IS YOUR BAPTISM ACCEPTABLE TO YAHWEH?

Messiah’s chosen apostles were assembled with him after his resurrection when they received a very important command that is recorded in Acts 1: 4- 5: 

“And being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. [John 14: 16]  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence.”

The apostles were faithful and assembled together on the day of Pentecost as commanded. This was a very important day and the promise that Yahweh kept is a blessing to the whole world.  How the apostles responded to Messiah’s command is how we should follow Yahweh’s requirements for baptism. This important account of what happened on Pentecost is recorded in Acts 2:1- 4:

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting: And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

In addition to the 12 apostles, 3,000 others received the word, and were baptized. (Acts 2: 40) The instructions they received came from Peter in Acts 2: 38:  “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of YahwehShua Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  These 3000 were not required to attend classes, pass a test or wait for a period of time. They simply followed the words of Peter and were baptized in the name of YahwehShua.

Let us also examine the calling of the apostle Paul as well. Up until the time Messiah appeared to him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9: 3- 4), Paul was persecuting the firstfruits or saints. Paul was not prepared for his encounter with Messiah. There was no required period of instruction, classes, or any form of preparation.  At the appearance of Messiah, a bright light blinded Paul.  Messiah then spoke to him in Hebrew and Paul offered no resistance. He immediately followed Messiah’s instructions, and was led into Damascus by his companions. Once there, he met Ananias who placed his hands on Paul, and at that moment his sight returned and he was filled with the Holy Spirit.  After receiving the Holy Spirit, he was baptized.

In both situations, two very important elements were present: baptism in the name of YahwehShua, and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. But note that the first and primary requirement was baptism in the inherited name of Messiah, not his human name.

The leadership of any assembly or group does not have the authority to call anyone to baptism. This is reserved only for the Father, as declared in John 6:44:  “No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

No mortal can call or even choose who is to be a firstfruit. Only the Father has the exclusive right to call people to become firstfruits. But it is the Messiah who has the exclusive right to choose from those who are called, as revealed in John 15:16:  “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit.”  The word ordained used in this verse has a very theological or ecclesiastical sound to it. A better translation would be to appoint or place in a position. That did not just happen to the apostles, but it also happens to each person being called and chosen to be a firstfruit. Your reading of this website could be the beginning of your appointment or placement in the body of Messiah.

We of the Light of YahwehShua are here to receive those who are called and chosen. The only requirement is that you desire to be baptized in the name of YahwehShua, and present yourselves for that purpose.  Once baptized, you will freely receive the Spirit of the Father, as well as the down payment of the Spirit of the Son, YahwehShua.

The apostle Peter specifically said you had to be baptized in the name of YahwehShua. Your translation will have the name of a man. That name is not consistent with the Scriptures.

Why YahwehShua instead of the birth name of the Messiah? The man’s name, Yahshua, was blotted out when Messiah died in sin (Deuteronomy 29: 20) This name change was revealed to us in Hebrews 1:4:  “He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name then they.”  Messiah had to die to inherit the more excellent name of Yahweh. (Psalms 148:13)

Messiah’s human or birth name was the name that was defiled at the time of his death. He was resurrected in the undefiled name of YahwehShua. This resurrected name of faith is also the name of salvation. Anytime you pray, teach or baptize in a man’s name, Yahweh is not pleased.

It is of interest that in chapter 2 of Acts, where the day of Pentecost is described, we are also reminded of what we are told in Joel 2: 32: “Whosoever shall call on the name of Yahweh shall be saved.” This verse is very clear in what it says. The name of Yahweh is used three times in that verse. From the very beginning, the name of Yahweh was the name of salvation, and not the name of any man. Messiah Yahshua had to die to bear the sin of all mankind, and then be resurrected to inherit the name of salvation, YahwehShua. 

The apostle Paul confirms the significance about the death and resurrection of Messiah. Consider what he tells us in Romans 5:10:  “We were reconciled[our sin was covered and removed] by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”

Reconciliation or removal of our sin was the first step. However, it cost Messiah his birth name, Yahshua. It was only after his resurrection that he was able to inherit his Father’s name, Yahweh. His birth name is associated with his death. His resurrected name is the name of life. When we are baptized, we are seeking life not death. Therefore, we must choose his inherited name and not his human name, the name of death.

Before you can choose life, you must be baptized in the inherited name of life. It is appropriate at this time to remember what Moses said to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 30:19:  “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”

The apostle Paul has set before you the name of death and the name of life in Romans 5:10. It is Yahweh who reveals this choice to you. It is not by your power or your might that you have discovered it. However, youmust choose life through baptism in the inherited name of YahwehShua. 

So many people are stuck with a baptism in a man’s name. They are fearful of challenging the validity of that baptism. Much of this has to do with tradition and the fear of being ostracized by family, friends, and the religious establishment. By remaining with their worthless baptism, they are unable to receive the free gift of the Spirit of the Father, and therefore the down payment of the Spirit of the Son. Without Messiah’s Spirit formed in you (Galatians 4:19), you will not be resurrected when Messiah returns. Think about what Paul tells us in Romans 8:9:  “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Messiah, he is none of his.”  Who are “His“? Paul provides an answer in 1 Corinthians 15:23:  “But every man in his own order: Messiah the firstfruits; afterward they that are Messiah’s at his coming.”  Please review the benefits of being resurrected when Messiah returns as told to us in Revelation 20: 6:  

“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of Yahweh and the Messiah, and the shall reign with him a thousand years.”

Recently, I spoke with a gentleman who contacted our website. He admitted to having been baptized four times. He had been baptized in a man’s name as a Christian, and also as a member of a sacred name group. However, his study and experience revealed to him something was missing. He admits that baptism in the name of YahwehShua is consistent with how he has come to understand the Scriptures. I believe he is being called. Now, the path to life or death has been revealed to him. It is his decision now to choose life. I say to whomever is reading this article and is not baptized in the name YahwehShua; you also are facing a similar decision. The words of Moses as recorded in Deuteronomy 30:19 apply to you as well. Anyone who truly desires to become a firstfruit must choose life through baptism in the name of life.

Once you have the Spirit of the Messiah being formed in you, that Spirit will be able to teach you all things. (John 14:26) Once baptized, you will have the opportunity to overcome into the better resurrection. The process of overcoming requires that you be obedient to the commandments of the Son. Your baptism in YahwehShua allows you to be a member of the body of Messiah. It is among your brethern in the faith that you can be nurtured and encouraged. We are here to love you and help you develop your spiritual potential.

Paul reveals even more to us in Titus 3:5:  “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit.”  The Greek word from which regeneration is derived is Strong’s number 3824, palingenesia. Palin means again and genesia is related to genesis or birth. This is a linguistic connection to John 3:3, where Messiah tells Nicodemus he must be born from above. Baptism is the fulfillment of Messiah’s revelation to Nicodemus. 

What about the second part of that verse where the newly baptized person experiences a renewing of the Holy Spirit? Paul provides this insight in Romans 12:2:  “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Yahweh.” 

Without baptism in YahwehShua, you cannot experience a renewing of your mind by the Spirit of Messiah. Without this baptism, you retain your carnal mind that is at enmity against Yahweh. (Romans 8:7) Only with the mind of Messiah (Philippians 2:5) being formed within you, can your mind be renewed where you are able to draw close to Yahweh and even attempt to overcome. 

Many have told me that they are satisfied with their baptism. However, if you are baptized in the name of a man, your belief is at odds with Scripture. You may be satisfied, but Yahweh is not. Consider what the apostle John tells us in 1 John 4:15:  “Whosoever shall confess that YahwehShua is the Son of Yahweh, Yahweh dwelleth in him and he in Yahweh.”

When you repent and are baptized in the name of YahwehShua, you are confessing that he is the Son of Yahweh. John develops this even further in 1 John 3:23: “And this is his commandment, that you should believe on the name of his Son, YahwehShua Messiah.“  Also consider what John tells us in 1 John 5:3:  “For this is the love of Yahweh, that we keep his commandments:” Hehas commanded us to confess the name of his Son, which is the inherited name and not the name that was blotted out. Yahweh revealed this truth through Peter, as quoted in Acts 2:38. We place our future in peril if we choose to ignore the command given to Peter.

It is time to reevaluate the value of your baptism. If it is not in the name of life, YahwehShua, it is worthless. Please consider carefully. You have had the names of death and life both revealed to you. Choose life!

You will find the name of death in the scriptures, but never the name of life. The name of life is revealed only and it is based on faith. It is not based on what you see, but on what is revealed to you. Consider the truth in Hebrews 11:1:  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  These words are consistent with what the prophet Habakkuk revealed to us long before the Pentecost when the name of faith became required. This is what he tells us in Habakkuk 2: 4:  “The just shall live by his faith.”

The apostle Paul repeats this critical revelation in 2 Corinthians 5:7 and Galatians 3:11., and therefore must be important. Paul also tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:7:  “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

All mankind has been reconciled. All will be resurrected and all will be in the new heavens and earth. But not all will have life in the kingdom of Yahweh. Now you have an opportunity to choose a path that can lead to life in the kingdom. The alternative is life outside the walls of the kingdom. (Revelation 22:15)

Review your baptism now. Whether you have never been baptized or baptized in the name of a man, you have a critical decision to make, now. We are here to help you through this very important opportunity in your life. This may be your invitation to join Messiah when he returns. Please consider allowing us to be of assistance.

Go to Yahweh in prayer. Pray for His truth. You can contact us without obligation.  If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.      

WHAT MUST YOU DO TO HAVE ETERNAL LIFE?

This was a question asked by the young rich man in Matthew 19:16. Messiah responded in verse 17 with this: “…but if thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments.” Is this still valid today?

When this young man was alive, he lived under the law, as did Messiah. (Galatians 4:14) They were both under 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 that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and Yahweh shall blot out his name under heaven.”

Paul tells us in Galatians 3:13 what Messiah did for all mankind, including this rich young man:  “Messiah hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree.”

When the Messiah spoke with this young man, he had not yet died on the tree. They were both under the law and were therefore required to keep the commandments. At that time, it was only by keeping the whole law that you could enter eternal (Greek: aionian, age-abiding) life.

After Messiah’s death and resurrection, there was a significant change. The old covenant had been terminated and a new covenant was to go into effect.

In Acts 2:37 Peter, as well as the other apostles, was asked a similar question to the one posed by the rich young man to Messiah:  “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

In verse 38, Peter provides a very different answer than the one given by Messiah:  “Then, Peter said unto them, repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of YahwehShua Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

What difference does the Holy Spirit make? When one is baptized, the Holy Spirit of the Father is freely given. At that same time, the seed of the Spirit of Messiah is also given. It is not fully available as the Father’s Spirit is available. The Spirit of Messiah develops over time. It is the Spirit of Messiah that is really unique and necessary to having aionian life in the resurrection when Messiah returns.

Paul delves into this important understanding in Romans 8:9-11:  

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of Elohim dwells in you: now if any man have not the Spirit of Messiah he is none of his.  And if Messiah be in you, the body is dead because of sin: but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of him that raised up YahwehShua from the dead dwell in you, he that raised the Messiah from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

It is the Spirit of Messiah that is being formed within you that makes the real difference. Paul confirms this in Galatians 4:19:  “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Messiah be formed in you.”  This seed of the Spirit of Messiah was not available to the rich young man at the time of their encounter. Messiah had to first die and be resurrected.

When Messiah met the rich young man, Messiah was known by his name given at birth, Yahshua. However, since he died in sin, all the sin of mankind, he had to have his birth name blotted out as required in Deuteronomy 29:20. After his resurrection he had to have a new name as revealed in Hebrews 1:4:  “Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name then they.”  This more excellent name was the name of his Father, Yahweh. Psalm 148:13 explains who had the more excellent name:  “Let them praise the name of Yahweh: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heavens.”

The firstfruits must be baptized in the same name given to Messiah after his resurrection. This is confirmed in Revelation 14:1 where we learn that the 144,000 resurrected saints or firstfruits had,  “His name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads.”(Diaglott)

If you wish to be among the 144,000  firstfruits in the better resurrection, the first step is baptism in the name of YahwehShua. The birth name of Messiah was blotted out according to the law. The only name for a valid baptism is the name of both the Father and the Son.

Remember what Paul tells us in Romans 8:9:  “Now, if any man have not the Spirit of Messiah, he is none of his.”

Take note of what John tells us in 1 John 3:23-24:  

“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. And he that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in him and he in him.And hereby we know that he abideth in us by the Spirithe hath given us. “

The formation of his Spirit in us is very important. Paul tells us in Philippians 2:5 why having his Spirit is so necessary:  “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Messiah YahwehShua.”  By having his Spirit being formed in us, we are developing his mind, his knowledge, his truth, his faith, and his love.

The carnal mind cannot do it! Paul is very emphatic about this in Romans 8:7:  “Because the carnal mind is enmity against Elohim: for it is not subject to the law of Yahweh, neither indeed can be.”  Unless Father calls us, we cannot discover his truth simply with our carnal mind. Once called by the Father, he will lead us into his truth. We can’t discover it. It is revealed to us!

Many who are led to our website are full of questions. That is good, but the carnal mind can only take them so far. If you really want to grow in grace and knowledge, you must have the Spirit of the Messiah being formed in you. Without accepting baptism in the name of YahwehShua, you are stuck with your very limited carnal mind. You must be baptized to have the tools necessary to increase your understanding.

Messiah told the rich young man that he had to keep the commandments; the law. However, the difference of being under the new covenant is that you are not alone. Paul explains this further in Galatians 2:16:  “Knowing that man is not justified by the law, but by the faith of YahwehShua Messiah, even we have believed in YahwehShua Messiah, that we might be justified by the faith of Messiah, and not the works of law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”

Paul declares this again in Galatians 3:11:  “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of Yahweh, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith.”  By having the mind of Messiah being formed within us after baptism, we are not left with simply our carnal minds, but have his spiritual mind to support us. In addition to his mind, we also have his faith. With his mind and faith, we are no longer walking by sight but by his faith. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

As his Spirit forms more completely, your understanding of Scripture will increase. You will progress from the milk of the word to the meat. Many questions you find so difficult or confusing now will be opened unto your understanding. I have experienced this blessing myself. The Spirit will lead you and not just your carnal mind.

Consider what Paul tells us in Galatians 2:21:  “I do not frustrate the grace of Yahweh: for if righteousness came by the law, then Messiah is dead in vain.”  In Romans 3:27-31, Paul gives us more insight into the value of his faith versus the works of law:  

“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.  Is he that Yahweh of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles?  Yes, of the Gentiles also:  Seeing it is one Yahweh, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.  Do we then make void the law through faith? By no means: yea, we establish the law.”

The righteousness we must have to be in the resurrection when Messiah returns is his righteousness. This is being increased in us as his Spirit is more completely formed. Abraham believed in Yahweh and that was accounted to him for righteousness. (Galatians 3:6) Abraham and others from the Old Testament will be in the resurrection with us because they believed or trusted in Yahweh.  John confirms this in John 10:16:  “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd.”

We will learn to keep the law through his faith and his love. It is not about us, but all about him in us. He will give us what we need. Paul reminds us of this in Philippians 4:13:  “I can do all things through Messiah which strengthens me.”  It is not about what one can do alone, but what the Messiah can accomplish through each of the firstfruits.

You must be willing to completely leave the external requirements of the old covenant. 1 Corinthians 13 is better instruction than the Levitical law. Stop thinking about the 613 laws, tzitzits, prayer shawls, circumcision, beards, washing your hands and all the other external concerns associated with the old covenant. It’s really more important to understand why you should not use the birth name of Messiah for baptism!

Paul provides this instruction in Galatians 3:29:  “And if ye be Messiah’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” We must be willing to believe Yahweh as Abraham did. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, if that had been Yahweh’s will. We too need to be willing to sacrifice our lives as well. 

Paul confirms our need to be willing to sacrifice ourselves in Romans 12:1-2:  

“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of Yahweh, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to Yahweh, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this age: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Yahweh.” (Diaglott)

How do you renew your mind? Through baptism! At baptism, you will receive the down payment for the Spirit of Messiah. His mind will grow within you and slowly displace the inadequate carnal mind. You will be becoming more like Messiah and less your carnal self. This is why John tells us in 1 John 3:2 that:  “When he shall appear, we shall be like him.”

In the resurrection, the firstfruits are 144,000 copies of Messiah. His Spirit will be fully formed and we will no longer be our carnal selves. This allows us to judge the rest of mankind in the last great day. We will judge with his mind, his love, and not our corrupt carnal minds.

Now, a warning! Should you accept your calling and be baptized in the name of YahwehShua, there is no going back. The Messiah confirms this warning in Luke 9:62:  “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of Yahweh.”  Paul, in Hebrews 10:26-27 makes an even stronger statement about failing to overcome once you have the down payment of the Spirit of Messiah: 

“For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” 

We of the Light of YahwehShua, are not here to debate or denigrate anyone. Your calling is fully within the domain of Yahweh. We are here to provide information and let you draw your own conclusions. When and if you may be ready for baptism, we are prepared to facilitate such a request.

I can assure you of this: without baptism in the name of YahwehShua, you will never have the saving knowledge. You will not be in the better resurrection. All that is left for you is the last great day and the uncertainties, which that resurrection will provide. 

We are here to serve Yahweh, not man or ourselves. We encourage you to consider leaving the old covenant, replacing your ignorance of Yahweh’s truth with his truth and embrace the new covenant with us.

May Yahweh bless your efforts.

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

FIRSTFRUITS CANNOT BE TORAH OBSERVANT

Someone asked me if I was Torah observant. As a firstfruit, that is, in YahwehShua, I cannot be Torah observant. Why?

The word Torah has several different meanings. It denotes the first five books of the Old Testament or the Pentateuch. It can also be used to refer to all the books of the Old Testament from Genesis to Malachi. When others refer to the Torah, they include the oral Torah as well as the rabbinical traditions that produced the Talmud. 

In James 2:10 we are told that: “Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” Is the Torah the whole law? Actually, the word Torah refers to instruction or teachings. The Torah contains laws, but is not the law itself. Many use the word Torah interchangeably with the word law. This is incorrect. The Torah contains laws that existed before the Sinai covenant, as well as the Levitical laws, which were enacted after the Sinai covenant. To say that you are Torah observant implies that you keep all the laws that are listed in the Torah.

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

Do you sacrifice animals as a sin offering? To be Torah observant you should be. Here are two examples of what the Torah teaches us about the Levitical laws: 

Exodus 29:14

“But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it is a sin offering.” 

Leviticus 4:3

“If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish to Yahweh for a sin offering.” 

The Levitical sacrificial system of the old covenant only provided for animal sacrifices. There was no provision for a human sacrifice. Messiah’s death on the tree was a human sacrifice that provided his sinless blood to absorb all the sin of the world. (1 John 1:7)

Mankind has been reconciled by Messiah’s blood instead of animal blood. Paul confirms this in Ephesians 1:7:  “We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sin, according to the riches of his grace.”  Paul reiterates this important fact in Colossians 1:14:  “We have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”

In the Levitical system, the sin offering was always an animal. But Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:21 that Messiah was:  “made sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of Elohim in him.”  This verse is from the King James Version. However, in the Diaglott we are told that he was made a “sin offering on our behalf.”

The Levitical sacrificial system was not part of the Sinai covenant. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) were given to the Israelites on Pentecost as part of the marriage ceremony between Messiah and the Israelites. The Levitical system did not go into effect until the second year of their sojourn in the Sinai wilderness. (Numbers 1: 1; 3: 12)

When Messiah became a husband to Israel (Isaiah 54:5), the firstborn were the priests. It was the firstborn priests that were preserved during the Passover that occurred in Egypt. The Levitical priesthood was a temporary substitute that was added because of transgressions. (Galatians 3:19) The physical firstborn priests were not able to fulfill the will of Yahweh. 

The Levitical high priest was a temporary substitute for the spiritual high priest of the order of Melchizedek. The Son of Yahweh was the original high priest. He preexisted as Yahweh of the Old Testament. However, before he could perform as the actual high priest and bear the sin of the people, he had to leave the spiritual realm and become human or incarnate.  We learn in Hebrews 10:5 that a human body was prepared for the Son of Yahweh.

The Sinai covenant or old covenant was inadequate. It could not remove sin. Only Messiah’s blood could do that. Paul tells us this in Hebrews 10:9-10: “He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By which we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Yahshua Messiah once for all.”

When Israel’s husband died on the tree, the old marriage covenant was terminated. In 1 Corinthians 7:39, Paul explains how this was outlined in the Torah: “The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Master.”

All Israel was freed from that marriage and the law that was added after the marriage covenant was enacted on Sinai. The Levitical sacrificial law was no longer in effect. The 10 Commandments, which was the covenant law on Sinai, is still the heart of the new covenant. This is confirmed in James 2:8: “If ye fulfill the Royal law according to the scripture, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well.”  Paul confirms this in Galatians 5:14:  “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Messiah’s sacrifice of himself, a human sacrifice, was not acceptable under the Levitical sacrificial system. Therefore to accept Messiah Yahshua’s sacrifice, you are not able to be Torah observant. The new covenant could only be enacted after the death of Messiah. He had to allow himself to be killed to end the marriage with Israel and pave the way for the new covenant. This new covenant had been planned since before the foundation of the world. It was even foretold in Jeremiah 31:31-32:  

“Behold, the days come, saith Yahweh, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah.  Not according to the covenant that I made with the fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of Egypt: which my covenant they break, although I was a husband unto them, saith Yahweh.”

Who was this Yahweh that proclaimed a coming new covenant? It was the Messiah! Paul reveals this in 1 Corinthians 10:4:  “that spiritual Rock that followed them: that Rock was Messiah.”

We cannot be Torah observant without denying Messiah and his sacrifice. This is why we do not continue to observe Yom Kippurim.  That day is all about the Levitical sacrificial system, and not about the sacrifice of Messiah. We cannot be part of this Levitical system and uphold our commitment to Messiah. 

Messiah was born under the law. (Galatians 4:4) He was therefore subject to the law. His marriage to physical Israel was therefore terminated upon his death. This was the law.

It was also the law that he had to have his name blotted out. He was the only human to die in sin. He therefore took all of the curses on himself. (Galatians 3:13) That curse was proclaimed in Deuteronomy 29:20:  “All the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and Yahweh shall blot out his name from under heaven.“   If you really desire to be truly Torah observant, then you have to believe that Messiah’s name was blotted out.

Messiah’s birth name, Yahshua, was blotted out upon his death. This is why he had to inherit a new name. (Hebrews 1:4) His new name was more excellent. What is that more excellent name? Psalm 148:13 declares that only the name of Yahweh is more excellent. That is why he received the name of YahwehShua. This is the name of both the Father and Son. In Revelation 14:1, we learned that this is the same name that the firstfruits had in their foreheads. This is the name we firstfruits proclaim.

The name that Peter proclaimed after the resurrection was YahwehShua. He had to use the inherited name because the birth name of Messiah had been blotted out. Peter would have known of this name change. In the book of Acts 2: 38, he is quoted as saying:  “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of YahwehShua Messiah for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.”  Your Bible probably says Jesus or even Yahshua. Messiah’s birthname was not removed from the scripture by order of the Levitical high priest. However, Yahweh removed his birth name from the book of life.

Being baptized in the birth name of Messiah is not being Torah observant. That is because the Torah tells us that the name of he who dies in sin is blotted out. Accepting the human sacrifice of Messiah is not Torah observant. How do we resolve this conflict? We must leave the old covenant entirely and accept the new covenant name of Messiah. We can only be obedient to the new covenant by being baptized in the name of life, YahwehShua.

Those called during this age are under judgment now. We only have a chance to be in the kingdom if we accept the new covenant. If we look back at the old covenant, we will not be in the kingdom. The firstfruits are under the new covenant and will be resurrected when Messiah returns. The rest of mankind must wait until after the 1000-year reign of Messiah.

The prophecy that we learned about in Jeremiah 31:31 is confirmed in Hebrews 8:6- 9:  

“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is a mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.  For if the first covenant that was faultless, that should no place have sought the second.  For finding fault with them, he said, the days come, saith the sovereign, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:  Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith Yahweh.”

This prophecy had two witnesses and is therefore valid according to Yahweh. (Deuteronomy 17:6)

The Yahweh of the old covenant is the same Yahweh of the new covenant. The old covenant was terminated with His death as a human being. The new covenant is a better covenant with better promises. However, to enter this covenant, you must accept his inherited name in faith. This name is not found in the Scriptures. It is the name of faith. Remember, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”(Hebrews 11:1) Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:7 that, “We walk by faith, not by sight.”

The old covenant was based on an outward show of obedience. One had to be circumcised, participate in annual sacrifices and even wear tzitzits! The new covenant is not one of appearances, but by bearing fruit. You must demonstrate your faith through baptism in the unseen name of YahwehShua; loving the brethren as well as your enemies. The first covenant was enforced externally. The new covenant is implemented with circumcision of the heart rather than the flesh.

The old covenant cannot be renewed. It was based on the Levitical sacrificial system and was only temporary. Consider what Paul tells us in Hebrews 9:9-10: “Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and diverse washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.”

Consider also what Paul tells us in Galatians 3:23-26: “But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of Elohim by faith in Messiah YahwehShua.”

From the Pentecost following the Messiah’s death until his return, is the age of faith. This faith is the heart of the new covenant, a better covenant. We must not return to the old covenant in any way. By doing so, we repudiate Messiah’s sacrifice and therefore deny him.

We are given a very stern warning in Proverbs 26:11:  “As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.” A dog is a beast that dies without hope of resurrection. Those who reject a calling to the new covenant will miss out on the opportunity to be resurrected as a firstfruit when Messiah returns.

Another stern warning we should be aware of is found in 2 Timothy 2:12:  IF WE DENY HIM, HE WILL ALSO DENY US.”

Again, in Matthew 10: 33, he issues a similar warning:  “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” If you are Torah observant, then you are denying Messiah’s death as a valid sin offering. 

There is no reward for being in the old covenant. Messiah has a reward only for those who are faithful to the new covenant. He confirms this in Revelation 22:12: “I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” The work of the old covenant does not bear fruit. It is only participation in the new covenant that produces fruit.

You will have no reward by being Torah observant. Your reward is only available through the new covenant. It is only by being faithful in the new covenant that you do not deny him. He is faithful and will not deny those who have embraced his name of faith, YahwehShua, and overcomes to the end.

You may be wondering how Messiah’s human name was acceptable to Yahweh as reconciliation for all of man’s sin. The answer is found in Genesis 9:5: “And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man.”

When Yahweh is talking about the life of man, he is talking about man’s blood. Leviticus 17:11 helps us with this explanation:  “For the life of the flesh is in the blood.”  Animal blood was only used as a substitute or temporary representation for the real thing. It was only the sinless life of the Messiah that was found in his blood that would satisfy Yahweh.

Genesis 9:5 was in effect before the foundation of the world. It obviously existed before the Levitical sacrificial system. This law could not be fulfilled until Messiah came in the flesh as a sin offering. The Levitical system was an inadequate but temporary measure until the death of the incarnate Messiah. Yahweh tells us the end from the beginning.

Everything being accomplished throughout the Scripture is for Messiah, the firstfruit. Genesis 1:1 tells us this from the beginning:  “For the firstfruit Elohim created the heavens and the earth.”  Those who are becoming firstfruits through obedience to the new covenant are included in this revelation found in Genesis 1: 1. We are firstfruits because Messiah is being formed within us. (Galatians 4:19) When we are resurrected at his return we shall be like him. (1 John 3:2)

Look forward to the fulfillment of the new covenant, and not backwards to a failed, terminated old covenant.

WE ARE QUARTODECIMANS!

It is our desire to: “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”  (Jude 1:3)

In keeping with this desire, we declare our common bond with the QUARTODECIMANS or fourteenthers of the early ekklesia. Historians tell us that this was a derogatory name that the Roman Church gave to the true believers attending the Asiatic assemblies. We are pleased to be able to draw close to the brethren of that era and accept the responsibility that goes with it. They kept the Passover during the day of the 14th. WE DO AS WELL!

They followed the truth of Numbers 28:16:  “and in the 14th day of the first month is the Passover of Yahweh.”  Their actions reflected the truth of John the Baptist, as recorded in John 1:29:  “Behold the Lamb of Yahweh which taketh away the sin of the world.”

It was the day of the 14ththat Messiah, the lamb of Yahweh, died on the tree. He was placed on the tree at 9 AM and finally died at 3 PM.

On the night of the 14th, before he died, Messiah gave his disciples a new commandment: “This do in remembrance of me.”  Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11: 24-25) The night of the 14th is when we wash each other’s feet, eat leavened bread and drink the fruit of the vine together.

We obey Messiah’s commandment to remember him on the night of the 14th. During the day of the 14th,we remember his death at 3 PM. Many of the early believers fasted during the time Messiah was on the tree, from 9 AM to 3 PM. This is not commanded but is an optional observance.

The following seven days are called the days of unleavened. (1 Corinthians 5:7-8)  These days are often referred to as being part of the feast of Passover. We keep these days as did the Quartodecimans.

We remove all leavening by noon on the 14thand eat unleavened bread until sundown on the 21st. We observe these days as the Feast of Passover.

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

THE BREAD, THE BODY, AND THE FIRSTFRUITS

The apostle Paul tells us that the Yahweh of the Old Testament was actually the Messiah. This is what he says in 1 Corinthians 10:4: “… that spiritual rock that followed them: and that rock was Messiah.”

This is confirmed in John 8:58 where Messiah himself said:  “Before Abraham was, I am.” This reference to “I am” reminds us of what Elohim said to Moses in Exodus 3:14:  “And Elohim said unto Moses, I am, that I am: and he said, thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, I am hath sent me unto you.”

Messiah was the Yahweh that created all things as Paul reminds us in Colossians 1:16:  “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible.”

The apostle John also identifies the Messiah as our Creator in John 1:3:  “All things were made by him: and without him was not anything made that was made.”

When the apostle Paul says, “all things,” he is referring to all mankind including the firstfruits. In Ephesians 1:4-5, Paul exclusively references the firstfruits:

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by YahwehShua Messiah to himself, according to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.”

Messiah YahwehShua, also known as Yahweh Sabaoth, who later became the incarnate Yahshua Messiah, was the Yahweh of the Old Testament. The Yahweh that Moses met face-to-face was the Son. Moses never met the Father. When the translators use the word, “god,” they are mistranslating the Hebrew word, Elohim, which is a collective noun meaning the mighty ones. Elohim refers to both the Father and Son. 

Messiah YahwehShua was also the one who gave exacting instructions on how to design, construct, and what to specifically place inside the Tabernacle. You will find this in Exodus 25:40:  “And look that thou make them after their pattern which was showed thee in the mount.”  The apostle Paul confirms this in Hebrews 8:5. He tells us that Moses was “admonished” to“make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount.”

Messiah was a perfectionist. He watched over the construction of the Tabernacle very carefully. This would be the same way he created all things. Messiah had been instructed by his Father to create all things after a certain pattern. Messiah tells us this in John 8:28:  “I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.”

Everything Messiah has done, he has done with the instruction and approval of his Father. Nothing is done in a random or disorganized manner.  There is a plan that is carried out as designed and approved by the Father and Son.

In previous articles, we have written about the significance of the “pattern” given to Moses for the Tabernacle and to David for the temple. One part of the pattern not previously discussed is the veil between the holy room of the Tabernacle and the holiest room. We find a very specific reference to this veil in Exodus 26: 30 – 33:

“And thou shalt rear up the Tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was showed the in the mount.  And then thou shalt make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:  And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.  And thou shall hang up the veil under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the veil the ark of the testimony: and the veil shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.”

The most holy place is where the ark of covenant is located. On the ark is the Mercy seat. It is upon the Mercy seat that the Levitical high priest would sprinkle animal blood after entering this most holy place on Yom Kippurim. This Mercy seat is where Yahweh (the Son) would be present. The veil prevented the Levitical priests from having access to Messiah. Only the high priest one time per year was able to be in the Son’s presence. But with the death of Messiah this changed!

The apostle Paul gives us a very interesting revelation in Hebrews 10:18-20:  “Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.  Having therefore, brethren,boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Yahshua.  By a new and living way, which he had consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.”

Every year the Levitical high priest would enter the holy of holies to sprinkle animal blood to cover the sins of the Israelites for the year to come. This was no longer necessary with the death of Messiah. He was the true Passover lamb, and only his blood was able to absorb all the sin of mankind. With his death on the tree, he completed or finished the purpose for which he had become incarnate.

It is interesting that in the holy room was a golden table holding twelve loaves of bread. In some translations, this bread is called showbread, while others translate the Hebrew words as bread of presence. These were baked fresh each week by the Levites and consumed on the Sabbath by the priests. When the veil was torn in half, upon the death of Messiah (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15: 37-38; Luke 23:45) that bread was no longer separated from the Mercy seat. What does this mean?

Many authors believe that these twelve loaves of bread represented the twelve tribes of Israel. But did they? When the veil was torn at the time that Messiah died, the old covenant was terminated. The cessation of the old covenant would prepare the way for a new covenant that would be initiated on Pentecost. The new covenant is for the firstfruits of this age. These are the 144,000 saints that will be resurrected when Messiah returns. (Revelation 14:1) The firstfruits are the spiritual Israelites, not the physical. The bread did not represent the physical descendants of Abraham, but the saints who are the true children of the promise. (Galatians 3:29)

Why is this important? Messiah distributed twelve pieces of bread at his Last Supper on the night he was betrayed. That bread was only for the firstfruits. The disciples represented the forming of firstfruits that would begin on the Pentecost following Messiah’s death. His death would allow the firstfruits to have the opportunity to be properly baptized and begin the formation of Messiah’s Spirit within them. (Galatians 4:19) Through this means, they would be able to be in the presence of Messiah at his return. This perspective adds substance to the translation of the Hebrew as bread of presence, instead of showbread.

Prior to this new understanding, it was my belief that when Messiah broke the bread at the Last Supper, the bread represented his broken physical body. However, the Greek grammar does not support this. In Luke 22:19 we are told: “And he took the bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” The demonstrative pronoun, “this” must agree in gender with the noun it is referring to. Traditionally, “this” was thought to refer to the bread. However, “this” has a neuter ending, while the word “bread” is a masculine noun. The Greek word for body is a neuter noun. Messiah was not referring to the bread. He was actually referencing his body. This was not his physical body he was talking about, but his spiritual body. Each firstfruit would receive a portion of his spiritual body, which would then mature into a fully formed spirit and allow them to be like him. (1 John 3:2)

When a firstfruit receives the Spirit of the Father, they also receive the down payment of the Spirit of Messiah. This down payment is a part of the Spirit of Messiah that has the capability of maturing within the firstfruit. It is the fully matured spirit of Messiah that allows the firstfruit to be resurrected just as Messiah was also resurrected. 

Why do we conclude that the bread represented Messiah’s spiritual body? As the tabernacle is the physical example of the spiritual, the veil is the physical example of His physical body.  The bread is the example for his spiritual body.  The twelve loaves of showbread, or the bread of presence, and the twelve pieces of bread distributed by Messiah to his disciples all represent the firstfruits. The firstfruits were already part of the plan or pattern before the creation of the world. Messiah, the Creator, knew the firstfruits from the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1: 4) He knew from the beginning that it was not the physical Israelites that would become the firstfruits.

I have mentioned in previous articles that Messiah revealed the truth about the firstfruits in Genesis 1: 1. The King James Version translates the Hebrew of this verse in this manner:  “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” First of all, the Hebrew does not say God. The Hebrew word is actually Elohim, which means mighty ones. The first Hebrew word in this sentence is bereyshith. This word is a combination of a preposition and noun. The preposition, be, may be translated in a variety of ways such as in, for, or even for the sake of. The noun is Strong’s number 7225, which also means the firstfruit. Hebrew scholars have proposed that the preposition could mean for the sake of. When you combine these linguistic options, a better translation is:  “For the sake of the firstfruit Elohim created the heavens and earth.” From the beginning it has all been about Messiah, the firstfruit, and those who would become firstfruits by receiving a portion of his Spirit.    

It is also interesting to note that the apostle Paul wrote extensively in 1 Corinthians 12 about the body of Messiah. In chapter 11, he referred to the bread and fruit of the vine. At no time did he call this event Passover, but referred to it as the Last Supper. The body of Messiah is formed from the distribution of the portions of Messiah’s spiritual body. It required the shedding of his blood to absorb all of mankind’s sin. To shed that blood he had to die. Once his blood covered all sin, the way was open to share his Spirit with those he knew before the foundation of the world, the firstfruits or saints.

We are told in Leviticus 23:17 that the bread representing the firstfruits is leavened bread. With this insight, we are able to understand that any time bread represents the firstfruits, it must be leavened. The Pharisees changed the showbread to unleavened bread when they took control of the temple. This was a significant change implemented by the Pharisees, which allowed for a false understanding of what that bread meant. Messiah warned us in Luke 11:52 that the Pharisees were taking away the key of knowledge. They continue in this effort today!

It is also correct that the bread Messiah gave to his disciples at the Last Supper before he was betrayed was leavened. That was not a Passover meal. That Last Supper occurred 24 hours before the Jews’ Passover meal on the 15th. An excellent reference that supports this understanding is a book by T. Alex Tennent, the Messianic Feast. While his book contains some significant errors on other topics, his scholarship pertaining to the understanding of what the Last Supper really was is excellent. 

The body of Messiah is poorly understood and not emphasized enough. The body of Messiah is a very special assembly of those who have the spiritual body of Messiah being formed from within. It is only by being baptized in the name of YahwehShua that one is allowed to become a functional member of the body of Messiah. The birth name of Messiah, in any form, is not valid. It is the name of Yahweh that provides salvation. Messiah inherited the more excellent name of his Father after he died. (Hebrews 1:4; Psalms 148:13) The firstfruits will be resurrected in the name of the Father and Son, YahwehShua.  (Revelation 14:1)

The correct understanding of the Last Supper is exciting and necessary. Firstfruits are commanded to remember Messiah on the night of the 14th of Abib. Now you are able to know why. The bread he distributed was consistent with the pattern established by Yahweh before the foundation of the world.

The spiritual body of Messiah is not based on race, gender, or social status. (Galatians 3:28) The calling comes from the Father. (John 6:44) You are able to reject His calling. But, should you choose to accept that calling and be baptized in the name of YahwehShua, you must then overcome to the end. An important aspect of overcoming is becoming a fruitful member of the body of Messiah.  Firstfruits are commanded to assemble together and encourage each other. (Hebrews 10:25) Loving the other members of the body is necessary and the lack of that love is a significant warning sign. (1 John 3:14)

There is more to being in the better resurrection than just being baptized. Your participation in the body of Messiah is an important opportunity for growth and is a gauge of your success in the process of overcoming. The body of Messiah is where you can practice love as revealed in 1 Corinthians 13. This is also where you can demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 6:22)

If this article and this website is of interest to you, this may indicate that you are being called. Please contact us to find out if we can be of assistance in your desire to become a firstfruit. Once you are a firstfruit, you will have the mind of Messiah being formed within you. This will greatly increase your understanding and allow you to more effectively search the Scriptures.  You must overcome your carnality and take on the Spirit of Messiah. (Romans 8:7-10)

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