Are We to Keep ALL the Levitical Fall Feasts?

Leviticus 23 provides a list of all the Feasts of Yahweh required throughout the year. However, I want to focus on the Feasts held in the fall. (Or spring, south of the equator)

The first fall feast is Yom Teruah or a Feast of Shouting.  It is interesting to note that many scholars indicate that the Torah does not give a reason for this feast. This day occurs on the day of the new moon that is observed from Jerusalem. This is the beginning of the seventh Hebrew month and it is from this day all the other feast days are calculated. This is an annual Sabbath Day.

The next fall feast is Yom Kippurim or Day of Coverings.  This day is also known as atonement but a better translation of the Hebrew is covering.  It is on this day that the Levitical High Priest enters the holy of holies and sprinkles animal blood.  Leviticus 16:33 explains the purpose of this annual ceremony in this way:  “And he shall make an atonement [H3722 kapar, meaning covering] for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement [covering] for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.”  This day is to be observed 10 days from Yom Teruah and is an annual Sabbath.

The next fall Feast listed in Leviticus 23 is the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles.   In the Hebrew it is called Hag Sukkot.  It is counted as the 15th day from Yom Teruah.  It is on this day that the Israelites would dwell in booths for seven days. (Leviticus 23: 42)  This was to be a commemoration of their being brought out of the land of Egypt. (Verse 43)  The first day of this Feast is an annual Sabbath and the following six days are not Sabbaths.

The last feast day of the fall feasts is called the eighth day of the Feast or the Last Great Day.  In Hebrew is Yom Gadol.  It is also an annual Sabbath.  (Leviticus 23:39)  Like Yom Teruah, the purpose of this day is not stated in the Torah.

The book of Leviticus is part of the Torah. It provides guidance to those under the Levitical law and old covenant. However, the old covenant ended when Messiah, Israel’s husband, died on the tree. With Pentecost, the new covenant was instituted. The priesthood was changed with the new covenant as well as the law. (Hebrews 7:12)

What were some of these changes?

1.     Circumcision of the flesh became circumcision without hands. (Colossians 2:11)

2.    The spiritual priesthood of Melchizedek supplanted the physical priesthood of Aaron. (Hebrews 7:11-12)

3.    Tithing was for the Levites. (Numbers 18:23-24)  Today there is no temple and no Levitical priesthood so tithing is not required.

4.    Baptism is a requirement. (Acts 2:38) This is followed by the laying on of the hands to receive the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8: 17-18)

5.    Passover is observed without the sacrifice or eating of a lamb. Footwashing was instituted by Messiah as well as the eating of leavened bread and drinking the fruit of the vine. (Luke 22:15-20)

6.    A change in the keeping of the annual Sabbaths was revealed by Paul in Hebrews 6:1-2:

    A.   Passover:  “let us go into perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works.”

    B.   Unleavened Bread, the first annual High Day: “Faith toward Elohim”

    C.   Unleavened Bread, the second annual High Day: “of the doctrine of baptisms”     

    D.   Pentecost:  the third annual High Day:  “of laying on of the hands”

    E.   Yom Teruah (Day of Shouting) the fourth annual High Day: “ Of resurrection of the dead”

    F.   Yom Gadol, the Last Great Day or eighth Day of the Feast: The fifth annual High Day: “of eternal judgment”

Paul has provided us with a revised list of annual High Days.   This list of the Feasts of Yahweh is different from the list provided in Leviticus 23.  Paul’s list represents the requirements of the new covenant.  Leviticus 23 provides a listing under the old covenant. I no longer observe Yom Kippurim and Hag Sukkot under the new covenant. These two annual Sabbaths are meant only for physical Israel while under the old covenant.  In the better resurrection of the 144,000 saints, we do not participate or officiate as priests.  The physical Israelites and the world who live during the thousand year reign of Messiah will be under the Levitical law which will be officiated by priests of the lineage of Zadok.  (Ezekiel 44: 15)

The covering provided with the blood of bulls and goats is only for physical Israel. The covering provided by Messiah’s precious blood has reconciled the world. This covering allows all mankind access to the new heavens and new earth. In Romans 5:10 we are told that:  “We were reconciled to Yahweh by the death of his son, much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”

What does this phrase in scripture mean, ”saved by his life.”?  This refers to what it takes to get a human into the Kingdom, or New Jerusalem.  In the new heavens and new earth there will be beings outside the walls of the Kingdom and beings inside the walls of the Kingdom. To be in the kingdom, you must be a first fruit from the better resurrection or be saved during the Last Great Day. You must be baptized with the name of “life” to receive the Father’s spirit and thus begin the formation of the Spirit of Messiah. You must have Messiah’s fully formed spirit at the better resurrection to be“born again”.

Hebrews 6 reveals the absence of the requirement to observe Yom Kippurim.  Romans 5:11 tells us why this change was necessary:  “and not only so, but we also joy in Yahweh through our Sovereign, YahwehShua Messiah, by whom we have now received the atonement.” [covering or reconciliation]  The world, including those who are to be in the better resurrection, are NOW covered by his precious blood. We, in this age, are not required to observe Yom Kippurim. Participation in this annual Sabbath places you under the old covenant.  We, who are of the new covenant and now are the sons of Yahweh (1 John 3:2) should no longer keep the old covenant. We need to fully embrace the new covenant. We need to follow Paul’s revised list and not Leviticus 23.

In addition, to fully embrace the new covenant we must not observe the Feast of Booths.  We should not keep the old covenant annual sabbaths, YOM KIPPURIM AND HAG SUKKOT.  We do not fast, observe the days as annual sabbaths or dwell in temporary dwellings. They are eliminated from our calendars.

However, then comes the YOM GADOL. This is being observed as required by the doctrine or teaching of Messiah in Hebrews 6. We will be resurrected prior to this event and will be judging angels according to scripture.  (1 Corinthians 6: 3)

It is of interest that Messiah was recorded as observing, “that great day of the feast.” (John 7:37)  The recognition of this day required the proper observance of Yom Teruah and the new moon.  In the Greek scriptures, Messiah is not quoted referring to Yom Kippurim or the annual High Day of the feast of tabernacles.  Is this why he spoke out on Yom Gadol and not the other two?

Now, what about Leviticus 23:30 which says: “and whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, [Yom Kippurim] the same soul will I destroy from among his people.”  This is a very serious statement that should not be overlooked.  We must be certain of our understanding, which is not to observe Yom Kippurim under the new covenant.

In Leviticus 16:34 it says: “and this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement [H3722, covering] for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year.”  Let us examine the word, everlasting. This word in fact does not mean everlasting or forever. This word is Strong’s 5769, OLAM, and it means age- abiding or age-lasting.  This means it has a definite endpoint.

The end of that “everlasting” age was when Messiah died on the tree.  We, of this new covenant age, are not under the requirement of the “everlasting statute” of Leviticus 16:34. You must study and determine for yourself the true meaning of OLAM [H5769] and not rely on the error of the translators.

As part of your study, refer to scriptures such as Genesis 49:26 which calls the hills everlasting. Look at Habakkuk 3:6, which says the mountains are everlasting.  In Exodus 40:15, the Levitical priesthood is called an everlasting priesthood.  How can this be when the priesthood of Melchizedec replaced this priesthood? In these examples the word everlasting means age-abiding, not forever. It is also of significance that when the Greek Septuagint was translated from the Hebrew word, OLAM, it was translated with the Greek word AION, which means age- abiding.

Also keep in mind the concept of ages. We are now in the age that began with the death of Messiah and will end at Messiah’s return. The next age will be the 1000-year reign of Messiah. The Levitical Law requirements will be in force again. The Last Great Day or Judgment Day is the next age. The final age will be the new heaven and earth. Each age brings changes. The only usage of forever that is correct is when it is used in reference to Yahweh.

This understanding that I am presenting has evolved over the last year. To observe Yom Kippurim and Hag Sukkot while professing the name, YahwehShua, is to have one foot in the old covenant and one foot in the new. Yahweh warns us about this in Revelation 3: 15: “ I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot:  I would thou wert cold or hot.”

Remember, what John tells us in 2 John 9: “he that abideth in the doctrine of Messiah, he have both the Father and the Son.”  The firstfruits in Revelation 14:1 had the name of the Father and the Son. If we desire to be in the better resurrection we must fully embrace the new covenant. Study to be approved. (2 Tim. 2:15)  Pray to Yahweh for truth. You must embrace the new covenant and all that it requires. To embrace both the old and new will not be acceptable.

Remember what John tells us in first John 3:24: “and he that keepeth His Commandments dwelleth in Him.“  Now is the time to fully discern the true requirements of the new covenant. We, of the Light of YahwehShua, fully embrace and teach the truths of the new covenant. If you are being called, this is the way to life!

 If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins: Matthew 25:1-12

1.    “Then shall the kingdom of Heaven be likened unto 10 virgins, which took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2.    And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3.    They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:” [There was oil in their lamps but they did not carry a vessel. (Strong’s # 30, flask, container) They did not have the additional oil like the wise virgins.]      

4.    “But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5.    While the bridegroom tarried, they almost slumbered and slept.”

Many who interpret this parable believe that watchfulness is the main message being presented here. However, I believe this is a distraction from understanding the true significance of the oil.  They all slumbered and were awakened. The difference was not watchfulness, but the possession of the additional oil.

What is the significance of the oil?  The Song of Solomon 1:3 offers this: “because of the savour of thy good ointments [Strong’s 8081, olive oil] thy name is poured forth, therefore do virgins love thee.”   This verse reveals oil as representative of a name.

We should focus on the two oils in the parable. The oil in the lamps is brought with them and is previously obtained.  The oil in the second container or vessel had to be acquired by separate transactions. The wise made arrangements beforehand but the unwise are forced to purchase it at a later time.  Yahweh gives his spirit freely to those obedient to his calling. (1 Cor. 2: 12)  However, the second oil represents a spirit that is not given but formed. (Gal. 4: 19)

6.    “And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go out to meet him.

7.    Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8.    And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.”

The fact that the unwise said their lamps are “gone out” indicates that there was oil in their lamps to begin with. Both the wise and unwise began with oil in their lamps.

9.    “But the wise answered, saying, not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.”

The second oil was not easily obtained. The first oil was common to both the wise and unwise. They both began with the same oil but the process of obtaining the second oil was different.  The unwise assumed the first oil was sufficient. It was not. However, the time remaining did not allow them to obtain the second oil and enter the wedding.

10. “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.”

How important is this door?  Messiah tells us in John 10:9: “I am the door:  by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, shall go in and out, and find pasture.” Messiah confirms that we are saved through him.  Acts 2: 21 suggests this: “and it shall come to pass, then whosoever shall call on the name of the sovereign shall be saved.”  His name is very important to salvation. The possession of the second oil was very important to entering the door to the wedding. If they had had the second oil, they would have been spared or saved from having to be left out.

To answer the door that is Messiah, we must know his name. This parable represents a time after the resurrection. The human name of Messiah was defiled in death by absorbing all the sin of mankind. His human name identifies his sin-defiled blood. He could not appear before his Father with the defiled name. He therefore had to inherit (Hebrews 1: 4) a new name, which is the name of salvation.

Paul reminds us in Romans 5:10 that: “we were reconciled to Yahweh by the death of his son [the human name] much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”  So his inherited name is the name of life. The name that he received after being resurrected is the name that we need to also be resurrected.   However, the Spirit of YahwehShua is not given but is formed.   It requires time for this to happen. The Spirit of the Father is freely given at the time of baptism and the laying on of the hands.  The name of YahwehShua is represented by the second oil. The unwise virgins had to purchase it. That took time and they didn’t have enough.

11.“Afterward, came also the other virgins, saying, Sovereign, Sovereign open to us.

12.“But he answered and said, Verily, I say unto you, I know you not.”

Why did Messiah know the wise virgins and not the unwise ones?  What was the difference?  The difference was the second oil.

We are told that the spirit of the Father is freely given. The 10 virgins began with the same oil in their lamps. They both had the freely given Spirit of the Father. The 10 were called, but only five were chosen. (Matt. 22: 14)  The wise had an additional vessel that contained necessary second oil.  Those chosen had to have the second oil or the name of the Son of Yahweh, YahwehShua. The unwise did not have the second oil, the name of life. The wise did not stop seeking with the Father’s name.  They asked, they sought and they knocked until they had the true name of life. The unwise were content with the freely given oil and name of the Father. They did not take seriously the value of the inherited name of the Son and the spirit was therefore quenched.

However, there is more to overcoming then just knowing the inherited name of Messiah, YahwehShua.  This is revealed to us in 1 John 3:23:  “And this is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son YahwehShua Messiah and love one another, as he gave us his commandment.” Notice that this message from John says and love one another.

Love is a very important requirement of the new covenant. The unwise virgins may have had the inherited name of Messiah revealed to them but failed to overcome by NOT manifesting the love of Messiah.  For a more extensive explanation of how important the formation of Messiah’s spirit and his commandment to love one another is to overcoming, please refer to our article, “ The Significance of Love in The New Covenant”.

Messiah did not recognize the unwise because they were not faithful. They denied the faith. (1 Tim. 5: 8) The inherited name is the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11: 1)  His inherited name is not found in the Scriptures. The human name of the Messiah is always there. Messiah’s inherited name is the name of faith and is the evidence for the unseen.

The wise were able and willing to retain their faith. The unwise were not able to hold on and endure to the end. Remember what we are told in first Timothy 5:8: “he hath denied the faith [that is, the name of faith] and it is worse than an infidel.”  Messiah would only recognize HIS, not the infidel. The door was not open to them. Peter offers this insight in 2 Peter 2:20: “For if after they have escaped the pollution of the world through the knowledge of the Sovereign and Savior, YahwehShua Messiah, they are again entangled there in, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.”

We must strive to develop the spirit of Messiah within us.  Paul tells us why in Romans 8:9: ”Now if any man have not the spirit of Messiah, he is none of his.” The Spirit of the Father is freely given upon the laying on of hands after baptism.  The spirit of Messiah requires time to develop. The unwise ran out of time to obtain the second oil. The Spirit of the Father once freely given allows the beginning of the formation of his son’s spirit. (Gal. 4:19)  Once the formation begins, it must continue to the end. If we stop growing, the spirit of Messiah can be quenched. We will then not have an open door. We will not be in the better resurrection. (Hebrews 11: 35)

It is quite possible that all 10 virgins had thought they were dedicated to Messiah. Being in the body of Messiah would give them a secure feeling. Being called and chosen is a wonderful privilege. However, we should not become comfortable.

We are told in Matthew 22:14 that:  “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Please note all chosen are called but not all called are chosen. The five unwise virgins learned this truth the hard way. They had the Father’s Spirit, but did not realize the significance of maintaining the growth and development of the Son’s spirit.

The unwise were deceived. The problem with being deceived is not knowing that you are deceived. This is why you can never stop asking, seeking and knocking. That is why Messiah included this guidance in the Master’s prayer, “give us this day our daily bread”. (Mat. 6: 11)  We must ask daily (Mat. 7: 7) so that we are nourished daily. The spiritual fetus is being formed within us and requires daily feeding. This is not optional.

The five unwise virgins were deceived. Yahweh’s spirit is given to those who obey Him. (Acts 5: 32)  Being baptized and having the laying on of hands in the name of YahwehShua is an act of obedience.   However, the continued growth of the spiritual fetus requires continuous obedience to the Father.  If you allow the Spirit to lead you into all truth (John 16: 13-15) this will help you to not quench the Spirit. 

How can you minimize being deceived?  John offers this insight in John 3:14:  “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”   Yes, it is all about love. Notice the new commandment Messiah gives us in John 13:34: “that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

The five unwise were denied entry by the door, Messiah. There are many things they may have failed to do and one of those was not loving their brothers as He loved them.

It is instructive to remember what Messiah tells us in Matthew 25. Messiah informed us that what we do unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done to me. (Verse 40) He also says, “as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” That may explain why the five unwise heard him say to them, “I know you not.”

An important aspect of the forming of Messiah’s spirit within us is developing His quality of love. To learn how deep and extensive His love can be, please read first Corinthians 13.  John reminds us in 1 John 4:8 that: “Yahweh is love.”  Therefore YahwehShua is love. We have the love of YahwehShua being formed within us. As the Spirit of YahwehShua is being developed, we are able to manifest His quality of love.  The limited love of our carnal nature becomes less manifested as the love of Messiah becomes more prominent. We must ask daily for more of that special love of Messiah.

Are you a wise virgin?  Perhaps you are unwise. You need to know!  Messiah is your source of knowledge. Go to Yahweh in prayer, in the name of YahwehShua.  Ask for the love, seek the love, and when you knock, the door will be open for you.  Trust me, you do not want to hear, “I know you not.”

 If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.

The Significance of Love in the New Covenant

Messiah gives us insight into the increased emphasis on love in the new covenant (Jeremiah 31: 31) during this conversation with a lawyer in Matthew 22: 35-40:

“Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law?   Yahshua said unto him, Thou shalt love Yahweh thy Elohim with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.  On these two Commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Messiah quoted verse 37 above from Deuteronomy 6: 5: “And thou shalt love Yahweh thy Elohim with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”  And as we have shown in other articles, the Yahweh of the Old Testament is Messiah. (First Corinthians 10: 4)   Therefore, both of these passages were spoken by Messiah. However, Matthew’s quote from Messiah indicates that His words were expanded by His addition of the second commandment that now carries the same significance as the first.

Mark supports this addition to Deuteronomy when he quotes an exchange that Messiah had with a scribe in Mark 12: 28-34:

“And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he answered them well, asked him, which is the first commandment of all?  And Yahshua answered him, the first of all the Commandments is, Hear, O Israel; Yahweh our Elohim is one Yahweh.  [Yahweh(English, Lord) our Elohim is one Yahweh (English, Lord): Quoted from Deuteronomy 6:4]  And thou shalt Love Yahweh thy Elohim with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, And with all thy strength: [quoted from Deuteronomy 6: 5] this is the first commandment.  And the second is like, namely this, thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other Commandments greater than these.  And the scribe said unto him, well, Master, thou hast said the truth for there is one Yahweh: and there is none other than he: And to love him with all thine heart, And with all the understanding, with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.  And when Yahshua saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, thou art not far from the kingdom of Yahweh. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

Matthew and Mark are two witnesses that have established (Deuteronomy 19:15) that Messiah expanded upon the law that he gave to Moses when he walked the earth as Yahshua. This should not be surprising, after all, he informed us in Matthew 5:17 that he would be doing this: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.”

The Greek word for fulfill is Strong’s number 4137. It means to complete or accomplish. The scribe’s understanding of what Messiah was saying brought him very close to having the right knowledge for entrance into the kingdom of Yahweh. The addition of loving your neighbor was quite significant.

The apostle John is a third witness to the relevance of love in the new covenant. Consider what John tells us in John 13:34:  “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”  Again, in 1 John 2: 8-11 he refers to the new commandment concerning loving one another:

 “Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is passed, and the true light now shineth.  He that saith he is in the light, and he hateth [loves less] his brother, is in the darkness even until now.  He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.  But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.”

This additional commandment that Messiah informed us about is very significant. Without being able to demonstrate the quality of love he expects from us,we are unable to overcome into the better resurrection. John 14:21 teaches us this: “He that hath my Commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.”  We must take this very seriously. Messiah also said this in John 15: 14:  “Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.”  You must ask yourself if you love Messiah and do you want to be his friend?   He will not accept your words only. He wants you to demonstrate your love for Yahweh AND one another.  You should not want to hear what the five unwise virgins heard in Matthew 25: 12: “I KNOW YOU NOT.”

What is the quality of love that Messiah requires of us?  Paul, who was personally taught by Messiah, describes this in 1Corinthians 13:4-7:

“Charity [modern English is love] suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doeth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, rejoiceth in the truth;  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”

This is a very high standard. How do we even begin to attain it? We will not be able to do so with our carnal mind. (Romans 8: 7)  We must have the Spirit of Messiah being formed in us. (Galatians 4: 19) With baptism and laying on of hands, we received the Spirit of the Father. The Spirit of the Father begins the formation of the Spirit of Messiah within us. With the development of this spiritual fetus, we are able to begin to exhibit the quality of love Messiah expects. This is HIS love that we manifest. Only he can provide the ability to manifest the quality of love described by Paul.

The degree to which we love one another is a significant indicator of how we are progressing in the formation of the Spirit of Messiah. Remember what Paul tells us in Romans 8:9: “Now if any man have not the spirit of Messiah, he is none of his.”  Messiah will not acknowledge us as HIS!  This is serious. Is this why the five unwise virgins heard Messiah say, ”I know you not.”

It is indeed very important to know the name of Yahweh and his Son YahwehShua.  The 144,000 in the better resurrection have the name of the Father and Son on their foreheads. But, knowing the names, keeping the Sabbath, honoring the food laws, studying and praying is not enough. We are also to love one another. John confirms this in 1 John 3:23: “And this is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son YahwehShua Messiah, and love one another, as he gave us Commandment.”  We are not able to choose one. We must have both knowledge AND love.

John confirms the importance of love in 1 John 3:14: ”We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”  Heretofore, we have learned that if we call on the name of Yahshua, we have chosen the name of death.  This name was defiled by all of mankind’s sins. We cannot worship before Yahweh the Father in the name of Yahshua or be baptized in that name, which is the name of death. Now, we are told that if we do not love the brethren, that too is death. One without the other is death. It requires baptism in the name of YahwehShua to begin the formation of Messiah’s Spirit and then each depends on the other for life. Without both we will not overcome into the better resurrection.

Why did Messiah tell us in Luke 6:22 that, “blessed are ye, when men hate you”?  The reason is that being hated is an opportunity to manifest the love of Messiah that is being developed.  As we develop and practice HIS love, the spiritual fetus is nourished and strengthened.

This is also why he told us in Luke 6:32 that we are not to only, “Love them which love you”. He also said in verse 33 to not only, ”do good to them which do good to you.”  To love those who don’t show love to you or even persecute you is a challenge that can help you manifest Messiah’s love and further develop the spiritual fetus. Our goal following baptism is to encourage the development of the spiritual fetus so that we can overcome. Avoiding or failing opportunities of growth can slow down or even quench the formation of the Spirit of Messiah.

 Messiah continues in Luke 6: 35-38 to challenge us to grow: 

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great,  and ye shall be the children of the Highest:  for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.  Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.  Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:  Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

What he is telling us to do is counterintuitive to our carnal mind. We cannot do it. But, he can. This is why we must have the Spirit of Messiah formed within us.  Without His Spirit we cannot demonstrate his type of love nor be in the better resurrection.   In the resurrection, ”we shall be like him.” (1 John 3: 2)

 Let us review what Paul warns us in 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3:

“So I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and not have love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.  And though I bestow all goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing.”

This is very strong language. Love is the central theme of the New Covenant. Once we have the Spirit of the Father, we must pray for success in overcoming with opportunities to love one another. Remember, “ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Matthew 7:7)  Yes, this will not be easy. It may even be painful. But this is what is necessary to overcome. Luke, in Acts 14:22, warns us in this manner: “We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of Yahweh.”

The old covenant was a system of external guidelines. We had to demonstrate our faithfulness by how we followed the laws. That was under physical circumcision. Now we are circumcised in the heart. We still have external guidelines, but additionally we must have a changed heart and show this in how we treat one another.  This is not easy. That is why there will be only 144,000 firstfruits in the better resurrection. You must continue to be faithful to the Law, Sabbaths and all the external requirements. But we must exhibit true love to one another. We cannot fake it. It must be real. Each brother and sister in the faith has Messiah being formed within him or her. This is why what we do or not do to one another is doing or not doing to Messiah. (Matthew 25: 40-46)  Messiah knows the real you and will not be fooled.  So, don’t fool yourself by seeking to fake love.

What do I mean by faking love?  I have seen those who declare themselves to be a brother or sister make promises or commitments to do something to help a brother or sister and not keep that promise or commitment.  You may think that you are successfully deceiving that brother or sister, but in actual fact you are dealing with Messiah. Recall the example of Ananias and his wife in Acts chapter 5.  They too thought that they were just deceiving Peter, but Peter exposed their fake love. The penalty was death!  That is pretty dramatic. I have not seen that kind of result when I have witnessed brethren deceiving brethren.  While the penalty may not be instantly imposed, if that behavior continues it will probably result in a gradual process of quenching the Spirit of Messiah.  While the Father is certainly merciful, I would be careful.  Remember, you’re dealing with Messiah.  Apparently, Ananias and his wife forgot that. Don’t follow their example.

Developing and manifesting the love of Messiah is not a task for our carnal mind.  We must rely on Messiah. Paul gives us this very helpful reminder in Philippians 4: 13:  “I can do all things through Messiah which strengtheneth me.”  This is the time to: “Humble yourselves in the sight of Yahweh, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4: 10)  We must not fake it until we make it. We should be honest with Yahweh and repent of our weaknesses and deficiencies. Yahweh is ready to help us, but we must see the need and accept it.

Take the example of our brother, Epaphroditus, very seriously. (Philippians 2: 25- 30)  He risked his life and traveled 800 miles through dangerous circumstances to make sure his brother Paul had the money he needed. We must be willing to give of ourselves and our possessions to help one another.

Paul waited for this money while shackled to a Roman soldier. He was often imprisoned and suffered many troubles to be faithful to Messiah and to us, his brethren yet to come!  Are we willing to rely on Messiah to lead us and then go to where he leads us?  Do we trust him that much?  Loving, the way he is teaching us, requires us to trust him and wholeheartedly rely on him. It is not about us but about HIM.  We must be like him NOW, so we can be like him in the resurrection!

 If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.

The Truth from the Scriptures

The King James Version of Genesis 1:1 reads this way: “In the beginning god created the heaven and the earth.”  After reviewing the Hebrew behind this translation, please consider this alternative: “For [the sake of] the firstfruit the mighty ones created the heaven and earth.”

The English word, beginning, is translated from the Strong’s Hebrew number 7225, a feminine singular noun.  The Hebrew word for Strong’s 7225 is resit and can also have the meaning of firstfruit.  Preceding this word is a Hebrew preposition, which is not translated in the English.

The next word of interest is the English word god. The Hebrew however, is Strong’s Hebrew #430 which is Elohim, a masculine, plural noun.  This Hebrew word is better translated as mighty ones.

The Creator of the heaven and earth is Yahweh, the Father and Son. (Colossians 1:15-16)  The Father and Son are one. (John 10:30)  The Hebrew Bible does not associate the word god with the name of our Creator.  The title of god is actually a reference to Satan who desires to be worshiped.  Actually his deception has been quite successful and thanks to the world’s religious leaders and Bible translations, he does get worshiped.  Please refer to the Companion Bible, Isaiah 65:11 and the notes associated with that verse.  The Hebrew word, gad (gawd) is a precursor to the English word god.

The next truth I would like to show you is in the “gap” between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2.  In verse one the heaven and earth were created. In verse two the earth was, “without form and void.”  How can something that has just been created become as described below in verse two? “And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of Elohim moved upon the face of the waters.”

 Now compare this verse with what Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 45:18:  “For thus saith Yahweh that created the heavens; Elohim himself that formed the earth and made it; He has established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited:  I am Yahweh; and there is none else.”

In this verse we are told “He created it not in vain.”  The word vain is translated from the Hebrew Strong’s # 8414, tohu.  However, in Genesis 1:2 we are told the earth was “without form.”  Form is also translated from Strong’s Hebrew # 8414, tohu.  This Hebrew word means formless, waste or empty. Initially, according to Isaiah, the earth had form and was designed to be inhabited. However, between the creation referred to in Genesis 1:1 and the change referred to in Genesis 1:2 something happened.

In Genesis 1:2, the earth was empty. In Isaiah, however, it was not created empty. What happened?  Isaiah tells us in chapter 14 that Satan fell from heaven (verse 12) and he made the earth a wilderness. (Verse 17)  Messiah saw him fall from heaven (Luke 10:18) where he had been in a responsible position as a covering cherub. (Ezekiel 28:16)  Satan deceived one third of the angels, was ejected from heaven and in his anger damaged the earth. After the re-creation by Elohim, he continued his angry behavior and deception by deceiving Eve.

Another observation regarding Isaiah 45:18 is the English word, LORD.  This is the translator’s choice, not what the Hebrew says. The Hebrew word is actually the Tetragrammaton, yod, hey, waw, hey, or Yahweh.  This is the Creator’s name. (Isaiah 42:8)  This is a very significant fact. The name, Yahweh, is used almost 7000 times in the Old Testament. This is His name not the title, LORD, used by the translators. The last sentence in this scripture says, “I am Yahweh, and there is none else.”  These are words to LIVE by!

Do you believe the Scriptures? If not, then what they say to you has no meaning.  If you are drawn to the Scriptures, it is worthy of a true study. You must go beyond translations and study the words from which the translators derived their interpretations.

For example, the very first verse introduces firstfruit.  In first Corinthians 15:23 we are told this: “but every man in his own order: MESSIAH THE FIRSTFRUIT [it is singular in the Greek]; afterward they that are Messiah’s at his coming."  The very first verse introduces Messiah who we are told is the firstfruit.  The Bible, from beginning to end is all about him! (Isaiah 46:10)  It begins with his creating and ends with him turning all things over to his Father.

Who are we?  We are those that are called and chosen. (Matthew 22: 14)  We have been known since the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4)  We are with him at his return, which will precede his thousand-year reign. (1 Corinthians 15:23)  We are a kind of firstfruits.  (James 1:18)  Our status as firstfruits is confirmed in Revelation 14:4:  [the 144,000]  “were redeemed among men, being the firstfruits unto Yahweh and to the lamb.”

What does it mean to be a “kind of firstfruit”?  John tells us that when we are resurrected, we shall be like Him. (1 John 3:2)   How does this happen?  His spirit is formed within us. (Galatians 4: 19) When hands are laid upon us following baptism, we receive the freely given Spirit of the Father.  From that beginning, a spiritual fetus is formed within us and if we have matured in the spirit, we are born again in the Better Resurrection. (Hebrews 11:35) Paul warns us in Romans 8:9 that we must have the spirit of Messiah to be resurrected. Messiah discussed this process with Nicodemus in John three.

Does this help you see why Satan is angry?  He held a high position as a covering cherub but it was not good enough. He knew that Yahweh intended to expand his family and that these new members would be higher than angels. In fact, we are told that they will judge angels! (1 Corinthians 6:3)

The world believes that there is a battle between Satan and Yahweh. Not so!  Yahweh is the Creator of all things, including Satan. As a created being, he must defer in all things to his Creator, Yahweh. Yahweh created Satan with sin. (Ezekiel 28: 15) This has all been part of the plan. Everything that has been created has been for the sake of the firstfruits. 

Evil began with Satan’s creation. (Isaiah 45:7)  Yahweh knew what Satan would do in the garden. Yahweh wants those who overcome and are born again in the Better Resurrection to join him in New Jerusalem.   Sin and the role Satan plays is part of the plan.  These things are not happening by chance, but by design.

Do you understand this?  Do you wish to understand these and many other truths in the Scriptures?  You must pray to Yahweh for truth.  “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Matthew 7:7)

You must know to whom you are praying. Messiah told us in Matthew 6:9 to pray to the Father.  Who is the Father?  His name is Yahweh.  Messiah explained this even further in John 14:13 by saying we must, “ask in my name.”  Therefore you must know the name of the Father, Yahweh, and the resurrected, inherited name of the Messiah, YahwehShua.

Praying to god is praying to Satan. Nowhere in the scripture does it say to pray to god. We are only to pray to Yahweh, that is his name. (Isaiah 42:8)

To have your understanding expanded and begin the process of overcoming, you must be baptized in the name of YahwehShua, which is the name of the Father and Son. This is the same name that the 144,000 will have on their foreheads in the Better Resurrection. (Revelation 14:1)  The Better Resurrection is our time for being resurrected. The rest of mankind will be resurrected later. Not one human being will be lost to death.  All mankind will live.  But at this time it may be your opportunity to be called and chosen to the Better Resurrection.  Paul was inspired to call this resurrection better.  I would seriously think about the opportunity that you have to be with the rest of the 144,000.

For more information contact an Elder at the Light of YahwehShua by email at john12e4567@gmail.com

How Do We "Overcometh"?

In Revelation, chapters two and three, we are introduced to the seven ekklesias.   The Greek word, ekklesia, can be translated as assembly or congregation, but never church.  Who do the seven groups represent? Is there a clue in the description of these ekklesias?  Yes, there is!

Below is a list of the seven ekklesias and the relevant verses in Revelation.

Ephesus:   Revelation 2:7:  “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the ekklesias; To him that overcometh, will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of Yahweh.”

Smyrna:  Revelation 2:11: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the ekklesias; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”

Pergamos:  Revelation 2:17:  “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the ekklesias; to him that overcome will I give to each of the hidden manna and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

Thyatira:   Revelation 2:26: “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:”

Sardis:   Revelation 3:5: “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”

Philadelphia:  Revelation 3:12: “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my Elohim and he will go out no more: and I will write upon him the name of my Elohim and the name of the city of my Elohim, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my Elohim and I will write upon him my new name.”

Laodicea:  Revelation 3:21: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”

Please take note of Revelation 2:11 which says: “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”  Not being hurt of the second death is also the promise made to the 144,000 who are resurrected when Messiah returns at the beginning of his thousand-year reign.  We are informed of this in Revelation 20:6: “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power.”

This resurrection to life when Messiah returns, is also called the better resurrection. (Hebrews 11: 35)  Why is this considered better?  The 144,000 have spirit life. They are no longer physical beings.  This is a major difference when contrasted with the resurrection that occurs after the 1000 years. This is when the rest of all mankind, not in the better resurrection, will come to life. But they will be physical beings again. Ezekiel 37 describes this physical resurrection.

The 144,000 will no longer face death. The second death or Gehenna is the lake of fire. This second death has no power over the 144,000 spirit beings. However, Gehenna will have power over those in the resurrection that occurs during the Last Great Day or White Throne Judgment.  During the Last Great Day, those who are resurrected will be physical beings that will receive the Spirit of Yahweh as we have. They too must overcome to the end or will be in Gehenna. Their new physical life will be similar to what we are experiencing now.

The Scriptures describe what the experience of the lake of fire will be like. For example, here’s what we are told in Matthew 13:42: “and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” (See also Matthew 8:12; 13: 50; 22:13; 24: 51; 25:30; Luke 13:28)

The 144,000 will not have to experience the lake of fire. Revelation 14:4 tells us why: “These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.”  You will certainly not find Messiah in the lake of fire and therefore not his saints!

It is interesting that the only requirement that is mentioned to be among the 144,000 is to overcome. Baptism and the laying on of hands are not indicated as requirements. However, the prerequisites to even be among those that have been given the opportunity to overcome is to repent, be baptized and have hands laid upon you. You must have been freely given the Spirit of the Father. Once you have that, the Spirit of Messiah will begin to be formed. (Galatians 4:19)

You must have the Spirit of Messiah fully formed when you die or you will not be in the better resurrection. (Romans 8: 11)  The second death has no power on the 144,000 because they will be like Messiah. (1 John 3: 2)

Remember the pattern that was given to Moses to build the Tabernacle after the heavenly example. (Exodus 25: 9)  Messiah was speaking in terms of a pattern when he told Nicodemus in John 3:3, “except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of Yahweh.”  Nicodemus thought Messiah was referring to a physical birth. No, Messiah was referring to the spiritual parallel to physical birth.

A physical man provides his sperm to the woman through intercourse. Sperm unites with a woman’s egg to create the fetus. The fetus will then be in a nine-month gestation period until birth. During this gestation period, a few may die. This is also true of the spiritual birth process. During our baptism, we receive the Spirit of the Father.  From the seed that is planted by the Father, our spiritual fetus is formed which we must develop over time. We must be careful to not quench the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19)  The spirit that may be quenched is the Spirit of Messiah, not the Spirit of the Father.

The parable of the sower, found in Matthew 13, indicates a 75% failure rate. This means that only 25% of the spiritual fetuses      survive to be born again. Baptism and laying on of hands is the precondition to even have the opportunity to overcome until our last dying breath. (Matthew 24:13)  Those who overcome are saved. We are saved by his life. (Romans 5:10)  Being in the better resurrection means that we will not see the second death.  In contrast, those resurrected during the Last Great Day have been reconciled, but are still physical beings.

How can we know that our overcoming is progressing? Being baptized and having hands laid on us is not an indicator. This is also true of keeping the Sabbath, eating clean food, studying, praying or even knowing the names of the Father and the Son.  These are all expected but are not a guarantee.  So what else is there that may help us understand our progress? Consider what we are told in first John 3:14: “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

How we manifest our love toward our brothers and sisters appears to be a key ingredient in overcoming. It is this type of nourishment that the spiritual fetus must have to be born into the better resurrection.

We are told in first John 4:8 that: “Yahweh is love.”  Messiah told us that He and the Father are one. (John 10: 30)  Therefore, Messiah is also love and the spirit of Messiah is the source of the quality love that we need to overcome.  Therefore our progress in overcoming, as well as the development of His Spirit, may be the quality of love that we exhibit toward our brothers and sisters.  Notice Galatians 6:10:  “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

The word, “especially” that is used is Strong’s 3122, malista, which means, chiefly, most or specially. Peter provides special recognition to the brethren in first Peter 2:17:  “Honor all men. Love the brotherhood.” Messiah expects a very high quality of love from us as His Spirit develops. He even commands us to love our enemies. (Matt. 5:44)

Messiah also gave us a new commandment in John 13:34: “that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” Now, that is a tall order. We are expected to love one another as He loved us. He really cares for each of us and expects the same level of concern from each of us for the other.

Matthew 25 should be reviewed. In verse 40, Messiah says: “In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these MY BRETHREN, ye have done it unto me.”  Messiah considers you, your brothers and your sisters as HIS BRETHREN.  The brotherhood of faith is given a special status, which should not be ignored.

First Corinthians 13 is devoted to defining love. This chapter should be read, studied and taken seriously. Paul, in first Corinthians 12:31, says this just before teaching us about love: “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”  That way is love. It is not the tongues of men and angels, prophecy, understanding mysteries, or having all knowledge or faith.  Without love we are nothing. Without the love of Messiah fully developed within us, we are nothing. We are in the lake of fire. The type of love Messiah commands us to have is our guidepost as to how the Spirit of Messiah is being developed within us.  We must seek the quality of love that Messiah demands. We must learn to consider our personal needs as less than the needs of our brother. We are to serve and not be served. Messiah said in John 14:15:  “If ye love me, keep my Commandments.”  When loving him, you love the brethren. You either do both or neither. Not to manifest love of this quality leads to quenching of His Spirit. You will not be in the better resurrection. You will be in the new earth, but not New Jerusalem. Please take seriously what I am saying.

Examine yourself.  Consider what the quality of love is that you have for your brothers and sisters.  Nothing we do is perfect. There is always room for improvement.  Where do we go for that?  Messiah!  He corrects those he loves.  Whatsoever we ask, we will receive.  We must go to the Father and ask in Messiah YahwehShua’s name!  Please search within yourself and seek improvement.   May Yahweh guide you in this effort to enhance your opportunity to be in the better resurrection.

 If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.