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The Judaism of the first century was not homogeneous. Rather, it was
a rich tapestry interwoven with broad diversity of strands. Philip Sigal (The
Emergence of Contemporary Judaism, vol. 1, Pittsburgh: Pickwick Press,
1980, pp. 382-383), for example, refers to fourteen
different segments: Hellenistic allegorizers;
Hellenistic traditionalists; non-Hellenistic conservative traditionalists;
Essenes; Therapeutae; Qumranites; Samaritans; the priestly establishment
and the Sadducees; proto-rabbinic circles; am ha' aretz; tithe and purity
fellowships (havurot); Hemerobaptists or morning bathers; Boethusians; and
Galileans. Even within some
of the groups significant variations existed, as for
example, the determined debates between the Schools of Shammai and Hillel
among the Pharisees. As might rightly be expected, this diversity resulted
in corresponding variations in theological emphasis, a number of which
Paul and the Galatians would have fit right into.
One of these emphases is the stressing of the fact that relationship
with God has priority and precedence over observing the commandments, as
for example the Talmud's teaching: "Why does the section 'Hear, O
Israel' precede 'And it shall come to pass if ye hearken?--So that a man
may first take upon him the yoke
of the kingdom of heaven and afterwards take upon him the yoke of the
commandments" (Berakot 2.2). All
that this is saying, however, is that we must first hear and understand
God before we can obey His wishes and will correctly. The
Mechilta 98a (a body of Mishnah-like material) reinforces the Talmudic
concept by reminding its readers that the Torah is a means of
strengthening "an
on-going mutual relationship of love between God and his people;" it
(the Law-Torah) does not produce it!
Answer for yourself: Did God give us the Torah-Law (the Bible) to get us into covenant with Him, or was it given to help those already in covenant with Him to respond, behave, and obey in such a way that they could be pleasing to the One to Whom they were already in covenant with?
Whether you know it or not you just read the most important question that you will ever have to answer in life
The Torah was given to help us strengthen our relationship with God
in which we already are in covenant with in the first place as the
previous article has shown you.
As Sigal points out, much of modern scholarship inaccurately portrayed both first century Judaism and the relationship that exists between Judaism and Christianity. This error, he says, "is largely rooted in Christianity's misunderstanding of both Paul's and Judaism's position on faith and works.
Answer for yourself: Does the Christian church still suffer from this same problem today? Yes
Much of modern scholarship inaccurately portrays both first century Judaism and the relationship that exists between Judaism and Christianity....This grievous error..."is largely rooted in Gentile Christianity's misunderstanding of both Paul's and Judaism's position on faith and works
Answer for yourself: Having read the
previous article on the Law, can you now say that you have learned a lot
and now your perspective on the Law as having "passed away" has
changed? I bet you can.
A second error has been the generally simplistic conception of
Judaism as 'legalism'...having no doctrine of grace."
Answer for yourself: Can you now see that such a concept that
equates Judaism as a religion without grace is totally false and foreign
to the Old Testament and the Torah? I bet you can.
One passage which strikingly illustrates Judaism's emphasis on grace
is recited twice a week during the Tachanun portion of the daily Shacharit
(morning) service, and is as follows:
For we do not present our supplications before thee because of our righteousness but because of thy great compassion. O Lord hear; O Lord forgive...Our father, our king, be gracious unto us and answer us, for we are lacking in good works; deal with us benevolently for thy name's sake...We know that we have sinned and there is none to stand up in our behalf...we know that we have no good works of our own; deal with us benevolently for thy name's sake. As a father has compassion on his children, so, O Lord, have compassion on us and save us for thy name's sake.
Other passages stress the importance of faith for the believing Jew; of trusting God for salvation
For example, the following is prayed during Shacharit (morning service):
"Because we have trusted in thy holy, great and revered
name, make us rejoice and be glad in thy salvation." Or as the
Talmud so graphically put it (Makkot 23-24): Talmud Rabbi Salmai gave the
following exposition: 613 commandments were given to Moses...then came
David and made them compact into 11 commandments (Psalm 15)... then came
Isaiah and reduced them to six commandments (Isaiah 33:15)...then came
Micah the prophet and reduced them to a compact three (Micah 6:8)...then
came the prophet Habakkuk and reduced all the commandments to one, as it
is written (Habakkuk 2:4): "the just shall live by faith."
H. J. Schoeps (The Jewish Christian Argument, New York: Rinehart and Winston, 1963, p.41) states:
To observe concerning this purported Jewish teaching: "Seen
from a vantage point within Judaism, it is a misconception of a monstrous
proportion; for all Christian polemic--and especially modern Protestant
polemic against the law--misconstrues
the law of the Jews as a means of attaining justification in the sight of
God."
Answer for yourself: Contrary to what many Christians have been taught to think, have the Jewish people and their teachers NEVER considered obedience to the Laws of God as their means of justification and salvation before God?
No, not yesterday, today or
tomorrow.
Answer for yourself: How then are Jews
justified before God? The same way we are as Christians; "for without
faith it is impossible to please God."
Answer for yourself: If this is so (that Jews NEVER thought that they are saved by works but faith like Christians), then one might well ask, "Who was Paul arguing against in Galatians?"
One thing is for sure; Paul's opponents sure was not mainstream
Judaism as practiced and believed by Yeshua, for it never taught such
heresy as "salvation by works", yet, more than likely, you have
heard your whole life that the Jews are lost and damned to hell for they
reject Yeshua and cannot obey the Law without their Temple.
Such babble affirms one's
total misunderstanding of the Jewish Scriptures.
Answer for yourself: If Paul was not
writing the book of Galatians to replace Judaism with Christianity, works
salvation (which we just showed you was not mainstream Judaism) with faith
salvation as my church has taught me, then why did Paul write Galatians
and what is its message to me today?
Schoeps' comment is once again pertinent:
"Paul may well be conducting a justifiable polemic against the
erroneous opinions of "this or that scholar" among
his...opponents (minority opinions). But
he is not saying anything contrary to Holy Scripture (Old Testament)..
Apparently then, there were those among the diversity
and variety within Judaism that made up the Jewish community of the first
century (and perhaps not even a majority among the Jewish people) who
missed the message of the Torah, a message of covenant relationship and
God's grace. They distorted it and transformed the observance of the Torah
into a system of works, self-effort, and -achievement--into a means of
getting right with God, or legalism. Legalism was not what mainstream
Judaism taught, but apparently some significant elements within it had
accepted this misunderstanding.
We must go the events that precipitated the Acts 15 Church Council to understand the Book of Galatians correctly. Let us examine one example as stated in Acts 15 and later refuted by James, the pastor of the Messianic church of Jerusalem.
15:1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, [and said], Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved (the subject was the non-Jew)
Apparently then, there were those Jews among the diversity and variety that made up the Jewish community of the first century (and perhaps not even a majority among the Jewish people) who missed the message of the Torah, a message of covenant relationship and God's grace as I have shown you in the previous article. This small fragment of Jews distorted the Torah and its message and transformed the observance of the Torah into a system of works, self-effort, and achievement--into a means of getting right with God, or legalism. Legalism was not what mainstream Judaism taught, but apparently significant elements within it had accepted this misunderstanding. But what you will soon see is that they distorted the message of the Torah on purpose in order to keep these "Gentile-dogs" apart from their religion. Such was the enforcement of circumcision upon the non-Jewish believers and converts in hopes that such a painful and dangerous surgical procedure on an adult male would be impetus enough to discourage their conversion and fellowship among the Jewish people. We call it bigotry today. Paul knew what they overlooked on purpose in serving their selfish agenda; namely, that God had never required circumcision for the non-Jewish believer. By putting the Gentiles "under the law of circumcision" they hoped to discourage their influx into Biblical Judaism. Thus Paul's whole focus was NOT on Gentiles not being under the Law, but only not being under the Law of circumcision. Let us continue on as the picture will get clearer still.
Answer for yourself: If all you read was verse one of Acts 15, would it be easy for you to think that men of the religion of Yeshua (Judaism) had come down to teach the Gentiles in Antioch, Asia Minor, that circumcision is required for Gentile salvation; thus teaching OBEDIENCE TO THE LAW FOR SALVATION? It sure would and that is what many have done with the teachings of Paul; not understanding the specific nature of his opposition to the Law...the law of circumcision for the non-Jew. Many, lacking certain information and knowledge, have supposed that Paul, when saying negative things about the Law, was condemning the whole of the Law and not addressing just the parts concerning circumcision as it was applied to Gentiles. It is not my intention to deal with this matter in more detail here, but Galatians is believed by many to be of the earliest of Paul's letters that reflect his "earliest" beliefs. Later in his life however, if he really be the author of other materials that carry his name, this concept of "not being under the Law" will later evolve into grievous error as such a concept will be applied from his writings, or adulterated writings, against true Biblical faith by the Gentile Church of later history.
Answer for yourself: Did you notice in above quotes that I referred to a writer and authority in the matter of Biblical Law, and he stated that to consider that obedience was REQUIRED FOR SALVATION was a misconception of a monstrous proportion; for all Christian polemic--and especially modern Protestant polemic against the law--misconstrues the law of the Jews as a means of attaining justification in the sight of God"? I hope so.
...the letters of Paul were not, at least in his earliest theology, "to do away with the Law," but rather, "to show that obedience to the Law FOR SALVATION" was never necessary...especially that the Gentile need not obey the law of circumcision to be "right" with God since that particular commandment was not given to the non-Jew in the Covenant of Noah...only the Jews later in the Mosaic ordinances...but was only forced upon the non-Jew by fellow Jews who hated the Gentile
Answer for yourself: Did mainstream
Judaism, as practiced by Yeshua, or Messianic Judaism in the first century
teach "works salvation" (regardless of what I have been taught
by those in the Gentile Church who know no better)? No.
Answer for yourself: Then why have we
heard preached by the Christian Church our whole life that Paul's letters
set us free from having to obey the Law for salvation, when the truth of
the matter is that Judaism NEVER taught that themselves; but rather the
opposite..that obedience to the Laws and Commandments of our Covenant
demonstrated one's love for God and one's true relationship with God?
Answer for yourself: Can you now see
that the letters of Paul were not "to do away with the Law," but
rather, "to show that obedience to the Law of circumcision "FOR
SALVATION" was never necessary, and he corrects only a small segment
of misinformed Jews who had their theology wrong, for the
vast majority of Jews never believed in the necessity of obeying the
Law "for salvation?" I hope so.
Answer for yourself: Then "who"
taught the erroneous doctrine of "works salvation" (that you
have to be circumcised for salvation) for it was being taught by some? A
small fraction who were mistaken in their belief system, but be not
mistaken, they were in the vast "minority," and did not
represent the "majority" opinion of conservative Rabbinic
scholarship as we have so often been taught by Gentile Christians who do
not know Judaism well. Rabbi Hillel is a good example and his school of
Rabbis did not support such bigotry.
Acts 15:24 For as much as we have heard, that certain which went out
from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye
must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to
whom we gave no [such] commandment
Answer for yourself: Did the church of Yeshua as pastored by James teach "works salvation" (that you have to be circumcised to be saved)? no.
Gentiles do not have to be circumcised (obey the law) to be saved; but be not mistaken; since they are saved by grace through faith, their love for the God who saves them was expected to be revealed by their obedience to the Commandments given to them in their Covenant with God BECAUSE THEY WERE ALREADY SAVED!
Answer for yourself: Then can you now
see that the teaching of these "men from Judaea" is wrong as
stated by James who is the Lord's hand-picked pastor to head up the
Yeshua's church in Jerusalem? I hope so.
Answer for yourself: Can you begin to
see that even some Jews erred in their understanding of their own Law (as
have many of the thousands of different Christian denominations by saying
the Law was done away with since the cross when I showed you it wasn't in
the last Galatian's teaching) when they were teaching that obedience (seen
in the obedience to the commandment to circumcise) was NECESSARY for
Gentiles to be accepted in God's kingdom? I hope so.
Answer for yourself: Did this proposed "obedience to the Law" that Paul focuses upon in Galatians concern 613 Mitzvoth (commandments), or was it concerned for only one law as far as the Gentiles were concerned; namely, circumcision? Only one, for the WHOLE ISSUE of the matter is that Gentiles do not have to be circumcised (obey the Law)to be saved; but be not mistaken; since they are saved by grace through faith, their love for the God who saves them was expected to be revealed by their obedience to the commandants given to them BECAUSE THEY WERE ALREADY SAVED!
Let me stop right here and bring your attention to the fact that such laws of which I speak, the laws that Paul never intended to abolish, dictate how God desires you worship, how God desires you give your money, which days God desires you keep holy and which days you do not. The sad fact is that if you are not aware of such truths of which I speak then most likely you do not adhere to such laws and you need to be reminded that violation of the law is sin. In other words "slanted" anti-Semitic theology, which we all inherited in the Christian Church, has been responsible for years and years of sin of which you may not be aware. It is not just some simple thing when you observe Easter, which God hates, and neglect Passover. It is no small thing when you give your Tithe to the church and your Pastor uses it in areas that the Commandments do not warrant. It is no small thing that you sanctify Sunday but break the Sabbath the day before you gather to worship God week after week. These commitments are your opportunities to reveal your love for God and demonstrate your love for God before your fellow man; as well as be assured that your actions and behavior is the "loving" response toward your neighbor as dictated by the commandments of God.
Answer for yourself: Do you see that
Yeshua's church gave no such commandment (that one must be circumcised
(which was an act of obedience to a commandment) to be saved? I hope so.
James knew that as well. Neither had mainline Judaism; it was only a small
fragment which was moved by such bigotry that is responsible.
Answer for yourself: Do you see that in the Great Commission, however, the Gentiles were expressly commanded by Yeshua to be "taught to obey those things Yeshua had commanded his apostles and disciples?
Thus, obedience was not replaced by grace; rather, obedience is the natural response to grace. For the Christian, Bet Emet Ministries sounds an alarm for in the Christian Church today we have almost totally replaced obedience to commandments such as the Saturday Sabbath with Sunday worship, obedience to commandments concerning Holy Days and Festivals with Greco-Roman pagan days in which Yeshua's name has been attached, and the use of God's Holy Tithe has been replace by whatever agenda your particular denomination desires. God forgive us.
In the Great Commission, however, the Gentiles were expressly commanded by Yeshua to be "taught to obey those things which he had commanded his apostles and disciples? Thus, obedience to commandments was not replaced by grace; rather, obedience is the natural response of our love to God for His grace.
Answer for yourself: Does NOT being REQUIRED to obey commandments FOR SALVATION remove from us the responsibility we have as believers to "choose those things that please God" which is also manifested in Commandments? No.
NOT being REQUIRED to obey commandments FOR SALVATION does not remove us from the responsibility we have as believers to "choose those things that please God" which are manifested in Commandments obeyed..and not broken
Answer for yourself: Now let me ask
you since you better understand where Paul was coming from...does not
being REQUIRED to obey commandments FOR SALVATION remove from us as
believers from the responsibility we have to OBEY THE COMMANDMENTS BECAUSE
WE ARE SAVED BY FAITH? No.
Answer for yourself: Does not being
REQUIRED to obey commandments FOR SALVATION remove us as believers from
the responsibility we have to OBEY THE COMMANDMENTS BECAUSE WE LOVE GOD
AND WE ARE EXPECTED TO EXPRESS OUR LOVE FOR GOD THROUGH OBEDIENCE? No. Let
us never forget Yeshua says "Why do you say you love me and not obey
me?"
Answer for yourself: Is obedience (to
the tithe, Festivals, Sabbaths) really greater than any sacrifice you can
bring God? Ask Abel.
Answer for yourself: Does not being
REQUIRED to obey commandments FOR SALVATION remove us as believers from
the responsibility we have to OBEY GOD AND HIS COMMANDMENTS BECAUSE IT IS
HE WHO CUT COVENANT WITH US...and our obedience strengthens our
relationship with God to Whom we are already in covenant with? No, we are
not removed from our responsibility to obey the Covenant making God, and
responding to Him in whom we already have relationship through faith and
with resultant obedience only draws us closer to God and God to us!
Acts 15:6 (KJS) And the apostles and elders came together for to
consider of this matter. 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter
rose up, and said unto them, Men [and] brethren, ye know how that a good
while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should
hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8 And God, which knoweth the
hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as [he did]
unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their
hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the
neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Yeshua Christ we
shall be saved, even as they.
Answer for yourself: Did the apostles and elders come together to consider the matter as to how the Gentiles could be "saved" since they had heard, as had Paul, that men "supposedly" from the Jerusalem church were teaching that Gentiles had to be circumcised to be saved? Yes.
We must appeal to James' ruling as the authority to settle the matter of the Law and obedience after the death of Yeshua once for all, especially since Yeshua picked him personally to head up his new movement and church; thereby no longer accepting decisions made on the matter by the Baptists, Catholics, Charismatics, Presbyterians, Methodists, Church of Christ, 7th day Adventists, or the other 20,000 different denominations which hold differing views on the matter? I believe without a doubt that James is right, and if we disagree with him, then we are wrong and sin.
Answer for yourself: Was there much
disputing about the matter of Law and its relationship to salvation of the
Gentiles? Yes.
Answer for yourself: Is there yet
today much disputing concerning the matter of Law and its relationship to
the salvation of the Gentiles among the 20,000 or so different
denominations? Yes there sure is.
Answer for yourself: Should we appeal
to James' ruling for the authority to settle the matter once and for all,
especially since Yeshua, our Messiah and sacrifice picked him personally
to head up his new movement and church, or should we appeal to the
decisions made on the matter by the conflicting doctrines and teachings as
held by the Baptists, Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists, Church of
Christ, 7th day Adventists, or the other thousands of different
denominations which hold differing views on the matter? I believe without
a doubt that James is right, and if we disagree with him, then we are
wrong.
Answer for yourself: If Yeshua's
church and apostolic doctrine was still being taught today (which only few
do), and considering all the other movements and denominations that exist
today, would you choose to identify with, fellowship with, and join the
original church of Yeshua? I hope so
Answer for yourself: Does Peter say in
verse 9 that God puts no difference between the Jew and Gentile? Yes.
Answer for yourself: What was the "yoke" that was mistakenly put on the Gentile by a few that was not put upon the Jewish fathers which they could not bear either?
Simple...obedience of the commandments FOR SALVATION instead of a response of obedience seen as love for God since they were ALREADY SAVED. The Jews were never "saved" by keeping the Law.
"No difference" was made between the Jew and Gentile in that neither were REQUIRED TO OBEY THE LAW TO BE SAVED, but rather, both were to obey because they had already experienced God's love and forgiveness
Answer for yourself: In the context of
Acts 15, do you see that there is "no difference" between the
Jew and Gentile in that neither were REQUIRED TO OBEY TO BE SAVED, but
rather, both were to obey because they had already experienced God's love
and forgiveness? I hope so.
Answer for yourself: Then will you
reject Christian teaching that says that without Yeshua the Jew "cannot
be saved for the Jew, without the Temple, cannot obey the law today for
salvation" when it never was required for salvation? I hope so.
Acts 15:19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which
from among the Gentiles are turned to God: 20 But that we write unto them,
that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and [from] fornication, and
[from] things strangled, and [from] blood. 21 For Moses of old time hath
in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every
Sabbath day.
Answer for yourself: Did you notice in reading the 15th chapter of Acts that following the decision of James that in verse 28 it states that this decision (to have the Gentiles obey only that part of the Torah-the Law that was given to all mankind in Genesis...the Laws of Noah) seemed good to not only the elders of the Messianic church but to the Holy Spirit as well? Staggering thought isn't it, especially since you have been taught erroneously your whole life that the Law passed away and you are under grace. Remember that this ruling was from the first church of Yeshua!
Notice that the decision of Yeshua's church to have the Gentiles obey & observe only those Laws previously given to all Gentiles in Genesis "seemed good to the Holy Spirit" and was deemed as "necessary things" for Gentile inclusion in Yeshua's church
Answer for yourself: Was the decision
concerning which Laws were binding
upon the Gentile in order for him to be included into
Yeshua's Movement within Israel (the church)? Yes.
Answer for yourself: Were adherence to
the laws and commandments in the Noahide Covenant perceived as "good
to the Holy Spirit" and were certain laws and commandments deemed as "necessary
things" or "essential things" before Gentiles could be
joined to Yeshua's church? Yes on both counts.
Answer for yourself: Since this is
after the death of Yeshua, are these things still perceived as good by the
Holy Spirit and "necessary" yet today? Yes on both counts.
Answer for yourself: Did James command
that the decision of this church council (that the Gentile did NOT have to
obey the Law to be saved) be written down and distributed to all the
Gentile churches, and along with this was included what laws and
commandments which were considered as "minimums" which Gentiles
had to adhere to in order to be joined with the Jews in the Olive Tree of
Israel? Yes.
Answer for yourself: Having understood
that James corrected the erroneous teaching concerning Gentiles (as well
as Jews ) and how they were to be saved, can you now see that in the wake
of that decision that he still commanded that the decrees made by him, the
elders, and the Holy Spirit be written down, and that these decrees, which
were to be spread throughout all Gentile lands, INCLUDED adherence to many
commandments which were deemed "NECESSARY?" I hope you did for
this is of major importance to you and I as Gentile believers in Yeshua
today and in his church today; regardless if you have ever heard of it or
not.
Answer for yourself: Were these "necessary
things" spoken after the death of Yeshua on the cross? Yes.
Answer for yourself: Are these "necessary
things" NECESSARY today? Yes.
Answer for yourself: Are you aware
what is contained in these "necessary things?" More than likely
not for the Christian church does not preach obedience to the Law BECAUSE
YOU ARE ALREADY SAVED, for more than likely, they preach that the Law has
"passed away."
Acts 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
Those "necessary things" were not given by James FOR GENTILE SALVATION, but seeing the work of the Holy Spirit among the Gentiles since Genesis, James and the elders saw that through Gentile obedience to these "necessary things" that the Jew and Gentile could have the middle wall of separation removed, thus allowing them to fellowship together, thereby providing a teaching atmosphere to instruct the Gentiles in the ways of God which go beyond the minimum "necessary things?" They could learn to choose other commandments which please God as well.
Answer for yourself: If James'
decision to command Gentile to do certain "necessary things"
please the Holy Spirit then, does it still please the Holy Spirit today?
Yes.
Answer for yourself: Should we want to
please the Holy Spirit in all we believe and do? Yes.
Answer for yourself: As a Gentile
believer in Yeshua, are we exempt from these "necessary things"
today? No.
Answer for yourself: Can you see that
these "necessary
things" were not given by James FOR SALVATION, but
seeing the work of the Holy Spirit among the Gentiles, James and the
elders saw that by these "necessary things" that the Jew and
Gentile could have the middle wall of separation removed, thus allowing
them to fellowship together, thereby providing a teaching atmosphere to
instruct the Gentile in the ways of God which go beyond the minimum "necessary
things?" I hope so.
Acts 15:28 For it
seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you
(Gentiles coming to faith in God through His Messiah) no greater burden
than these necessary
things; 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols,
and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from
which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. 30 So when
they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the
multitude together, they delivered the epistle: 31 [Which] when they had
read, they rejoiced for the consolation. {consolation: or, exhortation} 32
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren
with many words, and confirmed [them].
Answer for yourself: Although
obedience to commandments was NOT put upon the Gentiles FOR SALVATION,
without a doubt was
obedience to "SOME" commandments definitely laid upon the
Gentile for inclusion into the church of Yeshua (grafting into Israel)?
Yes.
Answer for yourself: Are they still
today, and if not, what has changed since the Jerusalem Council? Remember,
it was after the cross that this decree was issued.
Answer for yourself: Are you aware
that four of the commandments in Acts 15, verse 30, are 4 of the 7
categories of the Laws of Noah? You do now.
Answer for yourself: Did you notice that the decision of James and the elders at the Jerusalem church council that required Gentiles to do "necessary things" was written and delivered to all other Gentiles in the known world for their study and adherence? I hope so.
Has anyone ever taught you in your church these "necessary things" ...The Laws Of Noah...and helped you make sure that you are in obedience to them?
Answer for yourself: Did you see that
the findings within the written epistle were given to the multitude of
Gentiles? I hope so.
Answer for yourself: Has anyone ever
taught you in your church these "necessary things" and helped
you make sure that you are in obedience to them? Probably not.
Answer for yourself: If adherence to
Laws and commandments was required of Gentiles (necessary things) in order
for them to belong to the church of Yeshua, then what church are you a
member of today if you don't adhere to the same requirement? Surely, it
may be "this or that" denomination or non-denomination, but it
cannot be Yeshua's church for the requirements of Gentiles HAS NEVER
CHANGED. Remember dear beloved believer, these events occurred after the
cross of Messiah, and set a pattern that was adhered to by the apostles
and disciples, as well as Paul, as the Great Commission went into all the
known world.
Answer for yourself: Should we be teaching the same things that the early apostles taught, since Ephesians teaches us that the church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and not Baptists and Catholics? You bet!
How do you reconcile what you just learned from James and Yeshua's church with Paul's statements that "we are not under Law but under grace?" Is Paul writing this...or is this being written in his name later?
Answer for yourself: Do you see the
importance of obedience to these "necessary things" as our
response of love toward the God who first loved us? I hope so.
Answer for yourself: Are you beginning to see that we as believers should want to obey God's Law because we love God and desire to please Him? I hope so.
Answer for yourself: How do you
reconcile what you just learned from James and Yeshua's church, as
presented in this article, with Paul's statements that "we are not
under Law but under grace?" Hard isn't it? The problem is magnified
as Peter has reminded us by saying" "the writings of Paul are
very hard to understand and many twist them to their own destruction."
Sadly, this has happened to the majority of Christianity today.
Answer for yourself: Can you reconcile
and properly understand "not under Law but under grace?"
Remember that we are no longer under the Law as a custodian that holds us
for trial and execution since all have sinned and come short of the glory
of God; however, we all are yet and will always be under the teaching and
instructive aspects of the Law.
Answer for yourself: Having seen that
the Law never passed away as to its teaching aspects, but only as to its
judicial aspects, then don't you think you should come to a better
awareness and understanding about these "necessary things" as I
have shown you? You bet. Don't be surprised, but you will find many things
as I did in my rigorous pursuits of the truth; for example, in just one of
these four "necessary things" is the commandment for Gentiles
not to eat unclean foods: shellfish, catfish, shrimp, pork, etc. To do so
is violation of the expressed will of God for you and your life. But you
say: "that is just for the Jews." Not so, for I have shown you
in-depth that these were "necessary things" for Gentiles to be a
part of Yeshua's church.
Answer for yourself: Do you eat
unclean food? How can you consider yourself a member of Yeshua's church,
when you violate one of the very basic conditions required for membership
after his death?
Answer for yourself: Can you begin to see the value of studying and returning to the Hebrew Roots of the Christian church, for much of what we have been told and allowed to do and practice is considered sin by God, and brothers and sisters, I cannot conceive that you would wish to sin once you have come to the knowledge of the truth. Thus, the reason for Bet Emet Ministries. More to follow in the second article in the series.
Definitely, these are things to rethink.....and then ask ourselves..."have we been taught the truth?"