The “eighth day” is a powerful symbol in Scripture.

It’s a reference to the day of Christ’s resurrection and a picture of the new creation. But let’s clear up a few misconceptions.

One common mistake is treating numbers in Scripture like secret codes. Some try to use numbers like eight to predict the end of the world.

But Scripture is clear: even Jesus says He does not know the day or hour — only the Father does.

So what does the eighth day mean?

It reminds us that God is telling one unified story.

On the eighth day, Jewish boys were circumcised — a sign of the promise God made to Abraham.

And on the eighth day, Jesus rose from the dead — fulfilling that very promise.

The same God who marked His people in the Old Testament continues to mark us today in Holy Baptism, where that same promise is delivered to us.

The eighth day also points forward — to the end of time — and reminds us that we belong to all believers, past and present, who trust in the Messiah.

But in looking ahead, we must not despise the present. Some early Christians even sought out martyrdom, believing death would get them to Jesus faster.

Yet we are not called to escape this life — we are called to see Jesus here and now.

Yes, He reigns in heaven, but He is also present now: in Holy Communion, in Baptism, and in the absolution spoken by your pastor.

The eighth day isn’t a code. It’s a comfort. It’s a reminder that Jesus is risen, near, and returning.

So remember your baptism, rejoice in the now, and hope in the not yet.

Contributor Deaconess Emma Heinz serves as the Registrar of Higher Things.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #jesus

If you have questions or topics that you’d like discussed on Higher Things, email them to content@higherthings.org

Subscribe to our channel to get notifications when we go live: http://youtube.com/@HTgospel4all

To support the work of Higher Things®, visit https://higherthings.org/morehi/giving/

For more information about Higher Things, go to http://higherthings.org
——
Join the conversation on Social Media:

http://facebook.com/higherthings
http://instagram.com/higherthings
https://www.tiktok.com/@higherthings