine -- but they nowhere call this "the Lord's supper." Luke does call it a "supper," however, not the Passover "feast" (Luke 22:20). John specifically mentions a "supper" that night, and calls it a "supper" -- not does not call it "the Lord's supper" as such (John 13:2, 4).

Why does the Word of YEHOVAH God give us these different viewpoints of that final night? There must be a reason!

Let's now turn to the words of the apostle Paul who described this event. Paul wrote about a special time when the people came together for an assembly, or church services, but had problems. He declared:

We have the same kind of problems, today! Now that the Worldwide Church of God is splitting apart, and numerous groups and churches are forming out of its ashes, much controversy has arisen over doctrinal questions, questions of church government, and over observances! Everybody it seems has an opinion on something! Divisions are rife and rampant. "Whom the devil seeks to conquer, he first seeks to divide." How true that maxim is!

Paul was disgusted with their behavior. But notice two things about this assembly. First, Paul plainly said it was NOT "THE LORD'S SUPPER"! Yet that is precisely what many churches "call" it, today! In the paper we received, the author says "Passover AND Lord's Supper -- Why Not Both?" Yet Paul here, plainly says the assembly when Christians partake of "bread and wine" is NOT THE "LORD'S SUPPER"!

Therefore, let's not call it what it isn't! But just what is this special "bread and wine" ceremony Yeshua instituted for the Church, then? Notice!

First of all, let's notice two things here: 1) Although Yeshua used the dinner on the night after the 13th of Nisan had ended to give his disciples this new understanding of the bread and wine -- the very night he was "betrayed" by Judas Iscariot -- HE NEVER COMMANDED US TO OBSERVE THAT NIGHT AS A "MEMORIAL FOREVER"!

Instead, as the apostle Paul shows here, we are to partake of this special symbolical bread and wine ceremony "OFTEN" during the year! He said specifically, "as oft as ye drink it," and "as OFTEN AS ye eat this bread and drink this cup." This language implies it would be something we should do OFTEN during the year, because every time we do it, "we show the Lord's death till He comes." It is a spiritual REMINDER of the sacrifice of Yeshua the Messiah for the sins of Israel. It is something we should do OFTEN, therefore, to keep us in the right attitude! This same expression "as often as" is used also in Revelation 11 where the apostle John writes that the "two witnesses" will smite the earth with plagues "as often as they will" (Revelation 11:6). It literally means often -- the precise number of time is not given, because it is left up to the church, and assembly, to decide those matters for themselves!

But just what is this mysterious "bread and wine" ceremony? Where did it originate?

What is Paul really talking about here in I Corinthians 11? What was the "bread and wine" ceremony Yeshua observed with his disciples the night before he died? Where did the concept of "bread and wine" come from?

What is Paul talking about here? Is this the "Passover"? Many have mistakenly thought so. But the truth is, this is NOT the Passover -- it is a special wine and bread ceremony which dates back to the time of Melchizedek, a proto-type of Yeshua the Messiah, who brought forth bread and wine in the days of Abraham after his victory over the Gentile armies who had carried Lot away captive. We read: "And Melchisedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God" (Genesis 14:18).

Yeshua, like Melchizedek, brought forth the bread and wine -- but he added something this time, just before his death, when he offered himself up as our Passover sacrifice (I Corinthians 5:7-8). What did he do? He added new truth -- that is, he gave them new revelation, as to the real meaning and significance of this ancient rite or ceremony!

Yeshua taught the disciples that the bread (Greek artos, a word simply meaning a loaf of bread, generally leavened bread) used in this ceremony actually represents his own body, as he is the "bread of life" (John 6:48, etc.) by which man shall live (Matthew 4:4). The "bread" represents his flesh (John 6:50-51). And the wine? Yeshua said the wine itself represents his own blood shed for us! Thus we are to eat "his flesh" and "drink his blood" as he taught the Judahites (John 6:53-56). This truth was too much for most of them to handle, and they left following him (John 6:59-66). But the disciples remained faithful, even though at that time they did not understand completely (John 6:67-69).

This special ceremony was not the "Passover" at all but is called the Ha-Motzi v' Kiddush -- the ancient "bread and wine blessing," or "blessing of the bread and wine" ceremony, often called simply the Kiddush.

It is in reference to THIS ceremony that Paul goes on to write, "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord." He goes on, in a positive vein:

The question posed in I Corinthians 11 is not about who should partake of the Passover, but who should partake of the Kiddush! The answer is, like the answer for who should partake of the Passover, only those of Israel who believe in the symbols the bread and wine represent! All of us are to examine ourselves, and our attitudes, and do so out of a pure heart, in sincerity and truth. If we are sincerely serving YEHOVAH God and seeking to obey Him in all things, and to keep His commandments, then by all means, we should partake.

Of course, if we are knowingly harboring sin, which is lawlessness in our heart and life (I John 3:4), in that case we should not partake, but first go before YEHOVAH God, and repent, and seek YEHOVAH's forgiveness (I John 1:8-9). Then we should partake, in faith and with full confidence in the Messiah. A non-believer, however, should not partake.

How often should we partake of this special ceremony, rich with blessing and meaning? Our article, Are We Neglecting the Sacred Fellowship Meal? answers many questions about the "Kiddush" and how often we partake of it.

In general, however, the answer is, WE SHOULD PARTAKE OFTEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR! This was NEVER intended to be an "ANNUAL MEMORIAL" occasion, but a celebration of the symbols of the Messiah's body and blood given for us which we are to do OFTEN!

And, to be blunt about it, this ceremony was NEVER called "The Lord's Supper"! It is NOT a "supper." That's why Paul plainly said, when the church came together to celebrate this occasion, that he said "THIS IS NOT TO EAT THE LORD'S SUPPER" (I Corinthians 11:20).

Furthermore, this was not intended to be and NEVER WAS an "annual" event!

Since the "Kiddush" is not and never was "the Lord's supper," but a special ceremony which was observed before supper the night before the Passover, a ceremony which dates back to the time of Abraham and Melchisedek, at least, then the question arises: Should true Christian-Israelites celebrate something called "the Lord's supper" the night before Passover, in honor, I suppose, of that night when Yeshua was betrayed?

Now, stop and think: Does that make any sense? Should we celebrate the NIGHT the demons danced for joy? Should we celebrate the night of Satan's greatest victory, when he got Judas Iscariot to betray Yeshua the Messiah, the chosen Son of YEHOVAH God, in the most dastardly deed ever done in the history of Israel?

Wouldn't that be like an American celebrating December 7, "Pearl Harbor day," the day the Japanese fleet bombed Pearl Harbor and killed thousands of Americans in one sneak attack? Or like celebrating the terrorist attack that destroyed the Twin Towers in New York?

What a horrible thought!

The night of Yeshua' betrayal is not a holy night. It is not a part of a Biblical "holy day." The 14th of Nisan is simply called "the preparation" of the Passover -- it was a normal "work" day. But also it was a day of putting out leavening -- a type of sin -- just before the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which began with the 15th of Nisan.

Should true Christian-Israelites celebrate this day, or hold a "dinner" at the beginning of Nisan 14, in imitation of the Messiah's "Last Supper," merely because the Messiah and the disciples held a final dinner on it? Obviously, there is no Biblical COMMAND to do it. Yeshua never commanded it. Nor did Paul or the apostles. There is NO RECORD that THEY ever observed such a meal or dinner as a memorial occasion every year at the beginning of Nisan 14 -- or even once!

What, then? Should we take it upon ourselves to do it, because it "seems nice"? Should we do it, because we are unable to resolve the conflict between when the Passover really occurs -- on Nisan 14th? or 15th?

The answer is -- the Passover is plainly on Nisan 15. Neither Yeshua the Messiah nor the apostles observed the night of Nisan 14, either as a holy meal, a holy time, a holy day, or any such thing! Their final meal was just that -- a final "going-away" type of dinner -- a "farewell" dinner -- a time for final instructions, and tying up loose ends, as it were. It was not and never was intended to be a memorial service ordained and commanded for ever! Yeshua NEVER commanded such an annual event!

Frankly, to "add" a "solemn" dinner or another "festive meal" to YEHOVAH God's Plan, the night before Passover, is forbidden by the Word of YEHOVAH God. It is "taboo." It is going "off" and doing what "seems" right to a man. Such a thing is in reality a subtle and cunning invention of the devil. Why? Because such a meal detracts from the awesome meaning of the Passover itself.

It is wrong to diminish the majesty and glory of Passover by holding an unsanctioned, uccommanded religious service or meal the night before Passover, as an additional uncommanded "observance."

Stop and think. What does that night portray? What happened that night? That was the night of the "long knives" -- the night of awesome betrayal and treachery! It was the night of infamy when Yeshua was betrayed in a fiendish act of insuperable treachery by the traitor Judah Iscariot! Should we celebrate on that night, before Passover? Absolutely NOT!

Such an event would essentially honor Satan, the god of this world, and diminish the awesomeness and meaning of YEHOVAH God's Holy Day -- the Passover, celebrated on Nisan 15. Yeshua the Messiah was our PASSOVER LAMB (I Corinthians 5:7). He was slain at the very time the Judahites were slaying the Passover lambs at the Temple, in the afternoon of Nisan 14 -- the appointed time (Exodus 12:6). He died when the lambs were dying. He perfectly fulfilled the Passover typology! That is the event we are commanded to celebrate on Nisan 15 at the Passover dinner!

Why, then, do people want to ADD a night to YEHOVAH God's Holy Calendar, a "celebration" or "dinner" which YEHOVAH nowhere commands or sanctions, and which He has nowhere "blessed" or "set apart"? Such a deed, while it may look appealing to human nature, and seem "good" on the surface, when we dig a little deeper, we find Satan lurking there with a fiendish gleam in his eye, as he seduces yet more people into error! Such a celebration is not "Yeshua's Memorial" -- it is Satan's memorial! In effect it memorializes the night of his great achievement and "victory"! It is commemorating Satan the devil's greatest "victory" night -- the night the demons howled for delirious joy and abandon the night of terrible treachery and savage betrayal.

What does Almighty God and Yeshua the Messiah think about such an observance? Do they think it doesn't really matter? Do they think that is would be "all right," if we want to do it? Is this the way to resolve conflicts -- a judicious "compromise"? Should we just "keep both"?

Solomon warned: "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of DEATH" (Proverbs 14:12). Such a thing is the "WAY OF DEATH!" Again, Solomon wrote: "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of DEATH" (Proverbs 16:25). TWICE YEHOVAH God gives us this red-light warning! Furthermore, YEHOVAH God says, "Abstain from all appearance of evil" (I Thessalonians 5:22). Don't even get close to the cliff!

YEHOVAH God warns us in His Word that we must NOT seek to ADD to His way, His law, His covenant, our own ideas for observances:

Isn't that plain language? By inserting another "observance" on the night of the beginning of Nisan 14 is violating this plain and straight-forward commandment of YEHOVAH God. By so doing, we fall right into Satan's trap. Satan seeks to first add his own ideas to YEHOVAH's Word; then he seeks to replace YEHOVAH's word with his celebrations! So at first, he removed the weekly Sabbath from the lunar calendar; then he gradually "weaned" the Church away from the Sabbath altogether! He "added" Easter to celebrate the "resurrection" of the Messiah; it seemed so natural, that most of the church fell for it. Then he "purged" the Passover from their observance, replacing it with "Easter"! That is how the subtle devil works and weaves his "magic." That is why it is very important that we take seriously this commandment of YEHOVAH God, and ADD NOTHING to what He commands us!