The concept of "The Appointed Day" in the Bible refers to specific times set by God for particular events or judgments. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting God's sovereignty and divine timing in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of appointed times is often associated with the feasts and festivals given to Israel. Leviticus 23 outlines these "appointed times" (Hebrew: מוֹעֲדִים, mo'adim), which include the Sabbath, Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles. These were not only times of remembrance and celebration but also prophetic foreshadowings of future events in God's plan.

The prophets also spoke of an "appointed day" in terms of judgment and deliverance. For instance, Isaiah 13:6-9 speaks of the "Day of the LORD," a time of divine wrath and judgment against the nations. Similarly, Joel 2:1-2 describes a "day of darkness and gloom" as the LORD's army executes His judgment.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of "The Appointed Day" takes on a more eschatological dimension. The Apostle Paul, in Acts 17:31, declares, "For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead." This passage underscores the certainty of a future day of judgment, appointed by God, when Jesus Christ will judge the world.

The New Testament also speaks of the "Day of the Lord" as a time of both judgment and salvation. In 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Paul writes, "For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." This unexpected arrival emphasizes the need for readiness and vigilance among believers.

Theological Significance

The Appointed Day serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority over time and history. It assures believers of the fulfillment of God's promises and the eventual establishment of His kingdom. The certainty of this day calls for a response of faith, repentance, and preparedness.

Throughout Scripture, the Appointed Day is a testament to God's justice and mercy. It is a day when wrongs will be righted, and God's righteousness will be fully revealed. For believers, it is a day of hope and anticipation, as they look forward to the return of Christ and the consummation of all things.

Practical Implications

The knowledge of an appointed day of judgment and redemption should inspire believers to live holy and godly lives. As Peter exhorts in 2 Peter 3:11-12, "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming."

In summary, the Appointed Day is a central theme in biblical theology, reflecting God's sovereign control over history and His commitment to justice and redemption. It calls believers to live in anticipation of Christ's return, with a focus on holiness and mission.