THE TEMPLE VEIL, THE BODY OF MESSIAH, & THE LAST SUPPER

The apostle Paul tells us that the Yahweh of the Old Testament was actually the Messiah. We find this revelation 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, which includes the firstfruits. In Ephesians 1: 4-5, Paul exclusively references the firstfruits:  “According as he has 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 the good pleasure of his will.”

Messiah YahwehShua, also known as Yahweh Sabaoth (of hosts), 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 used the word, “god” they were mistranslating the Hebrew word, Elohim, which is a collective noun meaning mighty ones. Elohim refers to both the Father and the Son.

Messiah YahwehShua was also the one who gave exact instructions on how to design and construct the Tabernacle, even including the furniture that was placed inside it. You will find this recorded 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 when 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 has 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, and this plan 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 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 thee 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 shalt 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 the 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 the Son of Yahweh would be present. The veil prevented the Levitical priest 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 (or YahwehShua), according to Revelation 1: 5) bya new and living way, which he had consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.”

Each 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 sins 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 shewbread, while others translate the Hebrew words as bread of presence. These were baked each week by the Levitical priests 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 represent the twelve physical tribes of Israel. But do they? When the veil was torn at the time that Messiah died, the old covenant was terminated. The end of the old covenant would prepare the way for a new covenant, which 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 spiritual Israelites, not physical. You will find a reference to these in Revelation 7. 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 12 pieces of bread at his last supper on the night he was betrayed. This bread was only for the firstfruits. The disciples represented those who would receive the firstfruits or down payment of the Spirit that would be delivered on Pentecost following Messiah’s death. His flesh was torn (as the veil was torn) to 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 baptism in the name of YahwehShua, they were able to overcome as firstfruits and be in the presence of Messiah at his return. This insight lends credibility to the translation of the bread in the Tabernacle as the bread of presence. 

Prior to this new understanding, it was my belief that when Messiah broke the bread at the last supper, this bread represented his broken physical body. However, the Greek grammar does not support this. In Luke 22:19 we are told this:  “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, the word “this”, was thought to refer to the bread. However, the word, bread, is masculine, while the word this has a neuter ending. 

The Greek word for body is a neuter noun. Messiah was not referring to the bread; he was actually referring to his body. Each firstfruit receives a portion or down payment of his Spiritual body when baptized in the name of YahwehShua. The fully formed Spirit of Messiah is not given at baptism. A fully formed Spirit of Messiah must develop over time, as the process of overcoming is completed. The firstfruit must have a fully formed Spirit of Messiah, in order to be resurrected when he returns. We must have this fully formed Spirit to be like him. (1 John 3:2)

Why do I believe that the bread of presence and the bread distributed by Messiah at the last supper represent his Spiritual body? Because there was already a pattern for his flesh, which was the veil located between the holy and holiest rooms of the Tabernacle. The twelve loaves could only represent the spiritual body, since there was already a representation for the physical body. Messiah, who is not the author of confusion, would be consistent with the bread he gave those who would become firstfruits. He knew who were the firstfruits and he knew it from the foundation the world. (Ephesians 1:4)

We are told in Leviticus 23:17 that the bread representing the firstfruits is leavened bread. With this understanding, we know that the twelve loaves in the holy room had to be leavened. It is the Spiritual Israelites that will be in the presence of Messiah when he returns. The physical Israelites will have their opportunity in the last great day. It is recorded that the Pharisees changed the twelve loaves from leavened bread to unleavened bread. This happened due to their faulty understanding of Yahweh’s plan and pattern. By making this change, the Pharisees continued to hide the key of knowledge. (Luke 11:52)

It is also clear that the bread Messiah gave his disciples at the last supper, before he was betrayed, was leavened. This was not a Passover meal. That last supper occurred 24 hours before the Jews’ Passover meal. A good reference that is an excellent source of material that strongly supports this perspective is the book by, T. Alex Tennent, THE MESSIANIC FEAST. You must read this book carefully. He does not use the name of Yahweh or the revealed name of YahwehShua. However, his scholarship is very helpful in understanding the difference between the Jews’ Passover on the 15th, the day of Passover on the daylight portion of the 14th, and the last supper on the night of the 14th. The last supper was not during the period of unleavened bread.

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 within them. One can only become part of the true body of Messiah if baptized in the name of YahwehShua. The birth name of Messiah, in any form is not valid. It is the name of Yahweh that provides salvation. (Joel 2: 32) Messiah inherited the more excellent name of his Father after he died. (Hebrews 1:4; Psalms 148:13) All firstfruits must be resurrected in the name of the Father and Son, YahwehShua. (Revelation 14:1)

This correct understanding of the last supper is exciting and necessary. Firstfruits are commanded to remember the Messiah on the night of the 14thof the first month of the new year. Now you are able to understand why. The bread he distributed was consistent with the pattern established by Yahweh before the foundation of the world and revealed in the holy room of the Tabernacle.

The spiritual body of Messiah it is not based on race, gender or social status. (Galatians 3:28) A person must be called by the Father. (John 6:44) It is possible to reject that calling. Should you choose to accept that calling and be baptized in the name of YahwehShua, you must then overcome to the end. Once you put your hand to the plow, there is no turning back. (Luke 9:62)

An important aspect of overcoming is being 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 required and the lack of love is a significant warning sign. (1 John 3:14)

There is more to being in the better resurrection than just being baptized in the name of YahwehShua. Your participation in the body of Messiah is an opportunity for growth and 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 the website is of interest to you, this may be your calling. Please contact us if we can be of assistance. 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.     

THE NEW COVENANT PASSOVER VERSUS THE JEWS' PASSOVER

Notice how the apostle John refers to the Passover in John 2:13:  “And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Yahshua went up to Jerusalem.”  And again consider what he says in John 11:55: “And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.”

Contrast what John says about passover in these Scriptures to what Moses tells us in Exodus 12:11:  And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste; it is Yahweh’s passover.”

What is the difference between these two perspectives? Moses was describing the night of the 15thwhen Yahweh was personally involved in passing over Egypt. It was truly his pass over. John was describing a night when the Jews memorialized an event that was in the past. Their observance was uniquely their own. It was all about them.

In the same chapter, we learned that a one-year-old male lamb is selected on the 10thday the first month and killed on the 14thday of that month. Even though the lamb was killed in the day portion of the 14th,it is not eaten until, “that night” which is the 15th.

It is the night portion of the 15th when the lamb is eaten. The lambs’ blood was smeared on the doorframe of the Israelites’ houses. This would have been done in the daylight portion of the 14th. However, it is in verse 11 where we are told it was, “Yahweh’s passover.” This is referring to the night of the 15thwhen Yahweh did pass over. (Verse 13) 

Messiah did not die on the Jews’ passover. He died on the day before which was the 14th. Messiah died on the day when the lambs of the Exodus were killed. This is why John the Baptist called him the Lamb of Yahweh. (John 1:29) 

Messiah had a supper with his disciples the night before his death in the day portion of the 14th.  That supper was held during the night portion of the 14th. Neither this dinner nor Messiah’s death occurred during Yahweh’s passover. Yahweh’s passover was in reference to the night of the 15th.

Remember, the Hebrew day is different than the Roman day. A day for us begins at midnight. The Hebrew day began at sundown. First, there was the evening portion of that day, and at sunrise the next morning, the daylight portion of the Hebrew day began. This difference can be very confusing for us today but must be understood.

Messiah had his dinner with the disciples during the evening portion of the 14thday of the first month. This occurred before he was betrayed later during that same night. However, he did not die until 3 PM during the daylight portion of the 14th.

Yahweh’s pass over is a distinctly different night than the night Messiah had dinner with his disciples. The Jews’ passover is celebrated the night of the 15thwhen Yahweh actually passed over.

The lambs’ blood smeared on the door frames of the Israelites’ houses was a token or sign. (Strong’s 226) This was a sign that guided Yahweh over the houses of the firstborn Israelites. The Egyptians did not have the benefit of the sign, so their firstborn sons and animals died. You will find this same word, token, used in Genesis 9:17 in reference to the rainbow which was a sign of Yahweh’s covenant with Noah.

Messiah did not tell his disciples to remember Yahweh’s pass over. What he told them the night of his dinner with them is recorded in Luke 22:19:  “And he took 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.” (emphasis mine)

The apostle Paul was not present at that dinner. However, he did record what Messiah actually told the disciples to remember. Paul could have learned this from the disciples who were present, but remember the Messiah also personally taught him. We find the following recorded in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25: “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.   After the same manner also he took the cup when he had supped, saying, this cup is the New Testament [covenant] in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.”

The night of Messiah’s supper with his disciples was very important to him. He gave them a special message that is also for the firstfruits.  He wanted us to be very aware of what he did later that day on the 14th. The time of his death occurred the afternoon before Yahweh’s pass over, not that same night. The message he left for us is that he voluntarily laid down his life for us. He knew what was coming, but he did not turn back. Once he put his hand to the plow, he did not look back. (Luke 9: 62) This is a message for all firstfruits.

In addition to this message of remembrance, he also demonstrated his supreme love and humility that evening. The Messiah, the Creator of the world, became a servant to his creation by washing the feet of the disciples. Knowing full well what he was facing, he still lovingly washed their feet while preparing to die for all mankind.

During the daylight portion of the 14th,Messiah would die on the tree at 3 PM. At that hour, he fulfilled the prophecy of John the Baptist recorded in John 1:29:  “The next day John seeth Yahshua, coming unto him, and saith, behold the Lamb of Yahweh which taketh away the sin of the world”.

In Revelation 13:8 we are told this about the Lamb:  “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”  The death of Messiah on the tree was planned and determined before the foundation of the world. Revelation 5:12 tells us the outcome of Messiah’s sacrifice:  “The Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.”

What else happened before the foundation of the world?  Yahweh chose the firstfruits! Paul tells us this in Ephesians 1:4:  “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.”  Who is Messiah talking about?  It is the firstfruits that he allows to have age-abiding life when he returns. The rest of mankind will have their resurrection at a later time.

Messiah suffered tremendously to fulfill the plan developed before the foundation of the world. His suffering and death resulted in the benefits listed in Revelation 5:12. These benefits were not just for him, but also for the firstfruits. Paul confirms this in Romans 8:17-18:  “And if children, then heirs with Messiah; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Who is Paul referring to by saying, “us”?  He provides this 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.”  Jude provides a further answer in Jude 14:

“Behold, the sovereign cometh with ten thousands of his saints.”

When Messiah returns, he will bring the saints with him. These saints are also known as the firstfruits. (James 1:18)  While Jude said ten thousands, a more exact number is provided in Revelation 14:1:  “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on Mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand.”  In verse four of that chapter, we were told these are firstfruits.

Those who are considered saints or firstfruits have the firstfruits of the Spirit. (Romans 8:23) How does one obtain the firstfruit of the Spirit?  The only way is by baptism in the name of YahwehShua. The name, YahwehShua, is the name of both the Father and Son. (Revelation 14:1) The 144,000 standing on Mount Sion with the Lamb had this name on their foreheads. This is similar to what the Levitical high priest had to have when he wore the name of Yahweh on his forehead. This was required each year when he entered the holy of holies. The firstfruits have to have the name of both the Father and Son on their foreheads to be resurrected when Messiah returns.

According to Joel 2:32, to be delivered, you must call on the name of Yahweh. The Father resurrected the Son. (Zechariah 3:3-4) The Father and Son will allow the firstfruits to be resurrected when Messiah returns. We will then reign with Messiah for 1,000 years. After that time, the rest of mankind will also be resurrected.

In Exodus 12:13, we learned that the lambs’ blood smeared on the doorframes of the Israelites’ homes was a token or sign. It was useful as a marker for Yahweh when he passed over on the night of the 15th. However, it had no other value than as a sign for that one event.  Salvation would only come later through the blood of the Lamb of Yahweh. 

However, when the Messiah, the true lamb of Yahweh, shed his blood at 3 PM on the 14ththat made a real difference. We are told more about that difference in 1 John 2:2:  “And he is the propitiation [in Hebrew, kippurim or covering] for our sins: and not ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”  The blood of the Passover lamb at the time of the Israelites in Egypt was only a sign to protect the Israelites’ firstborn.  When Messiah died ALL mankind benefited.

Whose blood took away all the sins of the world? YahwehShua had a human body prepared for him. (Hebrews 10:5) It was the blood of Yahshua that was shed while he was on the tree. However, we are told in Revelation 1:5 that the blood was also considered to have belonged to YahwehShua:  “And from YahwehShua Messiah, who is a faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”

Messiah, as a propitiation or covering, is especially important to the firstfruits. Without his dying on the tree, there would not have been the promise of age-abiding life fulfilled on Pentecost. On that Pentecost, the Father freely gave his Spirit to those he called, and at that time he gave them the earnest or down payment of the Spirit of his Son. Consider these words from the apostle John recorded in 1 John 4:10-13:  

“Herein is love, not that we loved Yahweh, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved [firstfruits] if Yahweh so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man has seen Yahweh at anytime. If we love one another, Yahweh dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.   Hereby know we that dwell in him, and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.”

Without the Spirit of Messiah being formed within us, we cannot truly love the brethren or anyone else. Without his Spirit, we cannot live up to the love revealed in 1 Corinthians 13. The command to love the brethren is very critical to the overcoming of the firstfruits. Through our demonstration of love toward the brethren, we are able to measure our progress in overcoming. John reveals this truth in 1 John 3:14:  “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

Another reason that it is important to have a complete understanding of Passover it is to be able to fully participate in the new covenant by not observing the day of coverings. (or atonement) Leviticus 23:27 introduces the observance of the day of coverings during the 10thday of the seventh month. This day could only exist under the old covenant. With the coming of Messiah and the shedding of his blood, there was no longer a need for sacrificing animal blood. This day can no longer be observed under the new covenant. In Hebrews 6: 1-2, there is a revised listing of the high days. You will note that the day of coverings and the feast of tabernacles are no longer listed. For more information about this, please refer to previous articles on our website.

Why is coverings not included? The answer is found in Hebrews 9:25-26. The Levitical high priest entered once each year into the holy of holies on the day of coverings. He did so with the blood of others (or animals). Messiah entered into the heavenly Tabernacle only once with his own blood. His death on the tree and the shedding of his own blood ended the necessity of observing the day of the coverings. His blood was the ultimate covering. If you continue to observe the old covenant day of coverings, you are denying the sufficiency of the one-time sacrifice of Messiah. You cannot overcome as a firstfruit and reject the blood covering of Messiah!

The original requirement for salvation was always the blood of a man. This is found in Genesis 9:5:  “And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every the beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man.” 

The blood of animals was never adequate. The sacrificial law was introduced in the second year after the Israelites left Egypt. (Numbers 1: 1)  It was a temporary measure, until Messiah came and offered himself. (Galatians 3:19) It was the sacrificial law that was terminated with Messiah’s death. The 10 Commandments or Royal Law that was revealed on Mount Sinai remains a requirement of the new covenant. (James 2:8)

It is rather clear as to why the firstfruits do not keep the Jews’ passover. The last supper was not the Passover, and it was outside the days of unleavened bread. The bread Messiah served to his disciples was leavened bread. That represented the bread of the firstfruits as revealed in Leviticus 23:17. The Israelites ate unleavened bread because of their haste to leave for Egypt. But what does this mean for the firstfruits?

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 5:8 provides a reason for keeping the feast of unleavened bread:  “Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”

A second reason to consider is that when one does a study of the apostle John, and those who were taught by him, you will find that he kept the days of unleavened bread. Jude also provides this insight in Jude 3:  “Ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” The practices of Paul, John and his students would fulfill this teaching.

Another consideration comes from the understanding that several of the days of unleavened bread come within the first week of Shavuoth.  Shavuoth, or feast of weeks, (in Greek, Pentecost) consists of seven complete weeks each including a Sabbath. (Leviticus 23:15) The first week is when Messiah ascended to the Father as a firstfruit to fulfill the requirement of the wave sheaf offering.

In Leviticus 23:10-11, we are introduced to the wave sheaf offering. On the next day after the weekly Sabbath, following the first high day of the days of unleavened bread, the priest would bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of the harvest and present it to Yahweh. This was required so that this harvest would be accepted and therefore blessed by Yahweh.

It was on this day that Mary Magdalene went to the tomb of Messiah early in the morning on the day after the weekly Sabbath, during the feast of unleavened bread.  This account is recorded in John 20. She found Messiah missing, and while she was weeping, Messiah approached her from behind. She turned and saw him, but did not recognize him thinking that he was a gardener. In John 20:17, he says to her: “Touch me not; for I am not ascended to my Father…” 

On that day, Messiah was fulfilling the role of a priest by appearing before the Father as a firstfruit. (1 Corinthians 15:20) Through death he had covered all the sins of the world and now he was returning to the glory he had with the Father before he was born as Yahshua. (John 17: 5)

The first week leading to Shavuoth was all about him. It is specially set apart with the command to eat only unleavened bread. The remaining six of the seven weeks have no requirement for bread. For six (the number of man) weeks, the bread of the firstfruits is eaten. (Leviticus 23:17)

After the completion of the remaining six weeks, 49 days will be accomplished. The following or 50th day is when those who are called will receive the earnest of the Spirit of Messiah.

It is of note that when you review Leviticus 25, you are introduced to the Jubile. The Jubile year is the 50thyear when a time of liberty is declared. (Leviticus 25:17)  it was on the 50thday of Pentecost that the down payment of Messiah’s Spirit was received. All those who have that Spirit, have also received liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17)

All of Shavuoth is about Messiah and the firstfruits. We should observe all these days joyfully and completely. The first week is about Messiah who is THE firstfruit. It is he who allowed those that are his to have the same opportunity to become a firstfruit. Remember Genesis 1:1:  “For the sake of the firstfruits Elohim created the heavens and the earth.”  We honor Messiah by keeping the days of unleavened bread. We do this also in remembrance of him.

Those that lack the Spirit at this time find that Yahweh’s truth is very difficult to fully comprehend. Paul tells us why in Romans 8:7-8:  

“Because the carnal mind is enmity against Elohim: for it is not subject to the law of Yahweh, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please Elohim.  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of Elohim dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Messiah, he is none of his.”

These verses strongly support the importance of being baptized in the name of YahwehShua.  This is the key of knowledge that has been hidden. (Luke 11:52) This is the only way you will have true knowledge.

Unless you are baptized in the name of YahwehShua, you do not have the ability to follow Yahweh’s guidance. The night of the Last Supper was only shared with those that were his. The remembrance of his body and blood can only be properly observed by the firstfruits. Paul warns us about partaking of the bread and a drink unworthily in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29. Consider these words carefully.

If you believe the Father is calling you, please consider baptism in the name of YahwehShua. This is the only way to reign with him for 1,000 years and participate in the body of Messiah. It is especially significant to observe the Last Supper with the brethren.

 If you wish to submit a question or comment, please include your email address so we may respond to you.

FIRSTFRUITS ARE SEALED THROUGH BAPTISM

We can learn much from the failure of Simon Magus in Acts, chapter eight. Simon was baptized in water through immersion by the disciple Philip. However, Philip did not have the authority to lay hands on anyone. The apostles, Peter and John, were sent from Jerusalem to perform the laying on of hands for those Philip had immersed.

Simon observed the importance of the laying on of hands. We are told more about this in Acts 8:18:  “And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money.”  Simon’s mistake was to offer to buy the Holy Spirit, which is freely given by the Father. Because of this, the apostle Peter refused to lay hands on him. Therefore, Simon did not have a valid baptism. He was immersed, but was not given the Father’s Spirit by the laying on of hands of an apostle or Elder. 

Abraham also was not baptized, but he did follow Yahweh’s command to be circumcised of the flesh. We are told more about this in Genesis 17:11:  “And ye shall circumcise the flesh in your foreskin; and it shall be a token [Strong’s 226, a sign] of the covenant betwixt me and you.”

Paul informs us that the circumcision required under the old covenant was replaced in the new covenant by circumcision made without hands. We learn more about this in Colossians 2:11:  “In whom ye are also circumcised with this circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Messiah.” The firstfruits were no longer required to be circumcised of the flesh. They were to follow the example of Messiah’s baptism.

Paul continues to give us more information about the circumcision of Abraham in Romans 4:11:  “And he[Abraham] received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also.”  Baptism by water and the laying on of hands allows us to walk in the footsteps of Abraham. 

In Genesis 17:11, we are told that circumcision was a token of the covenant. We learn that the word token can also be translated as sign. In Romans 4:11, we are told that the sign [Strong’s 4592] of circumcision was also a seal. (Strong’s 4973)

Through baptism, we have a similar sign and seal to that which Abraham received. Baptism allows us to become one with Messiah and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29)

Baptism became the seal of righteousness under the new covenant. Why is this important? Paul explains this in Romans 8:10:  “And if Messiah be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”

The word, seal, in Romans 4:11 is from the Greek word, sphragis, which is Strong’s number 4973. This word describes an instrument that makes the seal. It is only the firstfruits, Messiah, and those that are his, who receive the seal. Those that are sealed include the firstfruits from the new covenant, but also many under the old covenant. This is revealed 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.” Abraham and others from the old covenant are able to join the firstfruits when Messiah returns.

For those under the new covenant, this seal is applied through baptism and the laying on of hands. You must have this seal to be able to comply with Messiah’s requirements to overcome. (Revelation 2:25; 3:5, 12, 20) To be in the resurrection when Messiah returns, you must overcome. Baptism is the first step, while overcoming is the goal of all those who are baptized. 

In Ephesians 1:13 Paul confirms that the firstfruits of the new covenant have been sealed:  “In whom ye also trusted, after ye heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, ye[the firstfruits] were sealed[by baptism and laying on of the hands] with the Holy Spirit of promise.”

Baptism itself is an act of faith. The firstfruits are following in the footsteps of those listed In Hebrews 11. Why is this? We are baptized in a name we cannot find written in the Scriptures. We are told it exists, but this name is not recorded. (Hebrews 1:4)  Let us recall how faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1:  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

To follow the declaration given by Peter in Acts 2:38, we have to manifest faith:

“Then Peter said unto them, repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name_________ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  The name that you read in all translations is incorrect. The translations use the birth name of Messiah. The firstfruits do not believe this is correct. We insert the inherited name, YahwehShua.

Messiah’s birth name did not survive his death in sin. No matter what name you choose, it is not the name of salvation. According to the old covenant scripture, Deuteronomy 29:20, his name was blotted out. We have addressed this in other articles. Messiah was born under the old covenant and also died under the old covenant. (Galatians 4:4) He had to lose his birth name because he was under the power of the old covenant. We are no longer under the old covenant, and have been given a revelation of the new covenant which is the name of salvation, YahwehShua.

To inherit the promise of age-abiding life and be resurrected when Messiah returns, you must be a firstfruit. Baptism in the inherited name of Messiah is a necessary first step. It is not optional. It is mandatory before you can begin to overcome, according to Messiah’s direction in the book of Revelation. Your success in overcoming will result in being with Messiah when he returns.

When we are sealed through baptism, we are walking in Messiah’s footsteps. He was the first one to be sealed. John confirms this in John 6:27: “Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endures unto age-abiding life, which the Son of Man shall give unto you: for him hath Yahweh the father sealed.”

We are not sealed because of anything we have done. As long as we retain the Spirit of Messiah, we are sealed and therefore able to overcome. What we must do is demonstrate the faith of Abraham, and be baptized in a name we cannot see. Abraham demonstrated his faith by looking for a city that he did not find in this life. (Hebrews 11:10)

When one is baptized in the name of YahwehShua, as proclaimed by Peter, the Father’s Spirit is freely given and with that gift is the down payment of the Spirit of Messiah. Below are three relevant scriptures given by Paul that confirm the existence of the earnest, or down payment, of the Spirit of Messiah:

2 Corinthians 1:22:

“Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest[Strong’s 728] of the Spirit in our hearts.”

2 Corinthians 5:5:

“Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing in Yahweh who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.”

Ephesians 1:14:

“… which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his glory.”

These are very important verses. Only Paul clearly revealed the existence of the down payment of Messiah’s Spirit. The Father’s Spirit is freely given during baptism, but we receive only a down payment of His Son’s Spirit. What we receive is the first installment or down payment. The Son’s Spirit must mature and develop over time. We must have a fully developed Spirit at the time of our death. Paul gives us this warning in Romans 8:9:  “If any man have not the Spirit of Messiah, he is none of his.”

It is only through baptism in the name of YahwehShua that we can receive the down payment or earnest of the Son’s Spirit. Without this, you cannot become one of His. You must be one of His to be resurrected when he returns. (1 Corinthians 15:23) 

The Spirit of Messiah is formed over time through obedience. (Colossians 4:19) To successfully overcome, you must not quench the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19) There is always the possibility that His Spirit will be quenched. You should never be complacent, but always alert to your progress in being faithful.

Who belongs to Messiah when he returns? Those who were His sheep from the fold of the old covenant and the first fruits of the new covenant.

According to Revelation 14:1, there will be 144,000 saints with him. We find in verse five of that chapter that those saints are considered firstfruits. These are all that will be resurrected when he returns. What about the rest of mankind?  All mankind will eventually be resurrected.  We are told this in Revelation 20:5:

“But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.”

When you study the Scriptures related to the sealing of the firstfruits, you will find that only the firstfruits are to be sealed under the new covenant. The rest of mankind will not be required to be sealed. They are to be judged by those who are sealed, but will not become sealed themselves.

Revelation 14 is very helpful to learn more about the firstfruits. However, there is another chapter in Revelation that will also increase our understanding. This is in Revelation, chapter 7. Many may disagree with our interpretation, but a thorough study on sealing will reveal the truth. How do we know that Revelation 7 refers to the same firstfruits revealed in Revelation 14? Our study reveals that only firstfruits are sealed. All those who are called and chosen during this age are considered firstfruits. Paul teaches that it is only the firstfruits that are sealed.

Revelation 7:9 reveals a great multitude of mankind standing before the throne and the Lamb. They are dressed in white robes and holding palms in their hands, but there is no mention of them being sealed. These are those who were judged during the last great day to be in the kingdom when the new heavens and earth are created. Those during the last great day not qualified to be in the kingdom must live outside. They must first enter the lake of fire, which is the second death. Once they complete that time they will enjoy life in the new heavens and earth. However, they will live outside the walls of the kingdom. (Revelation 21:8; 22:15)

Paul offers this insight in 2 Timothy 2:19:  “Nevertheless the foundation of Yahweh standeth sure, having this seal, the sovereign knoweth them that are his. And, let everyone that nameth the name of Messiah depart from iniquity.” Which name of Messiah? His name given at birth or his more excellent inherited name?  According to the Scriptures, there is only one answer. The apostle Peter knew the answer and so must you! By being baptized in the correct name, you begin the process of becoming sealed in the righteousness of the faith.

It is very important to understand who the firstfruits are and why it is desirable to be one of them. This is what is revealed in James 1:18:  “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”  Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that the firstfruits are a new creation. Messiah was the first of the firstfruits. (1 Corinthians 1:23)  To be called and chosen as a firstfruit is the greatest opportunity that any man can receive on the earth. The fact that you are reading this article may indicate that you are being called.  You have much to consider.

Messiah, as the original firstfruit, was first revealed in Genesis 1:1. The traditional translation of this verse is:  “In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth.”  However, if you read and study the original Hebrew, you will discover that the first word is a preposition and the second word is Strong’s number 7225.  With this new information, you will find that a better translation is: “For the firstfruit Elohim [Mighty ones]created the heavens and the earth.” 

We are told that the firstfruits are known from the foundation of the earth. (Ephesians 1: 4) Now we know that the original firstfruit, Messiah, is revealed in the very first verse of Genesis. In the last book, Revelation, we are allowed to learn even more about the firstfruits. We learned in Revelation 14:1 that the 144,000 firstfruits have the name of the Father and Son in their foreheads. This is the same name in which the firstfruits are baptized. 

Revelation 7 adds to our understanding by noting the important fact that only the firstfruits are sealed. They have the seal of righteousness, which we have through the down payment of Messiah’s Spirit. Through baptism we obtain his righteousness, which is being formed within us.

The Father does the calling of those who are eligible to become firstfruits. (John 6:44) Messiah does the choosing. (John 15:16)

Take note of what Messiah tells us in John 14:13:  “And what you shall ask in my name, that will I do.”  This is why you must know which name he is referring to. By being baptized in YahwehShua and not the birth name, you have access to His power. You can have His support through the process of overcoming. He is with those that are His. If you wish to be one of those in the resurrection when he returns, then you must have his indwelling Spirit being formed. Remember what Paul tells us in Philippians 4:13:  “I can do all things through Messiah which strengtheneth me.”  This is true only if you’re calling upon the correct name.

The Light of YahwehShua is dedicated to assisting candidates in becoming firstfruits. Please contact us for more information.  If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.      

Zechariah"s Prophecy for the Age of the Firstfruits

This prophecy is found in Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith Yahweh of hosts.”

Who is Yahweh of hosts? The apostle Paul provides the answer in 1 Corinthians 10:4:  “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank all of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Messiah.” (in Greek, Christ)

It was the Son of Yahweh himself that led the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses confirms this in Exodus 13:16: “For by the strength of hand Yahweh brought us forth out of Egypt.”

This Yahweh of the Exodus is the same Yahweh who appeared in his physical form to Adam, Abraham, and then to Moses. This was not the Father, but the Son, the Messiah, Yahweh of hosts.

No man has ever seen or heard Yahweh, the Father. The apostle John confirms this in John 5:37: “And the Father himself, which has sent me, has borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.”

Where is the Father? Paul answers this for us in 1 Timothy 6:16: “Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; who no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting.”

The apostles, Paul and John, are in agreement. The Father has never had contact with any man. All contact has been made through the Son. Remember how Messiah was quoted in John 5:37 as saying: ”The Father himself, which hath sent me.”

The Father and Son work together in this world. One is the Word, the visible representative of the family of Yahweh (Ephesians 3: 14-15) and the other is the Father, that has never left the light in heaven.

An example of the Father and Son working together is found in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah which is related in Genesis 19:24:  “Then Yahweh rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorra brimstone and fire from Yahweh out of heaven.”  The Word, sent by the Father, participated in the destruction of these two cities from the earth. The Father projected his power from heaven.

It was the voice of the Son that Adam and Eve heard in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:8)  They hid themselves. They were hiding themselves from a physical being. This was the same being that would later lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

How did Satan relate to the Son of Yahweh? Remember, Satan had been cast out of heaven. (Revelation 12:3-4) In Job 3:6 we are told this:  “Now there was a day when the sons of Elohim came to present themselves before Yahweh, and Satan came also among them.” Satan was appearing before the Son of Yahweh, not the Father.

Matthew reveals another time when Satan appeared before the Son of Yahweh. This time it was Messiah incarnate.  We can find this in Matthew 4:1: “Then was Yahshua led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.”The outcome of this encounter demonstrated the deferential role that Satan had with the Son. Satan was put in his place by this Son of Yahweh, the Word, Yahweh of hosts, who was to become YahwehShua. Satan appeared before the same being who enjoyed several names. However, the Son would have his human name blotted out of the book of life once he died in sin. When Messiah appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, his human name was already defiled and no longer accepted by Yahweh the Father. The apostle Peter knew of this change when he made his declaration 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 the Holy Spirit.” This verse reminds us that the Father’s Spirit is a gift. His spirit delivers the down payment of his Son’s Spirit that must be formed over time. (Galatians 4:19)

We only know the Father by the name of Yahweh. The Son, the Word, is also known as Yahweh, but what distinguishes the Son from the Father is the attribute, which describes his function at a certain time.  Below is a list of the Son’s names associated with an attribute that describes his various functions:

Yahweh Yireh                                  Provide                      Genesis 22:14

Yahweh Ropheka                            Healer                        Exodus 15:26

Yahweh Nissi                                   Banner                       Exodus 17: 15

Yahweh Mekaddishkem                Sanctify                      Exodus 31:13

Yahweh Shalom                               Peace                         Judges 6:24

Yahweh Sabaoth                             Hosts                          1 Samuel 1:3

Yahweh Tzidkenu                            Righteousness         Jeremiah 23:6

Yahweh Shammah                          Is there                      Ezekiel 48:35

Yahweh Elyon                                  Most high                  Psalms 7:17

Yahweh Roi                                      Shepherd                   Psalms 23:1

For more information about the various names referenced above, please see The Companion Bible by E. W. Bullinger, appendix number four.

All of these attributes are referred to in the Scriptures. However, there is one that is not found in the Scriptures, and that is the name YahwehShua, Yahweh Savior. This is the name of faith. This is the name that the Son of Yahweh inherited after his resurrection. This name is shared by both the Father and the Son, as indicated in Revelation 14:1.

Why is the inherited name of the Son also considered the name of faith? Consider the description of faith that we find in Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Messiah died with the name of Yahshua, and was witnessed by many people. The Scriptures report that name. The Scriptures do not reveal his resurrected name. Hebrews 1:4 reveals that there is such a name, but does not tell us what it is. We take the existence of the name, YahwehShua, in faith. We hope the name does in fact exist but we cannot see it. Wasn’t this also Abraham’s dilemma as well? He hoped for a city but never saw it.

He hoped for his own son, even though it appeared to be physically impossible. By seeing that Yahweh provided his promised son, he knew also that someday he would see the city that he hoped for.

The name YahwehShua identifies the Spirit that Messiah promised to his disciples when he told them not to leave Jerusalem before observing Pentecost. It was on that day that the new covenant began. The new covenant is based on the internal reception of the Son’s Spirit. The old covenant was based on the external regulation by the law. The old covenant ended with the Son’s death on the tree.

The interaction between Messiah and the Israelites in the old covenant relied on the might and power of Messiah. However, the firstfruits or saints have a different relationship with the Son. We are not seeking the Promised Land on this earth. However like Abraham we are seeking a city with foundations that will come in the new heavens and earth. We do not rely on physical force. We must exhibit the humility, love, and obedience that Messiah is teaching us. These are the characteristics Messiah exhibited when he became incarnate as Yahshua. His Spirit within us is leading us to those characteristics and not to the Promised Land. Those important characteristics are outlined in 1 Corinthians 13 and many other places in the new covenant Scriptures. Our development of those characteristics will allow us to overcome and be resurrected like Him. (1 John 3:2)

In this age, the firstfruits do not rely on the physical might or power as provided to the Israelites of the old covenant. We rely on the Spirit being formed within us. This is why Paul was able to say: “I can do all things through the Messiah which strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

The physical Israelites relied on the physical might or power provided by Messiah that was necessary to conquer the Promised Land. We are to pursue obedience, love, and humility when interacting with all the people around us. Messiah came to earth as a servant and we are expected to conduct ourselves in a similar manner. We are not called to be physically resistant, antagonistic, arrogant, or to exercise domination in this world. We are called to be servants.

The physical Israelites were given circumcision of the flesh as the outward sign of their participation in the old covenant. The firstfruits enter the new covenant with a spiritual sign of circumcision without hands or baptism. (Colossians 2:11)

As Abraham was looking for a city that he never was able to see, the firstfruits exercise the same faith in the name we cannot find in the Scriptures. As the belief of Abraham was imputed to him for righteousness, our belief in the name of faith is also imputed to us as righteousness. Our calling and success is based on His righteousness.

However, firstfruits most move beyond baptism. The Messiah informed John in the book of Revelation several times that we had to overcome. To overcome means that when the firstfruit dies, the Spirit of Messiah must be intact and not quenched. (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Once the Spirit of Messiah is quenched, there is no second chance. (Hebrews 10:26-27)

This is unique to the new covenant. In the old covenant, the Father would give and take His Spirit back as a situation required. For example, King Saul received the Spirit (1 Samuel 10:6) and that Spirit was also withdrawn. (1 Samuel 16:14) David was also very much aware that the Father’s Spirit could be given and also withdrawn. He said this in Psalms 51:11: “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.”

The Father is not going to take away the Spirit of Messiah being formed within us. However, we can lose it by neglecting our faith in the name of inheritance and no longer are obedient to the teachings of the new covenant. We must strive daily through prayer, study, and fellowship with the other members of the body of Messiah to continuously nurture the spirit of Messiah being formed within us.

The old covenant did not provide the Spirit of Messiah. This covenant was based on the activity of the Father’s Spirit. It could be given and withdrawn when the Father’s purpose was achieved. When David received the Father’s Spirit, it was indicated in 1 Samuel 16:13 that that Spirit would remain with him from that day forward. This certainly was not King Saul’s experience. 

The Father’s Spirit has a very significant role in the new covenant. It is only through His freely given Spirit that we are able to receive the down payment of his Son’s Spirit. We are able to receive the Father’s Spirit at the time of baptism because we are obedient to Peter’s declaration that we must be baptized in the name of YahwehShua. Luke confirms this in the book of Acts 5:32:  “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, whom Yahweh has given to them that obey him.”

The importance of our having the Son’s Spirit is evident in what Paul tells us in Romans 8:9:  “Now if any man have not the spirit of Messiah, he is none of his.” These words are not found in regards to the old covenant.

You must be baptized as a firstfruit, in the name of YahwehShua. But as I have indicated, this is only the beginning. You must overcome unto the end. (Revelation 2:26)  Once the Spirit of Messiah is growing within you, it must not be quenched. (1 Thessalonians 5:19)  If quenched, there is no second chance.  (Hebrews 10:26-27) Once you have his Spirit, there can be no turning back. (Luke 9:62)

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

The Firstfruits: Abraham's Spiritual Seed and Heirs of the Promise

The promise came through Messiah and the firstfruits are HIS!  Consider these Scriptures from Paul found in Galatians: 

 Galatians 3:18:

“For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: Yahweh gave it to Abraham by promise.”

Galatians 3:27, 3:29:

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Messiah have put on Messiah.  And if ye be Messiah’s then are ye Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.”

Abraham was told he would produce many different physical descendants. Consider what Abraham was told in Genesis 13:15:  “And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.”

Abraham’s physical descendants would come through four lines of lineage:

1.  Descendants through Ishmael. (Genesis 15:16)

2.  Descendants through Esau. (Genesis 25: 23)

3.  Descendants through Jacob. (Genesis 29-30.)

4.  Descendants through Keturah. (Genesis 25:1)

These four groups received physical blessings. The 12 tribes of Israel  (Jacob) were promised the land between the Euphrates and Nile, which as yet has not been fulfilled. That promise will be fulfilled for 1,000 years after the return of Messiah.

The many physical seeds will be blessed. This is in keeping with Yahweh’s word given to Abram in Genesis 17:5: “A father of many nations have I made thee.”

In addition to the physical descendants, Abraham was also promised spiritual descendants. This is rarely considered, but as firstfruits we must know our origins and our destiny. Let’s review Genesis 22:17:

“That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand which is upon the seashore; and thy seed shall possess the gates of his enemies”.

Why is this significant? The sand represents something found on the earth. The stars refer to the spiritual descendants who have no inheritance on the physical earth. The prophet Daniel writes about stars and dust in Daniel 12: 2-3:

“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth[Genesis 13:16] shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.”

Job also shows some insight into the spiritual nature of the stars. He references the sons of Elohim in Job 38:7:  “When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of Elohim shouted for joy.”

Matthew 5:14 tells us this about firstfruits:  “Ye are the light of the world.”

The apostle Paul offers this about firstfruits in 1 Thessalonians 5:5: “Ye are the children of the light, and the children of the day:”

Paul confirms this insight in Philippians 2:15:  “That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of Elohim, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”

The sand or dust cannot be lights. It is only the firstfruits that shine in this world and in the resurrection. We are to become as stars. It is appropriate that we were inspired to call our website, the Light of YahwehShua.

Abraham was not looking for physical blessings, but spiritual blessings. We are told this in Hebrews 11:10:  “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is Yahweh.”

The promise of this city is not realized until the new heavens and earth. Revelation 21: 1-2 confirms this:  “And I saw a new heavens and new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and there was no more sea.  And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from Yahweh out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

This is the city that had the foundations that Abraham was looking for. We are told this in Revelation 21:14:  “And the wall of the city had 12 foundations, and in them the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb.”

This New Jerusalem will be the home of the firstfruits and the great multitude. (Revelation 7:9) Outside the walls of this city are those who went through the lake of fire. (Revelation 22:15)  All those who were ever conceived will be resurrected and receive age-abiding life. In the new heavens and earth all will be given deathlessness. There will be no more sin, therefore, no more death. (1Corinthians 15:56)

The pattern given to Moses gives us a better understanding about the inheritance of the firstfruits. We are told in Numbers 18:20 that the Levitical priests did not have any part in the physical inheritance of the Israelites. Their inheritance was Yahweh:  “And Yahweh spoke unto Aaron, thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shall they have any part among them: I am thy part and inheritance among the children of Israel.”

The firstfruits will reign with Messiah for 1,000 years. (Revelation 20: 6)

As priests they will have no inheritance in the Promised Land during those 1,000 years. They will be completing their consecration in preparation for their becoming judges in the next age, the Last Great Day.

Why are some of this age called to be firstfruits and not others? Consider what we can learn from Ephesians 2:8:  “For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and not that of yourselves: it is a gift of Elohim.” As we have learned before, only the Father can call those he wants at this time. (John 6:44) This opportunity is a gift given by both the Father and the Son. While the Father calls, it is the Son who chooses among those who have been called. (John 15:16)

The firstfruits are the seeds and heirs of Abraham, not Moses. Moses presents a temporary arrangement with the old covenant. However, the firstfruits are not the heirs of Moses and the old covenant. We are the heirs of the promise given to Abraham. It is helpful for us to understand the role of grace in the calling of Abraham.

Let us begin with what Paul tells us in Romans 4:16:  “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not only to that which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all.”

Grace was a gift from Yahweh to Abraham, and so it is as well to the firstfruits through Messiah. During a 24-year period, Yahweh, (Messiah) appeared to Abraham five times. The number five is significant and is considered the number of grace. To learn more about the spiritual significance of numbers, please refer to appendix 10, found in E. W. Bullinger’s The Companion Bible.

The first appearance to Abram is found in Genesis 12:1:  “Now Yahweh had said unto Abram, get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.”

The next appearance by Yahweh is reported in Genesis 12:7:  “And Yahweh appeared unto Abram, and said, unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto Yahweh, who appeared unto him.”

The third appearance of Yahweh is found in Genesis 13:14- 16:  “And Yahweh said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art north ward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:  For all the land which thou seest to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.”

Yahweh’s fourth appearance to Abram is revealed in Genesis 15:5-6: “And he brought forth abroad, and said, looking now toward heaven, and tell the stars if thou be able to number them: so shall thy seed be.  And he believed in Yahweh; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”

The grace that Yahweh was giving to Abram was completed in Genesis 17. Let us begin the review of this fifth appearance by reading Genesis 17:1: “And when Abram was 90 years old and nine, Yahweh appearedto Abram, and said unto him, I am the almighty Elohim, walk before me, and be thou perfect.”

During the fourth appearance, a covenant was mentioned as being made in that same day. (Genesis 15:18)  However, it was not until the fifth appearance that this covenant was confirmed. This covenant was established through the circumcision of flesh. (Genesis 17:10- 11)

It was with the fifth appearance when Yahweh declared, “Behold my covenant is with thee”,in Genesis 17:4.  It was at this time that a significant change came upon Abram. His name would no longer be Abram, meaning exalted father, which is spelled in Hebrew as aleph, beth, resh, mem. His new name was elevated to meaning, father of many, and spelled as aleph, beth, resh, HEY, mem.  HEY, the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, was added to his name. Abram, consisting of four letters, was changed to a name having five letters. The grace given to Abraham was multiplied, as were his descendants.

This grace was confirmed by the circumcision of the flesh. The circumcision made without hands, or baptism, confirms the grace of the firstfruits. (Colossians 2:11) 

It is of note that Yahshua, the one who was promised, inherited a new name after his resurrection. The name, Yahshua, (yod, hey, waw, shin, waw, ayin) was defiled with all the sin of mankind and replaced with a new name consisting of an extra letter, HEY.  His resurrected name was YahwehShua, aleph, beth, waw, HEY, sheen, waw, ayin.) 

Abraham’s wife, Sarai (sin, resh, yod) was also given a new name. In Genesis 17:15, we are told that her new name was Sarah, (sin, resh, HEY). Why was this change made? We have a clue in Hebrews 11:11:  “Through faith also Sarai herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.”

Yahweh’s grace was not given immediately to Abraham and Sarah. A time period of 24 years passed from the time of Yahweh’s first appearance until the covenant was confirmed in Genesis 17. The receiving of the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and the circumcision of the flesh confirmed the covenant. It is of note that we do not baptize someone in the name of YahwehShua unless they are at least 20 years of age. We call this the age of accountability. The first chapter of Numbers indicates that the male Hebrews could not go to war unless they were at least age 20. 

We must demonstrate obedience as did our father, Abraham. He was willing to sacrifice everything, even his only son by Sarah. We too, are called to be willing to suffer and sacrifice according to His will.

As Abraham was told to travel to a distant place with which he was not familiar, we are told to be baptized in a name we cannot find in the Scriptures. The inherited name of the Son is revealed through the Scriptures, but is not seen. Once called, we receive clues that point us in the right direction, just as Abraham was led. However, our baptism is an act of faith.

Abraham’s belief in Yahweh was accepted as righteousness. Our belief in YahwehShua is also accepted as righteousness. Our belief and all our acts of obedience that result from that belief can lead to our overcoming. 

Is overcoming important?  Let us learn from Messiah what the benefits are for overcoming:  

Revelation 3:5: “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment.”

Revelation 2:26:  “And he that overcometh and keepth my words unto the end to him will I give power over the nations.”

Revelation 3:12: “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the Temple of my Yahweh, and he shall go no more out.”

Revelation 3:21:

“ To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne.”

First, we must demonstrate our faith by baptism in YahwehShua. This act allows the Spirit of Messiah to begin forming within us. (Galatians 4:19) To be in the resurrection when Messiah returns, we must overcome to the end. Abraham overcame to the end!  Messiah overcame. (Revelation 3: 21) The 144,000 firstfruits standing with Messiah on Mount Zion will have overcome. (Revelation 14:1)

There are two promises. One is temporal and the other spiritual. The firstfruits seek the spiritual. The physical Israelites will have the Promised Land. We will have the promised city in the new heavens and earth.

As Abraham had to leave his country and family, so do we. His travel set him apart. Our life in Messiah sets us apart as well. As Abraham was a stranger in a strange land, (Genesis 17:8; 23:4) we too are considered strange in our country of origin. We are different than anyone else. We have Messiah being formed within us, and are Jewish like our Savior. We are called to demonstrate the way of Messiah. We will be a blessing to those around us, even though they may not recognize that.

The apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 3:16 that:  “Now to Abraham and his seed were promises made. He sayeth not, and to seeds, as of many; but as of one, and to thy seed, which is Messiah.”  Because we are baptized in YahwehShua, we have Messiah being formed in us. This makes us HIS and allows us to inherit the promise made to Abraham. Our inheritance is only through Messiah. It is not something we earned, but it is something we receive.

It is of interest that the English word for promise is often translated from Strong’s Hebrew number 1696, dabar.  Dabar is often used in reference to the spokesman of Yahweh, who was Messiah. The Father never left the light. It was Messiah who walked with Adam, spoke with Moses and was born as Yahshua. Messiah is the promise, the word, and the source of age-abiding life.

Messiah told his disciples in Acts 1:4 to ”wait for the promise of the Father.” He told them not to depart from Jerusalem. Why? On Pentecost, the promise would be revealed. They would receive the down payment of the Spirit of Messiah (the promise). We need to have this promise, which is a spiritual gift. When we overcome, we will be as the stars. Messiah promised himself and is true to His word to those who are obedient and overcome.

We must develop righteousness as did Abraham our father. However, we are obtaining the righteousness of Messiah. It is not our righteousness, but His. As righteousness was imputed to Abraham, ours is only through Messiah. Our belief in YahwehShua is imputed to us as righteousness. As we overcome and grow in true love for all mankind, we become more like him and less like our carnal selves.

YahwehShua is Yahweh our Savior. Jeremiah prophesies that his name will change as well. In Jeremiah 23:6, we are told that his name will become Yahweh Tzidkenu, Yahweh our Righteousness. We shall be like him because he is in us. (1 John 3:2)

Abraham is a good role model for those wishing to become firstfruits. Like Abraham, our journey to the city with a foundation will not be completed in this life. (Revelation 17:10) Yes, he found the land, but that was not his ultimate goal. He is asleep waiting for the new heavens and earth when New Jerusalem will be revealed.

Our goal is the resurrection when Messiah returns. That, too, only comes after our death. We must believe Yahweh, follow his guidance, and wait upon our resurrection.

Paul teaches us what we must know about faith in Hebrews 11:1:  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”This 11th chapter of Hebrews is filled with those who could not see what they hoped for, but trusted Yahweh. In this life, their hope was not realized but they held on, trusting that Yahweh is faithful. Once baptized in YahwehShua, we too must hold on and continue to walk forward, trusting in Yahweh’s deliverance.

Paul instructs us further in 2 Corinthians 5:7:  “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” He gives us further insight in Romans 8:24-25:  “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope for what a man seeth, why does he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

The practical materially based person who lived in Ur at the time of Abraham would have considered him foolish for going to some unknown, unproven place. We have the same experience today. Those who are not being called consider the firstfruits foolish. We cannot show them the name of inheritance in the Scriptures. We can show them the name of a man, but that is not the name by which we are saved. If they are patient, they will listen to the revelation we have been given. Generally, they will not tolerate us or what they consider misguided beliefs.

Abraham and Sarah laughed when Messiah told them that they would have a child. They were too old. It was not logical. What they saw did not support such a possibility. They would learn that Messiah does not lie. Isaac was born when Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90. The promise continued through Isaac, not Ishmael or Keturah. Our beliefs are considered foolish and unfounded by society. But as Messiah did not lie to Abraham and Sarah, he will not lie to us as well.

We must seek encouragement from the life of Abraham. As he walked in faith, so most we. It will not be easy or without trials. However, the reward is great.

Do not allow yourself to be stuck in the old covenant. It is not meant for us. We are of the promise given to Abraham, and not the Levitical Law given to Moses. Paul makes this very clear in Galatians 3:11:  “But no man is justified by the law in the sight of Yahweh, it is evident: for the just shall live by faith.” Paul is explaining what was revealed by the prophet Habakkuk. (Habakkuk 2: 4)

Do you want to make your walk in life really count? How about going on a journey that really goes somewhere? Walk with Abraham. Walk with Messiah. Walk with the firstfruits of the Light of YahwehShua.

The ticket for this trip is available only through baptism in YahwehShua. Are you interested? Contact us!

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