HAVE YOU BEEN BAPTIZED FOR THE DEAD?

The title for this article is taken from 1 Corinthians 15:29:  “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all?”  The Mormons have built a key tenet of their religion on this Bible verse. Here is a brief statement from one of their websites that offers their explanation: “Baptism for the Dead, or Proxy Baptism is the means whereby those who never had a proper opportunity to accept Christ in life may have the opportunity to be baptized.”

For the source of this quote and more extensive information about the process of proxy baptism, please go to this website:

https://www.mormonwiki.com/mormon_beliefs_baptism_for_the_dead

This Mormon belief is an example of man’s interpretation of the Bible without adequate support of the Scriptures. There is much to discuss about this belief, but my focus is on the fact that they baptize in the name of Jesus. However, they are not alone.  The Catholics and most other Christian groups also baptize in the name of Jesus.  These groups use the name Jesus, despite the facts that there is no “J” in the Greek or Hebrew languages, the name of Jesus has only been known for the last 400 years, and that the Messiah was a Torah-abiding Jewish man.

Yes, the name of the Messiah is important! Peter tells us that we are to be baptized in Messiah’s name. (Acts 2:38) Baptism replaced physical circumcision (Colossians 2:11-12) and is as significant for obedience to the new covenant as physical circumcision was for the old covenant. However, for a valid baptism, you must use the correct name.

Messiah was a Torah-observing Jew who was born under the law. (Galatians 4:4)

He kept the law perfectly. How do we know this? We are told he was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)  To be without sin, you could not have transgressed the law. (1 John 3:4). Further, Messiah tells us in Matthew 5:17 that:  “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” Yes, Messiah died in sin, our sin, not his own.  Since it was not his own sin, he could not repent and therefore had to be resurrected by his Father.

We are told in John 1:29 that Messiah was, “the Lamb of Yahweh, which taketh away the sin of the world.”  He took our sin but did not commit sin himself. Paul tells us that Messiah became sin for us. (2 Corinthians 5:21)  In 1 John 1:7, we are told that Messiah “cleanseth us from all sin.” He took ALL the sin of all mankind on himself. He is the only human being to die in sin.  The Torah (Deuteronomy 21:22) tells us this:  “If a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree.” (1Peter 2:24)  That verse describes Messiah. He was the only human being to die in sin and to be hanged from a tree.  Deuteronomy 21:23 tells us that this man also became a curse.  Galatians 3:13 confirms that it was Messiah who became a curse.

However, there was more that happened to Messiah than just becoming a curse.

He also lost his name. Deuteronomy 29:20 tells us this: “All the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and Yahweh shall blot out his name from under heaven.”   The loss of his name at death was not optional. It was the law.

Messiah died on a tree, not a cross. (1 Peter 2:24)  He was dead before the Roman spear punctured his body and released his blood into the ground. (John 19: 33-34) That blood is identified by his human or birth name.  His body was then taken down and placed in a tomb.

Father Yahweh resurrected his Son and restored the Son’s spiritual existence by his will. The human life and name were gone. Messiah’s spiritual life was restored with a new, inherited name, YahwehShua.

His life was in the blood and not in the tomb. (Leviticus 17:11)  Only his flesh and bone went into the tomb.  The Spirit of his Father resurrected his body. There was no need for blood. His blood absorbed ALL the sin of mankind and is therefore identified by his human name. That name is now defiled.  This is why he had to inherit a new name. (Hebrews 1:4) 

Messiah inherited a “more excellent name.” (Psalm 148:13; 8:9)  The inherited name was above his human name which was now gone. His inherited name was that of Yahweh, the family name. (Ephesians 3:15)

Messiah was now Yahweh-Savior or YahwehShua. (Isaiah 43:3,11; 49:26; 60:16)  The Father’s name is Yahweh, and the Son’s name is a combination of the Father’s name and the Son’s.  This is consistent with what we are told in Revelation 14:1 and Matthew 28:19.

Matthew 28:19 uses the singular name of the Father and Son.  The Spirit is not a person but a power. Revelation 14:1 says the 144,000 saints have the name of the Father and Son on their foreheads.  The King James Version of the Bible incorrectly translates the Greek with only the Messiah’s name. The Greek reveals

that it is the name of BOTH the Father and Son.  It is also important to note what the apostle John says in his second letter in verse nine:  “He that abideth in the doctrine of Messiah, he hath both the Father and the Son.”

To be resurrected when Messiah returns, you must have been baptized in the name of both the Father and the Son. This baptism allows the Spirit of the Father to freely give you the down payment of his Son’s Spirit. This down payment must be developed over time into the complete Spirit of Messiah (Galatians 4:19); it is not instantaneous.  You freely receive the Father’s Spirit, but Messiah’s Spirit must be formed during the rest of your life.

Paul confirms the importance of the Son’s Spirit in Romans 8:9: “Now if any man have not the spirit of Messiah, he is none of his.”  You must be baptized in His inherited name. If you have been baptized in any variation of the Son’s human name you have been “baptized for the dead.”  The human life, which remained in his blood in the ground, was defiled by all the sin of mankind.  His human name was blotted out and is now the name of death.

The baptizing that the Mormons, Catholics or any other group does in a human name is worthless. It ignores the scriptural requirements to have the name of the Father and Son.  All groups who baptize in the human or birth name of Messiah are committing the same error of baptizing for the dead.

The good news is that all mankind not properly baptized in their lifetime still will have the opportunity for life after death. The saints are resurrected when Messiah returns and do not face the second death. However, after the thousand-year reign of Messiah, all mankind ever conceived who were not in the better resurrection will be resurrected to judgment. This will be a physical resurrection, not spiritual. It is important to emphasize that not one human being will remain dead; all will eventually live at a spiritual level. The Father and Son do not leave any of their human creation dead. It is true that each resurrection has a different level of benefits, but all who are resurrected will live a spiritual existence.   A proper baptism prior to Messiah’s return gives you the greatest access to the kingdom of Yahweh. This is a very important point that you should carefully consider.

The human or birth name of Messiah is no longer relevant to salvation. Paul tells us in Romans 5: 10 that:  “We were reconciled to Yahweh by the death of his son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” The name, YahwehShua, is the source of life. The human or birth name was only able to provide reconciliation.

The name of Yahweh has been known for thousands of years. Joel 2:32 reminds us that:  “Whosoever shall call on the name of Yahweh [not LORD] shall be delivered.” Luke quotes this verse in Acts 2:21 and Paul also refers to the importance of this verse in Romans 10:13.

If you believe that scripture is not the truth of Yahweh, then you will have a chance to learn the truth in the general resurrection following Messiah’s reign.  If you desire the greatest access to the kingdom of Yahweh, then this would be through the better resurrection. (Hebrews 11:35)  If this is what you seek, then pray to Yahweh for truth and carefully consider the importance of understanding the blotting out of the name of Messiah. He lost his birth name for you and was given a new name for your life-saving baptism. You must have a baptism unto life and not a baptism for the dead!

 For more information, please contact the elder and ask him about a true baptism.

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

YOU NEED BOTH THE FATHER AND SON!

The apostle John had a very close relationship with Messiah. In John 20:2 he describes himself as the disciple whom Yahshua loved. Messiah, while hanging from the tree, entrusted his mother, Miriam, to the care of John. (John 19:26-27)  John is also the only one of the 12 disciples that was not martyred and was the last to die. It is for these reasons and others that his writings are of special significance.

It is because of John’s very close relationship with Messiah that I am especially drawn to John’s writings.  Please note what he tells us in 2 John 1:9:  “Whosoever transgresseth, and does not abide in the doctrine of Messiah does not have Elohim. He who abides in the doctrine of Messiah hath both the Father and the Son.” (Emphasis is mine)  He gives support to the doctrine of Messiah that Paul reveals in Hebrews 6:1-2. Especially note his reference to the importance of having both the Father and the Son. 

The importance of both the Father and the Son is further strengthened in Revelation 14:1. The King James Version says this:  “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.”

In contrast to the above translation, I offer a more correct rendering of the Greek from the Emphatic Diaglott: “And I saw, and lo the lamb having been standing on the Mount Sion, and with him a hundred forty-four thousand, having the name of him and the name of the Father of him having been written on the foreheads of themselves.”  The King James Version only mentions the Father’s name, while the Greek actually says it was a name that included both the Father and Son. (See Bullinger’s Companion Bible footnote.)

This verse is revealing a time after the better resurrection of the saints and return of Messiah. Jude refers to this event in his verse 14:  “Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying; Behold the sovereign comes with ten thousands of his saints.”

Why is it important to know that the Father and Son share the same name that is on the foreheads of the 144,000 saints?  For those who want to be among those saints, it is vital information.

Luke helps us understand the significance of this name in the book of Acts 2:37:  “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘men and brethren, what shall we do?’”   This is the same question we must ask ourselves to discover what we must do to be among the 144,000 saints.

What is so special about this first resurrection? John explains this in Revelation 20:6:  “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of Yahweh and Messiah, and shall reign with him 1000 years.”

According to Revelation 20:5, “the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.” Those in the first resurrection were raised with spiritual bodies. (1 Corinthians 15:23)  All the rest of mankind being raised after the 1,000 years will have physical bodies. (Ezekiel 37: 1-10)  These must face the second death and are not considered firstfruits. (James 1:18)  It is the firstfruits that will be with Messiah for evermore and will be judging the angels and the rest of mankind.

Now, back to Acts 2, where the question “what shall we do?” was asked. Peter provided this answer in verse 38:  “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of YahwehShua [the King James version says Jesus Christ] for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Remember, circumcision of the heart replaced the requirement of physical circumcision.  Baptism became the new circumcision without hands. (Colossians 2:11-12)

Physical circumcision was necessary to be considered part of Israel and to participate in Passover. Messiah confirmed the importance of participation in Passover the night before he died. Before you can comply with Messiah and the keeping of Passover, you must first be properly baptized.

Peter said we are to repent. This is very clear direction. However, the more challenging requirement is in what name are we to be baptized into?

We know that Messiah was born with the name Yahshua. The world disputes this, but those who take the time to understand the Hebrew and Greek languages come to the same conclusion.  We also know that after death he inherited a new name. (Hebrews 1:4)  This is a very important distinction. Are we to be baptized in his birth name or in the name he inherited after death? They are very different.

Messiah was born under the law (Galatians 4:4) and he died under the law. He was sent by the Father to die in sin for the whole world. (1 John 2: 2)  He absorbed all the sin that belonged to mankind. Therefore, the only human to die in sin was Messiah. He became the embodiment of all the sin perpetrated by mankind.

Now, Messiah was under the law, from birth to his death.  Deuteronomy 21:22 tells us what the law says about any human being that dies in sin:  “and if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree…:” (not a cross)  And in Deuteronomy 29:20:  “Yahweh will not spare him, but then the anger of Yahweh and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses of this book shall lie upon him, and

YAHWEH SHALL BLOT OUT HIS NAME FROM UNDER HEAVEN.” (emphasis mine)

Messiah was “that man”.  He was the only man to ever take upon himself the sin of the whole world. Only he suffered all the curses and only he had his name blotted out. Which name was blotted out?  The only name he had at that time was the name given to him at birth. This name was blotted out of the book of life so it could be the identifier for the blood that was poured out after his death, and had been defiled by all the sins from mankind that it had absorbed.  He lost his birth name. It was gone. To return to the presence of his Father, he had to inherit a new, undefiled name. He could not use a defiled name in the presence of his Holy, set apart Father.

Now, it is clear that the law required the blotting out of the man’s name that died in sin. There is only one person who meets this requirement and that is Messiah. When Peter tells us we have to be baptized in a name, it could not be in the name that was blotted out! Messiah lost his human birth name. This is why Paul tells us in Hebrews 1:4 that Messiah inherited a more excellent name. This name was better than any name, and especially the one that was blotted out.

What is this more excellent name? Let scripture answer this question. This answer must come from Yahweh’s word, not man’s interpretation.  Psalm 148: 13 provides the answer:  “Let them praise the name of Yahweh: for his name alone is excellent, his glory is above the earth and heaven.”  Yahweh’s name is the only excellent name in the universe. Our Savior cannot have a defiled human name. Remember, he had to appear before Yahweh after his death to have his sacrifice accepted. He must have the more excellent name. We too, must use that more excellent name when we are baptized. He had to use that name to appear before his Father, and we have to use that same name to be in the better resurrection.

Peter was telling us in Acts 2:38 that we have to be baptized in the name of inheritance, YahwehShua, for the remission of sins.  As we have learned, Messiah lost the name of Yahshua. The world tells us that his birth name is still acceptable. Yahweh’s law tells us it is not!

Messiah was quoted in Matthew 28:19 instructing the disciples to baptize in the singular name

of the Father and Son. Adding “the holy spirit” has modified this verse.  The Holy Spirit is a power that emanates from Yahweh; it is not a person.  John tells us in Revelation 14:1 and 2 John 1:9 that this singular name is only that of the Father and Son. The addition of “the holy spirit” as a person created the concept of a Trinity.  This is a pagan doctrine going back thousands of years before Messiah walked the earth.

 A valid baptism is a requirement for Passover. Passover was a requirement of the old covenant and it continues to be a requirement under the doctrine of Messiah. (See Hebrews 6:1-2)  In Luke 22:19 Messiah says, “This do in remembrance of me.”  To be able to fulfill his instruction to us, we must be properly baptized. The only proper baptism is in the name of inheritance, YahwehShua. We must be obedient to his commands.  We find support for this in John 14: 23-24:  “If a man loves me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and make our abode with him.  He that loveth me not keeps not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.”  A proper baptism is a requirement, not an option. We must be obedient. Yahweh demands obedience over sacrifice.  Once probably baptized, you are required to overcome until the end. Obedience is a necessary part of overcoming.

When the laying on of hands follows baptism by immersion, the Father’s Spirit is freely given. The Father’s Spirit implants the seed of the Son’s Spirit. The giving of the Father’s Spirit is instantaneous, but the Son’s Spirit is formed over time. (Galatians 4:19)

Overcoming is the successful formation of the Son’s Spirit within you.  You must have the fully formed Spirit of the Son before you die to be in the better resurrection.  Romans 8:9 is very clear regarding this:  “Now if any man have not the spirit of Messiah, he is none of his.”

It takes both the Father and the Son to have a valid baptism. The Father freely provides his Spirit to deliver the seed of Messiah’s Spirit to you. This one name for both the Father and Son is the key to this being accomplished.  This is why the human name of Messiah cannot be acceptable. The human name does not represent both the Father and Son. The Inherited name reveals that baptism has the joint approval and participation of both the Father and Son.

There are some distinct differences between the old and new covenants. These must be acknowledged and obeyed. You must come out of the old covenant and fully embrace the new covenant.  The sacrificial law of the old covenant was terminated with the death of Messiah on the tree. The new covenant began with Pentecost when the Spirit of the Son was available for implanting with the laying on of hands.

To become a saint, you must have the joint approval and participation of both the Father and Son. This process begins with the calling of the Father and the choosing of the Son. An individual can only become a saint by being called by the Father and chosen by the Son. The Father’s spirit implants the Spirit of the Son. To qualify for the better resurrection and be among the 144,000 saints, you must have the fully formed Spirit of Messiah within you at the time of your death.

Your status as a saint is a joint effort of the Father and Son. It takes both. The more excellent name reflects this mutual involvement. This name is not optional and neither is your obedience.

Recall the Shema found in Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: Yahweh, our Elohim is one Yahweh.”  Then in John 10:30, the Messiah was quoted as confirming the validity of the Shema by saying, “I and the Father are one.” The Father and Son are united in working together to create the saints. They are united in the selection and in the creation of the saints.

Please consider what we are told in Isaiah 43:11:  “I, even I, am Yahweh; and beside me there is no savior.” Yahweh again declares his status as a savior in 2 Samuel 22:2 and Isaiah 43:3. Both the Father and Son are involved in saving mankind. They are both involved in creating the first-fruits or saints.

Paul tells us this in Ephesians 3:14-15: “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Sovereign, YahwehShua Messiah, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.” “The whole family of Yahweh” is the Father and Son, united. The new members of the Yahweh family are called saints.  This is why John proclaims in 1 John 3:2:  “Beloved, now are we the sons of Yahweh, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

Earlier I had quoted John 14:3 which says: “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”  This is a very good description of what happens when you obey Peter’s words and are baptized in the inherited name of Messiah. The Spirit of the Son develops within you.  Once you have the fully formed Spirit of Messiah, you are one with Him and the Father. That verse says, “we will come to unto him and make our abode [place where they live] with him.” They will be within us and we in them.

Embrace the truth. Understand the significant difference between the birth name and the inherited name. This knowledge will help you understand the importance of what Peter is telling us. Use the correct, undefiled name of YahwehShua.  The Messiah had two names, a physical name and a spiritual name. The physical name is of the flesh and blood that cannot inherit the kingdom. (1 Corinthians 15:50)  The inherited name is the name of life. This is the name that gives us the aionian life in the better resurrection.

The saints are a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:12)  The Father and the Son have been united in this collaborative effort from the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4)  This is why the name of the Father and the Son is so important. This is the key that unlocks the door to the better resurrection.  No human name can ever approach the more excellent name of both the Father and the Son.

Rejoice in the great name of YAHWEHSHUA!

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

THE FALL FEASTS: TRUTH AND LIES

As followers of the new covenant, we must be vigilant in seeking the truth and avoiding deception.  There are many sources of deception that can lead us astray.  Therefore, we must be like the Bereans who studied constantly for better understanding of the scriptures.  When we are grounded in truth, we are less likely to be deceived.  One prevalent deception involves the fall feasts. 

Leviticus 23 lists the spring and fall feasts of Yahweh. These were revealed as part of the old covenant. We are now approaching the time of the fall feasts for 2017.

These feasts are: Yom Teruah, (day of shouting), Yom Kippurim, (day of coverings) Sukkot, (feast of booths) and the Last Great Day. (Yom Gadol or Shemini Atzeret)

With the death of Messiah on the tree, the old covenant ended, and we are now observing the new covenant.  The sacrificial law of the old covenant was terminated as well as the Levitical priesthood. (Hebrews 7:12)

The new covenant presents some significant changes from the old covenant. Circumcision was changed from that of the flesh to that of the heart, or baptism. (Colossians 2:11)  The Passover service was also modified when Messiah washed the feet of his disciples.  He also instructed them to eat leavened bread and drink the fruit of the vine as symbols of his body and blood.

Paul introduced another significant difference between the old and new covenants. Remember that Messiah taught Paul for a three-year period following his conversion on the road to Damascus. In Hebrews 6: 1-2, he provided a revised list of feasts to be observed by the new covenant saints. The spring feasts were the same for both covenants.  However, the fall feasts introduced remarkable differences. The doctrine of Messiah lists only two feasts: Yom Teruah and Yom Gadol. Yom Kippurim and Sukkot are not included.

This change is very curious. Yom Kippurim and Sukkot are very significant feasts for the Jews, Messianics and Sacred Name groups.  Why the change?   Messiah may have given us some insight in these two scriptures:

Matthew 15: 3

“Why do ye also transgress the commandments of Yahweh by your traditions?”

 Mark 7: 7

“In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”

Messiah saw the future as he addressed the Pharisees and scribes.  They were teaching their oral traditions which were later written as the Talmud, Mishnah and other works. These traditions were heavily influenced by the Babylonian customs they encountered while in exile.

The Rabbinical Judaism of today is descended from the Pharisees who lived at the time of Messiah. The Universal Jewish Encyclopedia, 1943, states the following:

 “The Jewish religion as it is today traces its descent, without a break, through the centuries, from the Pharisees.”

The saints today are battling the same forces that existed at the time of Messiah. He foresaw the future and left his words of warning for us.  Paul and John further instruct the saints in Hebrews 6:1-2 and in 2 John 9-10.  The doctrine of Messiah provides significant instructions for the saints. The world is very distracted by the pagan beliefs of Babylon, but we are called to separate ourselves. Revelation 18:4 further warns us:  “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying ‘Come out of her, my people [the saints], that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not her plagues.’” 

My study of Yom Teruah has led me to a better understanding of how the rabbinical teaching about Rosh Hashanah has obscured the true meaning of this first feast of the seventh month. The Babylonian customs have redirected this date to become known as a new year for the Jewish religion. As you review the resources I am providing you, you will learn that the Babylonian Akitu festival has greatly facilitated this transformation. A good reference for insight into the significance of the Babylonian influence is found on Nehemia’s Wall, in the article titled, How Yom Teruah Became Rosh Hashanah.

http://www.nehemiaswall.com/yom-truah-day-shouting-became-rosh-hashanah

The author of this article clearly says, “The transformation of Yom Teruah (day of shouting) into Rosh Hashanah is the result of the pagan Babylonian influence upon the Jewish nation.”  It began with the adoption of the Babylonian names for the months and then worked its way deeper. The true meaning of Yom Teruah is masked by this Babylonian influence, which infects Yom Kippurim and Sukkot as well. Yom Teruah has significance for the saints, while Yom Kippurim and Sukkot have another purpose that does not involve the saints.  This lack of relevance to the saints allows for their surgical removal from the new covenant.

Michael Hoffman, a scholar who has exposed the evil behind the Talmud, addresses the negative Babylonian influence on Yom Teruah and Sukkot in his book, Judaism Discovered, page 940. He reveals a Babylonian superstition called tashlikh that has become connected to the myth of Rosh Hashanah. He further reveals a Babylonian influence on Sukkot called Hoshanah Rabbah, which he calls, “a sort of rabbinic Groundhog Day.”

The first day of the seventh month, a new moon, celebrates the return of Messiah. The rabbinical Jews have no interest in this understanding. They see themselves as the Messiah and soon-to-be rulers of the world.

The last great day, or eighth day of the feast of booths, celebrates the white throne judgment when the rest of mankind is resurrected and then judged by the saints. Rabbinical Jews also obscure the correct meaning of this day.

The two fall feasts in the doctrine of Messiah pertain only to the activities of the saints. The other two do not and are therefore easily not observed by the saints of the new covenant.

By following the doctrine of Messiah, the saints are able to avoid promoting the Babylonian Talmud and giving credence to its lies.  We are in the business of truth. I believe that observing Yom Kippurim and Sukkot, in opposition to the guidance from the doctrine of Messiah, is a deadly mistake for saints striving to overcome. We easily don’t promote Christmas, Easter, New Year’s Day and Halloween, but the two old covenant feasts have been quietly accepted. If we love Messiah, we will keep his Commandments. (John 14:15)

The Internet has some very good information about the Babylonian influence.

Please visit these for more information:

Babylonian Rosh Hashanah by Dr. Uri Gabbay

http://thetorah.com

YomHaKiffuriym

Day of Atonements

http://www.lebtahor.com/observe/origins/origins%20of%20yom%20hakippurim%20day%20of%20atronement.htm

Traditions beware—Rosh Hashanah

http://www.new2torah.com/2012/09/traditions-beware-rosh-hashanah/

Calendar Babylon

http://www.livius.org/articles/concept/calender-babylonian/?#nissanu

The Babylonian Talmud, edited by Rabbi Dr. Isodore Epstein

http://www.comeandhear.com

Jewish Religion: Its Influence Today by Elizabeth Dilling

http://www.comeandhear.com

Revelation 14:1 indicates that only 144,000 saints will be resurrected when Messiah returns. That is very small number out of billions. How do you become a saint?  Only the Father will call you. (John 6:44)  The Messiah will choose you. (John 15:16)  The rest of mankind will be resurrected after the 1000-year reign of Messiah. The saints will be judging the rest of mankind during this period.

We at the Light of YahwehShua are not looking for members. The Father sends those whom He is calling.  We are trying to be an assembly point for those Yahweh Is calling at this time. How do you know if you’re being called?  Pray to Yahweh for truth, study, and contact one of our elders for guidance.

If it is determined that you are being called to be a saint, what is next?  You should read all the articles on this website and allow an elder to help you learn more. The goal is to prepare you for baptism. You must be baptized in the name of YahwehShua.  Following immersion, an elder will lay his hands on you and at that time, the Spirit of the Father is freely given to you. (Acts 8: 17-18) During the rest of your life, the Spirit of the Son will be forming within you. (Galatians 4:19)

Your obedience to the commandments of Messiah YahwehShua nourishes the growth of His Spirit. It is only the presence of the Son’s Spirit within you that allows your resurrection when Messiah returns. (Romans 8:11)

Remember that many are called, but few chosen. (Matthew 20:16)  This is a unique opportunity. Following baptism and growth of the Spirit within, you will discover your mind is more open to spiritual truth. This is a very exciting discovery.

Obedience to the commandments of Messiah is fundamental. This is why the topic of this article is so important. You must strive to overcome everyday.

(1 John 5:4-5; Revelation, chapters 2 and 3 and 21:7)

Being baptized and receiving the Spirit is only the beginning. At any time you can be deceived.  (Matthew 24:24)  You must be open to learning, and growing in grace and knowledge on a daily basis.  We are available to pray for you, study with you and assemble with you. We are a resource to assist you in your journey to the better resurrection. (Hebrews 11:35)

Messiah is the mediator of a better covenant (new covenant) and better promises. (Inheritance of the firstborn or a double portion, Hebrews 8:6)  There is so much to learn and achieve.  Remember, you can do all things through Messiah that strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13)  Once you are chosen, Messiah will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

The world is being deceived. The religious organizations are also being deceived.  The truth is only available to those called and chosen to be saints.  Pray about this opportunity.  Be open to doing whatever it takes to walk in the footsteps of Messiah.

 Let us know if you would like our help.  If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.

THE TRUTH ABOUT YOM KIPPURIM

The Jews and many other groups still observe Yom Kippurim. They have fallen for a deception that has been promoted as truth for hundreds of years.

I, too, was there myself not long ago. Satan relies on a mixture of the truth, half-truth, and lies. This was his approach in the Garden of Eden and he has continued with this strategy ever since.

Paul often tells us to prove all things. (1Thessalonians 5:21, Galatians 6:4, Romans 12:2)  We must avoid doctrines that seem right but have not been proven according to Yahweh’s word. (1Timothy 4: 1, 1 John 4:1)

I have often accepted beliefs because I trusted those who also believe them, not because I studied to prove them.  When I first joined the Worldwide Church of g-d, it was not because I performed an exhaustive study of their beliefs, but because Herbert Armstrong sounded so convincing.  I believed him rather than scripture.

I believed him about the seventh day Sabbath because my Christian education taught me about the 10 Commandments. These commandments proclaim the seventh day Sabbath. I was not able to accept the Christian teaching that the Sabbath had been changed. When Mr. Armstrong taught about the seventh day Sabbath, I assumed the other teachings would also be true. This was not the way to prove all things.

For example Mr. Armstrong talked about tithing. I found this in the Bible and thought it too must be true. I did not search deep enough to learn the truth about tithing. Eventually it was made known to me that the tithing under the old covenant was only for the Levites. (Numbers 18: 21, 24)  There is no tithing under the new covenant.  Free will offerings are encouraged, but not demanded.  I tithed a lot of money to Worldwide and sacred name groups for many years as a result of my ignorance and lack of study to prove what it is actually true.

For many years I kept the seven feasts revealed in Leviticus 23. Later I was able to learn that this was according to the old covenant sacrificial law. This law, but not the Royal law, ended with the death of Messiah on the tree.

Yahweh allowed me to learn His Son’s “name of inheritance”. I was able to do this by reading an excellent study prepared by George Gabler. (http://kahalyahweh.net/articles/nameofinheritance.htm)

Through this study I learned about a scripture I had never noticed before:  Deuteronomy 29:20:

Yahweh will not spare him, then the anger of Yahweh and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and Yahweh shall blot out his name from under heaven.

Yes, this was according to the added law of the old covenant that whoever died in sin had their name blotted out.  Only one man died in sin.  Messiah absorbed all sin. This law was in effect until Messiah died on the tree. Messiah had to live and die under this law. (Galatians 4:4)  Since he was under this old covenant sacrificial law, his given name at birth was blotted out.  This is why he had to inherit a new name. (Hebrews 1:4)  This understanding changed everything for me. Please read the “Name of Inheritance” for yourself and review the articles on this website to learn more about the importance of the name of YahwehShua, the name of inheritance.

For years I had recognized Jesus as the Son’s name. Later I accepted the teaching that the name was not Jesus, but Yahshua. When I came to the inherited name, I really had to study and pray for truth. This was truly the first time I studied to prove it to myself. The name is not found in the Bible like Jesus or Yahshua. It must be revealed. (John 6:44)

Along the way I have learned about the doctrine of Messiah as revealed in Hebrews 6:1-2.  Yes, this information had been there all along, just like Deuteronomy 29:20.  I then learned that the apostle John made a very strong statement about the importance of the doctrine of Messiah. He tells us this in his second letter verse nine: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Messiah, hath not Yahweh. He that abideth in the doctrine of Messiah, he hath both the Father and the Son.” This really got my attention and caused me to study this doctrine more deeply.

My studies have revealed that this commandment from Messiah has replaced the old covenant teaching found in Leviticus 23.  In fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) my brethren and I have chosen to fully commit ourselves to the doctrine of Messiah. By doing this we have truly left the old covenant. We have been told in Hebrews 7:12 that there was a change. Now we have accepted this truth and are practicing it.

I have left behind Sunday, circumcision in the flesh, Jesus, tithing and many other incorrect teachings. I invite you to take this same journey and discover the truth.

Through study and prayer I am convinced that the correct keeping of the fall feasts is by observing only Yom Teruah and Yom Gadol. Upon deeper study, Yom Kippurim as it is kept today is not scriptural. It is based on the traditions of men. The Talmudic rabbinical teachings have greatly contributed to this and have influenced the way Christians and sacred name groups have held onto this old covenant teaching.  Sukkot is not as sinister as Yom Kippurim but because Messiah left it out of his Commandments, we must not observe it as we have chosen not to observe Yom Kippurim.

You must decide if you really want the truth and do whatever it takes. If you are searching for the truth and what I have said here is of interest, then perhaps you are being called. We are here to help. Pray for truth to Yahweh and contact our elders for help.  If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com. 

THE DOCTRINE OF MESSIAH AND THE FALL FEASTS

The fall feasts of Yahweh are listed in Leviticus 23. They are part of the sacrificial law added in the second year following the covenant that was made on Mount Sinai.  The fall feasts listed in this chapter are as follows: Yom Teruah (trumpets), Yom Kippurim (day of coverings), Sukkot (tabernacles) and Yom Gadol  (the last great day).

These days are observed in the seventh month of the Hebrew year.  (Tishri)  Yom Teruah is a new moon and must be observed from Jerusalem.

These feasts are under the old covenant sacrificial law. This law ended with the death of Messiah on the tree. The new covenant was instituted with the arrival of the Spirit of the Father on Pentecost. (Shavuoth)

These feasts are listed differently in the doctrine of Messiah, which is found in Hebrews 6:1-2. Here you find the feasts that are for the saints only.  The saints are those called and chosen during this age. The new covenant includes only two fall feasts, Yom Teruah and Yom Gadol.

The apostle Paul reveals the doctrine of Messiah. But it is the apostle John in his second letter, verses nine and ten, who enlightens us further as to their importance. He also provides a warning about the necessity of this doctrine and the requirement of obedience.

The saints of the new covenant must be very familiar with the doctrine of Messiah. We are no longer under the old covenant and must focus our allegiance to the new covenant.

Remember, how circumcision was changed. Under the old covenant, circumcision was required to be able to participate in Passover. Then in Acts 15, the apostles revealed a change. Circumcision became of the heart and no longer in the flesh.

Paul just as suddenly and quietly introduced a change in the fall feasts. The apostle John added his support to this significant change. We must pay attention to this new commandment.

With the death of Messiah on the tree, Yom Kippurim ended. The Levitical high priests were no longer necessary. The Father installed a new high priest after Messiah’s death and acceptance. Paul provides this insight in Hebrews 9:23-28:

It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.   For Messiah is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of Yahweh for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but now once in the end of the world [age] hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Messiah was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin onto salvation.”

Further information regarding this change was also provided by John in Revelation 11:19:  “And the Temple of Yahweh was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament [in Greek: covenant]; and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and earthquakes, and great hail.”

The physical Ark of the Covenant is not in existence today and has not been seen since the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. However, the spiritual reality of the Ark is available in heaven. This is the pattern given to Moses when he had the Ark constructed. Because there is a heavenly reality and a physical shadow, there is room for modification of the physical to more closely approximate the heavenly.

The Levitical high priest was required to enter the holy of holies once each year. With the termination of the old covenant and the installation of Messiah as the high priest of the order of Melchizidek, this ritual was no longer necessary. The annual entry into the holy of holies was displaced by this one act.

When Messiah returns on Yom Teruah at the start of his 1000-year reign on earth, we are told that Sukkot will be reinstituted, as will the Levitical priesthood. However, no scripture indicates that Yom Kippurim is reinstituted.

The Christian and Sacred Name groups’ understanding of Yom Kippurim is heavily influenced by the Talmudic Jews. It is the Talmud that provides the mythology behind the false understanding of Yom Kippurim. Many believe that Satan is actively involved during Yom Kippurim and we must continue to observe this feast day to counteract his activity. Messiah warned us about the traditions of men and influence of the Pharisees on Yahweh’s truth. For more background on this influence please refer to this article by Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum found at:

https://www.thejc.com/judaism/features/how-yom-kippur-can-silence-the-wounding-tongue-of-satan-1.48737

There is no need to fast. Messiah provides this insight in Matthew 9:14-15:

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

And Yahshua said unto them, can the children of the bride-chamber mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?  But the days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

This was during the time when the disciples were physically with Messiah and therefore there was no need to fast. Today, Messiah is with his saints.  Ever since Pentecost, Messiah has been formed within each of his saints. He is always with us. Therefore the ritual of fasting during Yom Kippurim is not necessary.  This is further confirmed in Matthew 1:23 where Messiah is given the name Emmanuel which means, “El is with us.”

Messiah entered the holy of holies in heaven ONCE. (Hebrews 9:12)  He did not use the blood of bulls and goats, but his own blood. This one act provided age-abiding redemption for all mankind. But in this age the only ones under judgment are the saints. (1Peter 4:17)  The saints will judge the rest of mankind during the last great day, or Yom Gadol.

The saints of this age are striving to overcome in order to qualify for the better resurrection when Messiah returns. Obedience to Messiah’s Commandments is necessary to be successful in this effort. If we love Messiah we must keep his Commandments. (John 14:15)

 Messiah said this to the Pharisees in Matthew 15:8-9: 

The people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.  But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Those who wish to overcome to the better resurrection need to heed this admonition. We do not want to be promoting the doctrines of men. There is only one way, the doctrine of Messiah.

The previous article I referred to will provide insight into the Talmudic influence regarding the observance of Yom Kippur. I wish to refer you to a second article that will provide insight into the Christian perspective of observing Yom Kippurim:

http://www.cogwriter.com/news/doctrine/the-day-of-atonement-does-picture-satan-being-bound/

As you read this resource, you will note that Leviticus 16 is used to support the continued keeping of Yom Kippurim.

On page two the author says this, “Christians note the parallels between the first of the two goats with Jesus and the second of the two goats with Satan [the Azazel goat.]”  This is a very dangerous misunderstanding of Yahweh’s truth.  A scriptural understanding does not support this interpretation.

In Leviticus 16:21, we are told Aaron laid both of his hands on the live Azazel goat imparting the sins of the children of Israel on that goat. How can this goat represent Satan?  Scripture tells us very clearly that only Messiah took the sin of all mankind on himself. Only Messiah became sin. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

The correct understanding of Leviticus 16 is that both goats represented Messiah. The first goat was slain, as was Messiah. The second goat received all of the iniquity of Israel. Only Messiah could take upon himself the sin of the world. Satan has no part in this. Only Messiah cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

It is this kind of lie that John warned us against in 2 John 10:  “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him g-d speed.” [Greek: health or success]

Brethren, we must examine our beliefs carefully. We do not want to lead astray any of the little ones. (Matthew 18:6)

The saints of the Light of YahwehShua do not observe Yom Kippur.  We will have nothing to do with it. It is an old covenant belief and it is no longer in effect. The mythology of the current beliefs regarding Yom Kippurim are being utilized by the Pharisees, Christians and members of the Sacred Name groups to persist in this false doctrine. Do not be deceived. Study the doctrine of the Messiah carefully and pray to Yahweh for truth.

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