I started the next commentary last year. Though I am still early in the project, I wanted to post what I have.
I am very happy with the Genesis project and hope it blesses you, also.
Leave comments about either book and if they are thoughtful and scripture based, I will work them in. Feel free to ask questions, also. Being the writer does not make one a great proof-reader. There may be errors or something that is not explained as clear as I think it is. I want to publish the best work I can so your help is welcome.
This has been a slow slog, recently, because of the nature of the Tabernacle. There is significance behind everything the Father tells us to do, but I’m finding it difficult to recognize and communicate that significance. He spent a lot of ink on it, so it means much more than I am seeing. I’m praying revelation will help me around this obstacle,
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:14
Most Churches teach that believing Christians will be “raptured” off the planet before the Great Tribulation begins – A teaching I believed and taught for many years.
No one wants to go through affliction, especially a “great” affliction. A majority of our lives and our income are spent making our lives a tribulation-free zone. We endeavor to have nice homes with running water, flushing toilets, comfy beds, thermostats, and hot-water heaters.
Grocery stores have so much food that we plant flower gardens rather than food gardens.
I’m all for comfort – I spend much on the amenities of life, but I am preparing myself for the discomfort the Word says is coming.
Jacob suffered affliction; Joseph suffered affliction; Job suffered affliction; David suffered affliction. Nearly all the prophets are reported to have suffered affliction. All the Apostles suffered torture and death for their beliefs, except for John, who was given a comfy Roman prison to live out the rest of his life.
Christ was unjustly persecuted, tortured, and assassinated.
Comfort tends to make us believe we are our own savior, to forget that we have a purpose. Affliction brings us back to a heavenly savior.
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Psalm 119:67, 71
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent
Revelation 3:17, 19
Because comfort is universally desired over affliction, we bend the Scriptures to appease our desires, even though Christ specially told his disciples (which applies to us, also, if we seek to be his disciples) that they would face persecution.
18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
John 15:18-20 (see also, Matthew 10:22)
When everyone in the Bible is facing affliction for their deeply held belief in the Father and His son, why would we assume that there is an option for us to avoid pain and suffering – especially when Satan is committing his last great act of defiance?
Christ faced unjust persecution and torture. We are told to be like Christ:
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
1Peter 2:21
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
1John 2:6
We are not called to seek out affliction and suffering, but if we follow the example of Christ, it will find us.
Christ taught the multitudes (at the sermon on the mount):
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Matthew 7:13
Why would many chose a path that leads to destruction?
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:14
Why is this way hidden? It is hidden because we seek to “bend God’s Word to fit our lives.”
What did Christ tell them:
Because strait (stenos / sten-os’ [G4728] narrow – from obstacles standing close about – strait) is the gate,
The gate is narrow, not the path:
and narrow (thlibo / thlee’-bo [G2346] akin to the base of 5147; to crowd (literally or figuratively):–afflict, narrow, throng, suffer tribulation, trouble) is the way, which leadeth unto life,
The path is linked to suffering and affliction. Who chooses such a path?
and few (oligos / ol-ee’-gos [G3641] of uncertain affinity; puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat:–+ almost, brief(-ly), few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while) there be that find it.
“few” refers to both the number of people and the time available. Few will enter in salvation and the time to repent and change is diminishing.
In an appeal to dwindling attendance, the churches are competing to be the most inclusive, and must therefore repudiate the Word that makes its new parishioners uncomfortable.
The younger generations are not being taught the Father’s directions. Faith is unintelligible, obedience is unimportant, and doctrine is changed at the whim of man. It is no wonder the youth of today are unimpressed by the churches. Who would want to stand with a group that stands for nothing . . . and that nothing becomes less nothing with each new influencer and each new government mandate.
Telling people that “God loves them just the way they are” does not promote self-improvement and hides the fact that Christ will return as a judge. Any guesses as to the standard he will use to judge us?
He ate with sinners, but he did not condone their sinful behavior. He told the woman caught in the act of adultery, “go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11)
What is “sin”? Is there a universal standard?
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
1John 2:4
Maybe we should stop thinking and teaching that it is something we can decide for ourselves (which is a major reason for the rise in lawlessness in our land).
Tribulation is coming. You are not going to be sucked up into the air to escape it. You need to decide whether you will bend yourself to the truth of the Word of God or whether you will join the many that are distorting the Word and promoting lawlessness.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Is Paul telling us that Torah observance is done away with because of Christ’s death and resurrection?
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Colossians 2:16-17
Dispensational preachers are teaching this view. John MacArthur is a good example of this type of preacher:
Don’t let anybody hold you to a Sabbath. And that’s referring to the weekly Sabbath, because the other festival Sabbaths are covered under the term “festival and new moon.” Don’t let anybody hold you to the Sabbath. It was part of the system that included the temple, the priesthood, the sacrifices. It’s gone. It was only the shadow, not the substance [ …] Paul is saying, you no longer need the shadow, you have the substance.
John MacArthur, “Understanding the Sabbath.” Grace to You. www.gty.org
Though this is the view of a vast majority of today’s churches, what was Paul’s witness when he wrote this letter?
Throughout the New Testament, we see that Paul regularly attended and participated in the synagogue services on the Sabbath 16:13; 17:2 18:4)
14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
Acts 13:14. 44
13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
Acts 16:13
2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
Acts 17:2
Luke records that Paul’s “custom” was to worship on the Sabbath (Acts 17:2) – why was it his custom if Sabbath was done away with.
4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
Acts 18:4
We see Paul expressing a desire to be in Jerusalem for the Feast of Shavuot (Pentecost)
16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
Acts 20:16
Shavuot was one of the three pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Pentecost, and Sukkot) that the Hebrews were instructed to attend in the place where “the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name” (Initially, the Tabernacle, then later, Solomon’s Temple).
14 Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year. 15 Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:) 16 And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field. 17 Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.
Exodus 23:14-17
5 Thou mayest not sacrifice the passover within any of thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee: 6 But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt.
10 And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks [Pentecost – seven weeks after Passover] unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give unto the LORD thy God, according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: 11 And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.
13 Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: 14 And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates. 15 Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.
Deuteronomy 16:5-6, 10-11, 13-15
Why is Paul diligently trying to get to Jerusalem in time for Pentecost, if Christ did away with the Law with his death and resurrection?
Paul admonishes the Colossians to walk as Christ did and beware of the “traditions of men”, which are not according to Christ:
6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him [see also, 1John 2:6] 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Colossians 2:6-8
The Pharisees (the sect that Paul had been a prominent member of) and the Sadducees taught the ‘oral law’ (Talmud) which was based on the Torah, but it had many additions and other changes that were not from Yahweh.
2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32)
Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32
This Talmudic tradition became an evil substitute for salvation through faith and focused on Talmudic works.
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head [Christ], from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Colossians 2:18-22
That description does not apply to the Sabbath, festivals, and dietary laws. Those things were not human teachings; they were commanded by Yahweh.
But we know that Christ affirmed every iota and dot of the Torah as having enduring authority in the lives of his followers (Matthew 5:18).
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:17-19
“Fulfilled” – pleroo / play-ro’-o [G4137] to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.:–accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.
Strong’s Greek Concordance; James Strong
Christ came to “fully preach” the Law, as opposed to the Talmud, which was separating believers from faith. Those that teach against the Law, “shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven”.
He also proclaimed, “till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law” – heaven and earth have not passed, so the Law still applies or Christ was wrong (if so, was he wrong about anything, else?)
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
Colossians 2:8
Man’s philosophy and traditions are deceitful – those of Yahweh, as practiced by Yeshua are not.
You scoff at our philosophy as though living by it were irrational, but it teaches us self-control, so that we master all pleasures and desires, and it also trains us in courage, so that we endure any suffering willingly.
4Maccabees 5:22-23, RSV
The Colossian Heresy: The doctrine influencing the Colossian believers could be considered a type of philosophy, but according to Paul it is “empty deceit.” It doesn’t actually deliver what it promises.
Paul says it is ‘of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh’ (Colossians 2:23).
Another problem with this false teaching is that it is “according to human tradition and from Paul’s perspective, mere human teachings are useless in overcoming the power of sin (Colossians 2:22-23).
It appears that the false teachers at Colossae were enamored with cosmic authorities, supernatural powers over nature, and angels (Colossians 2:8, 15, 18, 20). They exalted and feared these spiritual entities, believing them to have control over the universe and their destinies. These superstitions were also combined with religious practices, including biblical holy days.
In practice, this false philosophy strictly regulated foods, drinks, and festivals (2:16) and involved ascetic rituals and worship of angels (2:18-23). By adhering to the practices and regulations of these false teachers, people believed they could attain wisdom and be protected from the evil spirits that troubled them.
At the end of the first century, during the time of Trajan (A.D. 98-117), a Christian leader named Elchasai combined aspects of Jewish nomism (circumcision and law observance) with astrological beliefs; magical practices; and pagan cult traditions. The resultant syncretistic teaching emphasized the hostility of the stars (viewed as angels) and the need to regulate one’s life according to the calendar (especially the Sabbath and the courses of the moon) […] Colossae was certainly not afflicted by the teaching of Elchasai, but “the philosophy” bore many similarities. At the minimum, the example of Elchasai points to emerging forms of localized syncretistic Christianity at an early stage. The Elchasaite teaching also demonstrates how a magical/astrological interpretation of sabbaths could surface in early Christianity.
Clinton E. Arnold, The Colossian Syncretism: The Interface between Christianity and Folk Belief at Colossae (Grand Rapids, Ml: Baker Books, 1996), pp. 217-218
A big problem with this mystical false teaching is that it ultimately resulted in minimizing the Messiah’s exalted position as the head from whom the body derives its life (Colossians 2:18-19).
The preeminence of the Messiah:
Paul teaches that the Messiah is the real embodiment of wisdom and knowledge (Co1ossians 2:2-3).
Messiah is “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). That is, God’s full character is embodied in Messiah (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:4; Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 1:3).
Messiah is “the firstborn of all creation” {Colossians 1:15), which is an Old Testament title expressing royal status and authority (Psalm 89:27).
It was by, through, and for Messiah that “all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities” (Colossians 1:16). Importantly, the invisible creations in heaven would include angelic beings. Paul’s point is that Messiah, the one by whom, through whom, and for whom all things were created, has authority and power over all created things in heaven and on earth.
Messiah is “before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1 :17). That is, Messiah has priority in terms of time and rank, and he is the sustainer of the universe (cf. Hebrews 1:3). Paul hopes to encourage the Colossian believers not to try to find coherence in the universe by turning to angels. Messiah is the one who holds all things together.
Messiah is also “the head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18; 2:10, 18-19). That is, he is the lord over the church as well as its source of life: ” … the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God” (Colossians 2:19).
Messiah is “the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent” (Colossians 1 :18). The Messiah’s resurrection has inaugurated the kingdom – his resurrection being the “firstfruits,” assuring us of the full harvest to come at the end of the age (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23). In the meantime, the Messiah exercises his rule through his body, the church.
The Messiah is one in whom “all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (Colossians 1:19; 2:9).
For Israel the keeping of these holy days was evidence of obedience to God’s law and a sign of her election among the nations. At Colossae, however, the sacred days were to be kept for the sake of the “elemental spirits of the universe,” those astral powers who directed the course of the stars and relegated the order of the calendar. So Paul is not condemning the use of sacred days or seasons as such; it is the wrong motive involved when the observance of these days is bound up with the recognition of the elemental spirits.
Peter T. O’Brien, Word Biblical Commentary: Colossians, Philemon (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1982), p. 139
In conclusion:
A contextual understanding of these verses implies that Paul does not regard things like the Sabbath and festivals as unimportant. He condemns only an improper observance of these laws in connection with mystical false teachings that downplay Messiah and his work.
Once again, the problem was with human precepts and teachings, not God’s commandments themselves (Colossians 2:8, 22).
But when we observe these parts of the Torah appropriately, with a focus on the Messiah and his work of redemption, there’s no problem.
Verse 16 declares the opposite of what is taught, today. He was telling the Colossians not to let people falsely judge them for keeping the ordinances of the Torah (without the mystical rituals the leaders were adding).
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Colossians 2:16-17
If Christ did away with Torah, they would not be a “shadow of things to come”, because Christ already came. They were still to look forward to the things that are to come (after the Millineal Kingdom, when the present heaven and earth pass away). Recognizing the substance that these “shadows” point to ought to make us value them that much more!
Torah will still be kept in the Millineal Kingdom. Does it make sense that the Law would be kept for 4000 years, done away with for 2000 years, and then reinstituted again for 1000? Especially when Yahweh and Yeshua both affirmed the Law is forever?
Just Do It and find a preacher who is not changing the Law to fit their values. The Law was given to change us!
The weak are not humble, they are weak. It is someone that is strong, that chooses not to use the strength they have, that can be humble.
Men have a great capacity for evil – it has taken civilization thousands of years to temper this natural instinct on a national level.
Religion did not temper man – some of the bloodiest wars ever fought were ‘religiously’ motivated. Religion is still the cause of much terrorism and suffering in the world (godliness is an inward working – religion is an outer façade)
Temperance reached its apex when the Constitution was drafted. We had just fought a very bloody war of independence and our founding fathers wanted to curb man’s natural tendency to despotism. Checks on anyone’s ability to gain too much power were codified and were generally successful for about 100 years.
We are now witnessing the final collapse of our governmental foundation as ‘elites’ within the administration and the bureaucracy have corrupted the system to wield power and line their pockets. A change in the leadership may delay the collapse, but the corruption is too far-reaching to change the final outcome.
Faith is the only means of survival in an increasingly corrupt world. Faith is the humbling of ourselves (who are capable of great evil) to the will of the one who can save us from ourselves and reward us with life in a new body, a new heaven, and a new earth (Revelation 21:1-4)
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:9-10
Did you confess? Did you humble yourself (who is capable of great evil) to the Savior and the Word of Yahweh? What is the evidence of your humility?
Do you still steal (8th Commandment)?
Do you still commit adultery (7th Commandment)?
Do you still murder (6th Commandment)?
Do you still dishonor your parents (5th Commandment)?
Do you honor the Sabbath (4th Commandment)?
Do you walk as your confessed Lord instructed you to walk?
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.
1John 2:3-7
Christ followed the Law . . . his Father’s will for all mankind. “… not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42b)
For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
John 6:38
Yeshua had demonstrated great power and, as a human, had great capacity for evil, had he not humbled himself to his Father’s will. He honored his Father.
Are you humbling yourself to Christ’s will? Are you deluding yourself into believing that you can bend his will to match your own? The Christian church specializes in subverting the Word of God – you hear them tell you that ‘Christ loves you just the way you are’.
He loves the sinner (consisting of the entire population), and communed with sinners, but he never told them it was okay to continue sinning. “Sin no more” – John 5:14; 8:11,34. He demands that we become more faithful to his will.
The Church did away with Sabbath observance in the 4th Century – how many other Laws are they willing to sacrifice? The churches bow to governmental directives in order to maintain their tax-free status – they are a business, and your salvation is not necessarily a byproduct of their ‘works’.
The Catholic Church tells us to act a certain way or we will burn for eternity (salvation through works). The Christian churches tell us we can do whatever we want because Christ died for all sins . . . no caveat. Both lead down the broad path to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). Seek the narrow path that few find.
You must go to the Word and discover for yourself what the will of Christ (and his Father) is. You also need to seek out others (https://www.119ministries.com/resources/fellowship-finder/) who will not bend to the modern heresy – you need them to speak truth into your life and you into theirs (“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” – Proverbs 27:17)
Humbling yourself to the government is not going to save you (do not comply). Humbling yourself to the church is not going to save you (do not be deceived).
Humbling your great capacity for evil to the Word of God is the only path to salvation.
I trained myself (not literally, but when you repeat things often, you are training yourself to do it more often) to be a beast. I have a great capacity for evil – many of you have seen manifestations of it, for which I am sorry.
I humbled myself to the government to extent that I didn’t go to prison and deluded myself into thinking I was doing great service. I humbled myself to different churches to the extent that they let me occupy a pew and delude myself into thinking I was on the narrow path. I humbled myself to the extent that my wife and children didn’t leave me.
It wasn’t until I humbled myself to the dictates of the Savior that I knew peace and felt an actual purpose. Killing my country’s enemies so that the leaders could enrich themselves was not a noble purpose. Fostering adherence to a religion that teaches (and therefore encourages) guilt-free misbehavior and denies the will of Yahweh was not a noble purpose.
Training my wife and children to be as willfully ignorant of the Truth as I had chosen to be was not a noble purpose. My wife and I have made a commitment to stand on the whole Word – I pray it is not too late for my grown children to do the same.
The government is not going to save us.
The church is not going to save us.
My apologies for being a beast – for things I have done that may have hindered you in your search for the Truth.
Blessed are the meek [those that have chosen to humble themselves to the Word of Yahweh]: for they shall inherit the earth.
If we believe that Yahweh wants everyone to be saved, then it would not make sense for Him to have man jump through endless hoops, scale impossible cliffs, and/or solve quantum physics mysteries . . . while standing on our heads . . . and singing opera . . . in Danish . . . while making a cheese soufflé . . . .
In other words, He would try to make it simple enough that most everyone could do it. So anyone telling you it is too hard to do God’s Will has their own agenda, not Yahweh’s
He would also set a fair standard for everyone and not require different groups of people to have different requirements at different times (how would you know what you were doing was right if it changed periodically, without notice). So anyone telling you that salvation is different today than it was 2000 years ago (or 4000 years ago) has their own agenda, not Yahweh’s.
So, how easy did He make it?
Why, as easy as A, B, C (1, 2, 3, or do, re, mi?)
Acknowledge there is a one, true, moral, God – maker of Heaven and Earth.
The Roman gods . . . the Greek, Egyptian, Hindu, or Mesopotamian gods (and all the rest) are not known for being moral and having consistent standards of behavior. For example, in the Gilgamesh epic, Anu and his fellow gods destroyed mankind in a flood because they were too noisy, and the gods couldn’t sleep (Epic of Gilgamesh).
The idea of a moral and just God, who sought after morality and justice, is/was completely divergent to the profusion of gods worshipped throughout history (even unto today).
Belief in THE God is the important first step, because we need someone who has power over death, and will use that power in our favor, if we are to overcome the grave. Belief, of course, is not enough:
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:19-20
2. Behave as instructed in His Word
I can hear the nay-sayers, already, screaming that I am teaching salvation through works. Salvation is through faith (#1) and is evidenced through works (#2).
If you tell me you are going to take me to a hockey game if I get to your home by 6:30, my arriving at your home is an action that evidences my belief that you are taking me to a game. I can say I believe you, but if I do not take steps to get to your home, did I really believe it?
You’ve heard the adjunct to the “Golden Rule”: “He who has the gold makes the rules”. Power comes with privileges – one of the privileges is that you get to dictate what people need to do if they want to partake of your power.
If you want to use Facebook (or any other social platform), you must agree to their terms and conditions, which generally means they can use the information that you post to become fabulously wealthy.
If you want to use a bank, you agree to allow the bank to use your deposits to invest and make huge sums of money while paying you a pittance for that use.
As a parent, we make rules for our children to live by so there is safety, equity, respect, and decorum in the home. The Heavenly Father does similarly.
No parent ever set down rules that they thought were important for their children and then later determined that the rules should be ignored because they were difficult for a toddler to keep.
‘It’s too difficult to keep them from playing in the street, I’ll just say it is now okay to play in traffic.’
The rules never go away, either. When does it become permissible to hit a sibling? Take their stuff? Lie? If you are 75 years old and playing in the street, your 95 year old parent will tell you to ‘quit playing in the street’.
Yahweh has a series of laws that provide for the safety, equity, respect, and decorum of His people. There are 613 “Laws” in the Word (though several are repeated so there are actually much less than 600 unique laws – e.g., the Word says to not commit incest, prohibiting eighteen specific forms of it) which are listed at jewfaq.org and in my book GRAFTED: Embracing Torah (I examine many of the Laws that apply to us on a regular basis and differentiate between the ones we can keep today and the one’s Yahweh said were conditional and are unavailable to keep today).
Meanwhile, the Federal Register lists over 3000 codified laws and over 197,000 rules and regulations that must be adhered to (Code of Federal Regulations). The short list of Torah requirements is not the problem and anyone telling you it is has their own agenda.
3. Cast away your former life (as necessary).
When a child unprovokedly strikes a sibling, we make them apologize and then we forgive them. If they continue to strike the sibling then their apology was insincere and we seek to stop the inappropriate behavior with ever escalating severity. If we cannot stop the continued assaults, over time, then we have to separate the two to prevent increasing and possibly more violent attacks. If we don’t, then the authorities will, if they become aware of a pattern of abuse.
As we learn what Yahweh considers unacceptable, we repent of our former behavior that violates His Torah (Instructions). Continued commission of sin belies that we are committed to obeying the Father.
If you are an adulterer and seek to follow the one, true God, you will learn quickly that adultery is prohibited (7th Commandment – Exodus 20:14). If you continue in adultery, you reject the authority of the one you claim is your God.
If you are married and commit adultery, there is the possibility that your spouse could forgive you, but it would involve a change to acceptable behavior on your part. There is probably zero probability of forgiveness if the adultery continues. What spouse ever confessed, “It is too hard for my husband to stop having extra-marital affairs, so we will just ignore that part of the marriage vows”? Your spouse will not be mocked, nor will Yahweh.
If one wants to stop the drunken abuse of their spouse, a good first step is to stop hanging out with their old friends who tie one on every weekend. Changing our established behavior that is leading us to sin is vital. We must want to make the change and act on it or the old, learned, abhorrent behavior will manifest itself again.
We may need to change where we live (even in America, some places are anti-Christian); change who our friends are (friends who are also seeking a relationship with Yahweh and Yeshua are important – “iron sharpeneth iron”); change the way we dress; but, most importantly, we need to change how we see ourselves as believers.
The Mega-churches are teaching an all-inclusive, non-judgmental, sin-less Christianity that millions are flocking to. It has zero relationship to the Word’s dictates. It does not matter whether the pastors are misleading people on purpose or through ignorance, the result is the same. Christians are being led away from the Word
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7:13-15
Christians teach that to be “born again”, one must confess Jesus as Lord and believe that God rose him from the dead (Romans 10:9-10):
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
What does it mean to confess someone as “Lord”? It is much more than mere words (see my blogs, Born Again? and Born Again? Part 2). You are voluntarily submitting your will and values to a ‘superior’ will and values.
If you seek a position on the campaign of a political candidate, you agree to publicly endorse the positions of the candidate. If the candidate is pro-life, you cannot publicly advocate for ‘abortion on demand’ and expect to remain a part of the campaign or to receive a position in the candidate’s cabinet if they win.
Christ says as much when he discusses those that follow him with mere lip-service:
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 7:21-23
He did not make salvation hard . . . we did. Us and the folks we appointed as our ‘spiritual leaders’.
Anyone advocating that God’s ways are too hard has their own agenda.
Anyone advocating that God doesn’t mean what He says has their own agenda.
Anyone telling you that ‘God loves you just the way you are’ (see my blog, Come as You Are) or tells you that you are ‘courageous’ for violating his Word has their own agenda.
Have your own agenda. Be the person that Yahweh wants you to be. Be the person that confesses Yeshua as Lord and emulates his walk (1John 2:6). Be the person that studies God’s Word “to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (1Timothy 2:15).
Acknowledge there is a one, true, moral, God – maker of Heaven and Earth;
Behave as instructed in His Word; and
Cast away your former life (as necessary).
It’s as easy as A, B, C.
The transition takes time (Acts 15), but it is easy.
Christian churches [501(c)(3)s] are trying to outdo each other to prove they are ‘more inclusive’ – it is like a competition. The larger the church, the more successful they are thought to be.
“Jesus loves you just the way you are” is one of their slogans. They must be speaking of Jesús Aguilar (he likes having all kinds of fans), because the Jesus I know reached out to everyone, but is very discriminating as to who he accepts.
1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
Matthew 22:1-6
Yeshua generally spoke in parables because the message he brought was too complex for the average listener to understand. This parable, however, starts with what appears to be a rather undisguised, abridged description of the Hebrews’ history of profaning Yahweh’s Covenant and abusing (or even killing) His prophets.
7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
Matthew 22:7-10
Now the parable become more obscure to the normal listener at that time. Of course, we have the advantage of thousand’s of years of commentary concerning Yeshua’s words and the letters of Paul, so we understand the servants are those that went forth to ‘teach all nations . . . to observe all things whatsoever Yeshua commanded them.’ (Matthew 28:19-20; see also Mark 16:15-16; Acts 1:8)
Remember, salvation was never exclusive for the Hebrew nations. Yahweh repeatedly stated His Law and its blessings were for the native born Israeli and the fellow traveler, as well (Exodus 12:49; Leviticus 19:34; 24:22; Numbers 9:14; 15:14-15; 15:29; Deuteronomy 1:16; and more).
11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 22:11-13
41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 13:41-42
Cast out the guest because he was wearing the wrong clothes? Sounds kind of elitist – definitely sounds like the king is discriminating . . . even to the people he invited to the feast.
We are to be clothed (enduo / en-doo’-o [G1746]) with the holy spirit:
“let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on [enduo] the armour of light . . . But put ye on [enduo] the Lord Jesus Christ”
Romans 13:12-14
For this corruptible must put on [enduo] incorruption, and this mortal must put on [enduo] immortality.
1Corinthians 15:53
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on [enduo] Christ.
Galatians 3:26-27
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye on [enduo] the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Galatians 4:22-24
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on [enduo] the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Galatians 6:10-11
Can someone call upon the Lord and not put on [enduo] the holy spirit? Yeshua tells us many who are perceived as Christians have not clothed themselves in preparation of the wedding feast.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 7:21-23
This includes Christian ‘leaders’ (Matthew 7:15-19)
Enduo requires voluntary action on the part of the person wanting to be clothed. Believing is not enough – proper action is required.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:19-20
What actions?
1) Repent?
1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Luke 13:1-5
The Word, nor historians, tell us what the Galilaeans did to incur the wrath of Pilate, but it was supposed that they must have been especially wicked to have been slaughtered by the Romans in the midst of doing sacrifices. It appears those telling Yeshua of the event wanted his reaction to the news – this may have been a trap by the Jewish leaders to ensnare Yeshua in his words.
He does not express an opinion about the event, but he does turn the story around to speak to the importance of repentance. He includes the events around the collapse of the Siloam tower to reenforce the need for repentance.
If Yeshua loves us as we are, why do we need to repent? “From that time [after his 40 day fast following his baptism] Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).
2) Renew Our Minds?
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:1-2
Put on [enduo] the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him . . . Put on [enduo] therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved . . . .”
Colossians 3:10-12
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Bob the Priest
Renew our minds to what? To the latest trendy preacher? To the latest, popular, self-help book with ‘Christian’ themes? How can we know what is “right”?
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Psalm 19:7-8
If Yeshua loves us as we are, why do we need to renew our minds?
3) Emulating the man that we profess is our Lord?
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
1John 2:3-6
If Yeshua loves us as we are, why is he asking us to be like him?
Yes, come as you are . . . but don’t stay as you are. It is impossible to change a lifetime of bad habits and bad decisions overnight, but you have to make the decision that you want to change.
When the Apostles were trying to figure out how to incorporate pagans into the faith, they understood this problem. The leadership determined that the pagans must initially agree to stop committing four especially nasty sins and that they would learn the rest of the Law, over time, by attending synagogue each Sabbath. (Acts 15)
Believing you can confess Yeshua as Lord and continue your life the same as you always had belies your claim that he is your Lord. You cannot enter a marriage relationship and continue to act as if you are single. Learning to do right in a marriage takes time, but it will never happen if you believe anything is okay in a marriage.
Yahweh and Yeshua want all men to be saved and have a seat at the wedding feast – few want to do what is required to have a seat at the table.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
Matthew 22:14
I’ve not plugged my book in a while.
If you want to walk as Christ walked . . . if you want a starter guide on what the Law demands of us . . . if you don’t want to wait a lifetime of synagogue services to jump-start the renewing of your mind to the Word, GRAFTED: Embracing Torah is a good vehicle, but it does not replace you as the driver.
It lays out the essentials for today’s believers and then you can test it and make it your own (it has a chapter on how to make the Word your own)
The following is continuation of the Flood narrative based on the research I have been doing for the Torah I am writing. If you have ever wanted to know more than was available with a simple reading of the Scripture, this will help.
Genesis 6 – The Purpose of the Flood
Genesis 7 – The Deluge
Genesis 8 – The Flood abates
Genesis 7 is lacking in details, so Biblically endorsed – extra biblical sources are needed. These include, but are not limited to, the Book of Jasher (“written in the book of Jasher” – 2Samuel 1:18 and Joshua 10:13); The First book of Enoch (referred to as 1Enoch); and the Book of Jubilees.
John Henry
Though they are not considered canon, they contain details and stories that the Hebrews would have known and understood, much like early American folklore. Those that know the story of John Henry do not believe a lone man dug a tunnel through a mountain, faster than a machine invented for that purpose, only to die as he finished. They do understood and are disquieted by the idea of man being replaced by a machine.
Dennis Prager has a good commentary (Rational Bible: Genesis), but he doesn’t dig deep into the Flood story. His analysis is more notable in other areas of the Word.
I also borrowed (down-right stole, baby!) material from Jon McPherson’s commentary on Genesis located at his website, Berean Breadcrumbs. I marked where Jon made me dig deeper because his analysis using the shortcut, [BBC].
And Yahweh said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
Genesis 7:1
“Righteous” – tsaddiyq / tsad-deek’ [H6662] just:–just, lawful, righteous (man). see H6663 – tsadaq / tsaw-dak’ [H6663] a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense):–cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness).
Yahweh reminds us, again, that Noah was righteous . . . he did not make himself righteous.
2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female. 3Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.
Genesis 7:2-3
7:2 Clean and unclean animals were already understood to be a thing before they were annotated in the Law by Moses.
Many are amazed to find out that Noah was commanded to take more than two of certain animals unto the ark. He needed more than two of the clean beasts, because he made a sacrifice to Yahweh when they all disembarked after the Flood (verse 8:20-21). This would have led to the extinction of most of the clean animals if he had only taken two.
7:3 One might surmise that any multitude of birds would have found their way onto the ark once the waters buried their roosting places, but the ark had only one window and it stayed closed the first forty days during the worst of the storms. The birds could have landed on the ark, but they would have been unable to get to the food stored inside.
For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.
Genesis 7:4
This reads that ‘the destruction begins in seven days’ and corresponds with verse 10. Speculation is that Methuselah died and Noah’s family mourned for seven days. Another supposition is that Noah’s sons married their wives immediately before the flood and the seven days were necessary for the couples to “fulfill the [wedding] week”.
“forty days and forty nights” – like the expression, “the evening and the morning” speak to a specific number of day – in this case, forty (see the note at verse 7:17-18).
And Noah did according unto all that Yahweh commanded him.
Genesis 7:5
One of the reasons Noah was called righteous.
6 And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth. 7 And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood. 8 Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth, 9 There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as Elohim had commanded Noah. 10 And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth.
Genesis 7:6-10
7:6-10 repeat of some of the earlier information.
7:9 This is not a contradiction of verse 2. It is not saying ‘only’ two of every animal, but rather that each animal had a mate. This also reiterates Yahweh preference for monogamy. Polygamy is never banned, but it is never seen as an ideal relationship in all the references to it in the Word.
7:10 Water is a cleansing agent. Moses is told that when the people become unclean, or impure, that washing themselves with water was part of the ritual for restoring the person back to an unpolluted state.
In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
Genesis 7:11
Water beneath the crust of the Earth (Psalms 33:7; 136:6) is under intense pressure. The results are seen in numerous springs that spew forth worldwide. The further underground that the pockets of water reside, the greater the pressure because of the weight of the ground above it.
A large meteor collision in Greenland, like the one in Chicxulub, Mexico (could they have been two chunks of the same meteor?) could have broken up the ice layer around the Earth as well as split the crust of the Earth to such a degree that the water underneath would have burst free from their deep basins. This combination of the fountains of the great deep and the sub-zero ice could be responsible for the flood and the ice-age (Walter Brown, Fountains of the Great Deep – Hydroplate Theory).
And on that day, the Lord caused the whole earth to shake, and the sun darkened, and the foundations of the world raged, and the whole earth was moved violently, and the lightning flashed, and the thunder roared, and all the fountains in the earth were broken up, such as was not known to the inhabitants before; and God did this mighty act, in order to terrify the sons of men, that there might be no more evil upon earth.
Jasher 6:11
Yahweh rained down judgment on man, at His choosing, in several recorded incidents: Sodom and Gomorrah – Genesis 19:15-25; grievous fire and hail – Exodus 9:22-25; Elijah and the contest with the prophets of Ba’al – Exodus 18:30-39.
Something sudden and catastrophic would have been required to produce flash-frozen Mammoths that were both still standing and that had food in their mouths (Did the Frozen Mammoths Die in the Flood or in the Ice Age?), and animals fossilized at the moment of giving birth (Stunning Fossils: Mother Giving Birth). These types of phenomenon (along with many others)the ones mentioned in the introduction of the Torah I am writing) could not happen naturally and are lasting evidence of the great Flood (Anomalies and Misplaced Fossils).
And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.
Genesis 7:12
The “rains” lasted 40 days and nights. The flood created by the rains lasted nearly a year. The seventeenth day of the second month (verse 7:11) through the first day of the first month (verse 8:13).
13 In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah’s wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark; 14 They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort. 15 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life.
Genesis 7:13-15
7:13-15 One again, the animals are referred to as “after their kind” unlike the animals that are outside the ark, many of which would have been hybrids.
And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as Elohim had commanded him: and Yahweh shut him in.
Genesis 7:16
Elohim, himself, shuts them into the ark.
17 And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth. 18 And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.
Genesis 7:17-18
“The flood was forty days upon the earth” – the number forty is not always an exact number, but it denotes a time of significance (e.g., Israel wandering in the wilderness; Christ in the wilderness). This is probably the literal number of the days that the waters continued to rise based on the use “forty days and forty night” in verse 4. Whenever the Word uses ‘day and night’, it is being definitive.
The ark “went upon the face of the waters.” It only needed to float and not capsize. It did not need to steer – there was no where to go.
And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
Genesis 7:19
All the high hills were covered – the great mountains probably did not exist, yet. When water vapor condenses into rain droplets, it releases heat in a process referred to as ‘latent heat of condensation’. If the flood had been high enough to cover Mount Everest, it would have cooked everyone in the ark, causing their death.
The great mountains would have been formed by the shifting tectonic plates that had been forced by the violence of the waters escaping their deep basins. Most mountain ranges run generally North and South, as do the great trenches in the ocean.
Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.
Genesis 7:20
Fifteen cubits equals 262.5 feet (80 meters).
It is unclear whether the water was 262 feet above sea level (one would still be able to see the torch held aloft by the Statue of Liberty had it existed, then) or 262 feet above the highest hilltop. I believe the latter since the great pyramid is 481 feet tall – it is reported to have been built 200 years before the flood (Brian Handwerk – National Geographic – Pyramids at Giza).
Josephus writes that “a great pillar” (the great pyramid) was built to store special wisdom (the many writings of Enoch? – 1Enoch 82:1-3) and protect it from a predicted flood (Flavius Josephus – The Antiquities of the Jews: 1.2.3.). Isaiah also refers to the Great Pyramid as a pillar (Isaiah 19:19).
21 And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: 22 All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died.
Genesis 7:21-22
The ark would have been known to everyone (it was the largest wooden ship ever built), so when the rains continued and the flooding began, 700,000 men and women descended on the ark and demanded admittance.
The animals still surrounding the ark (the ones not chosen to be admitted to the ark) were probably also trying to get in the ark. With the window sealed, none could get in, but the commotion of the animals and men clamoring over the vessel must have been unnerving. The frustrated animals proceeded to attack the frustrated men and drive them off (Jasher 6:16-25).
And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.
Genesis 7:23
When we choose to be baptized, we symbolically end our old life and begin anew with Yeshua (the living waters – John 7:38) as our Lord and Savior. [BBC]
And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.
Genesis 7:24
The waters quit raising after forty days but the slow abatement of the flood water meant the Earth remained covered for another 110 days.
The Hebrew calendar has twelve months, each with only 28 days. Leap Months are added at different intervals to correct for the seasons.
Next week I plan to expound upon Chapter 8 – The abatement of the Flood waters.
The following is based on the research I have been doing for the Torah I am writing. If you have ever wanted to know more than was available with a simple reading of the Scripture, this will help.
Genesis 6 – The purpose for the Flood
Genesis 7 – The Deluge
Genesis 8 – The Flood abates
Genesis 6 is lacking in details, so Biblically endorsed – extra biblical sources are needed. These include, but are not limited to, the Book of Jasher (“written in the book of Jasher” – 2Samuel 1:18 and Joshua 10:13); The First book of Enoch (referred to as 1Enoch); and the Book of Jubilees.
Though they are not considered canon, they contain details and stories that the Hebrews would have known and understood, much like early American folklore. Those that know the story of John Henry do not believe a lone man dug a tunnel through a mountain, faster than a machine invented for that purpose, only to die as he finished. They do understood and are disquieted by the idea of man being replaced by a machine.
Dennis Prager has a good commentary (Rational Bible: Genesis), but he doesn’t dig deep into the Flood story. His analysis is more notable in other areas of the Word.
I also borrowed (down-right stole, baby!) material from Jon McPherson’s commentary on Genesis located at his website, Berean Breadcrumbs. I marked where Jon made me dig deeper because his analysis using the shortcut, [BBC].
1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, 2 That the sons of Elohim saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. 3 And Yahweh said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. 4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of Elohim came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. 5 And Yahweh saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Genesis 6:1-5
Elohim decides to destroy the entire world and this is all that is recorded? I want to believe there is more than this going on because I am a little scared of a divine being that destroys billions of souls because He is displeased.
The story of the “the sons of Elohim” (the Watchers), their children, and the need to destroy the entire Earth because of their incursion is vital to understand or the rest of the Word or it will insufficiently reflect the struggle between the powers, the principalities, the rulers of the darkness, and the spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).
Verse 2: “sons of Elohim” – ben / bane [H1121] a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.
These are not literal ‘sons’ as Yeshua was or as we think of the definition. Neither are they ancestors of Seth (which is a popular hypothesis). “Sons of God” or “Watchers” are referred to in Job 38:1-7 and Daniel 4 and always refer to angelic beings.
These are some (200) of the watcher angels (the Watchers) that were assigned to the Earth to protect and watch over mankind (1Enoch 15:1-3).
Verse 3: Many teach that Yahweh will limit man’s lifespan to only 120 years, but many of the post-flood patriarchs lived longer than this (as do some people, today). This is probably a reference to the time between His judgment and the execution of His judgment when the Flood will destroy man.
Man had 120 years to repent and escape punishment (see the notes at verse 18). They refused.
Verse 4: “giants” – nphiyl / nef-eel’ [H5303] properly, a feller, i.e. a bully or tyrant:–giant. “Feller” refers to the fallen ones – the word “giant” does not capture the wickedness of the Watchers and their children, which is why the Hebrew word Nephilim will be used to describe this corrupted race.
“renown” – shem / shame [H8034] a primitive word (the idea of a conspicuous position); an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character:–+ base, (in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
They received the praise of men, but they did not do things worthy of praise – they were infamous.
Some kind of genetic corruption had to take place for the women to bare children that were not after their kind.
Most people that claim to have been abducted by ‘extra-terrestrials’ tell similar stories to each other of medical experiments to their reproductive organs. The aliens (most likely devil spirits) may be seeking to replicate (or improve upon) the genetic engineering accomplished by the original Watchers.
Yeshua warns that the end-times will be as the days of Noah, before the flood (Luke 17:26).
Verse 5 1Enoch goes into detail of the angel incursion, even listing the names of the angels that led the rebellion (1Enoch 6-10). The angels are brought to justice and none of the other angels would advocate for them because of the severity of the punishment Yahweh exacts upon them (1Enoch 10; 68; Jubilees 5). They are forced to ask a human (Enoch) to intercede with Elohim for some leniency (1Enoch 12-16).
When Elohim creates the heavens and the Earth, He tells all His creation to multiply “after their kind” (within their species). The mixing of angel seed with human seed produced a race of giants (Nephilim) that were as tall as cedar trees (i.e., dozens of feet tall – Amos 2:1) and corrupted the DNA of mankind which was “the image of Elohim”.
The Watchers also instructed man on how to mix metals, genetically alter animals and food, astrology, magic, and all other forms of lawlessness (Jasher 4).
Mankind reveled in this new knowledge and worshipped the angels that gave it to them as gods. They also worshipped the men who were adroit at practicing the forbidden knowledge as gods. This wickedness is the result of Adam and Eve’s first venture into partaking of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
The fallen ones wanted to show they were like the Almighty – that they, too, could create new life and were, therefore, worthy of the praise that man bestowed upon Yahweh. Their new species was a corruption of the original, not a new creation.
The vast size of the Nephilim caused them to consume all of man’s abundance and then to consume man, himself, to satisfy their appetites (1Enoch 7:3-6).
The original Nephilim killed each other off (I assume because of the limited resources to sustain them) in what the Greeks referred to as “the Clash of the Titans”, but since they were not part of Elohim’s Creation, their souls could not be gathered unto Yahweh. Their spirits still inhabit the Earth and are known as evil spirits or demons (Enoch 15-16). They continually seek a host that they can possess (the possessed men and the herd of pigs – Matthew 8:28-33).
Man no longer was governed by conscience because they became led by their new knowledge and the gods that gave them this knowledge. They believed anything was capable or allowed (“Do what thou wilt” – tenet of the Church of Satan).
And it repented Yahweh that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
Genesis 6:6
Yahweh “repented”? If Yahweh has perfect fore-knowledge, wouldn’t He have known that man would turn out this way? Did He know, plan for the eventually (Yeshua), and still have His heart crushed when it came about?
Man was the only part of Creation that Elohim referred to as “very good” and now He was greatly grieved that He had made him. Imagine the grief of a Godly couple who raise a model child that becomes a serial killer.
7 And Yahweh said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of Yahweh.
Genesis 6:7-8
Yahweh determines that man must perish for the sake of the Creation before it is completely corrupted. Only Noah found grace in the eyes of Yahweh, but his life was not enough to overcome the combined wickedness of everyone and everything else.
“Grace” – chen / khane [H2580] graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty):–favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-)favoured.
Grace has always been available to mankind, but they generally spurn the one, true Elohim, for gods or doctrines of their own making. The modern doctrine that states we must live by grace or follow the Law is a false doctrine – they are not opposed to each other. [BBC]
We receive grace (“unmerited favor”) when we accept the Covenant (marriage pact) offered by the Father – obeying the law is the evidence that we have accepted the Covenant.
Noah is not said to have ‘earned’ grace – it was given to him. We cannot earn it today, either – it is the gift of Yeshua to those who confess and believe.
9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with Elohim. 10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Genesis 6:9-10
“perfect in his generations” – tamiym / taw-meem’ [H8549] entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth:–without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole.
If Noah is being compared with his generation (which, truthfully, is the only way to judge historical people), whose ‘every thought was evil continually’, then it does not give a very descriptive idea of how just a man he was.
The fact that he “walks with Elohim” (the same phrase used to describe Enoch in verses 5:22 & 5:24) gives us an indication that Noah was an exceptionally good man.
It can be surmised that Noah’s DNA was not corrupted (“perfect”) and the following verses would then surmise that this was the case for his three sons.
11 The earth also was corrupt before Elohim, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And Elohim looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
Genesis 6:11-12
“Corrupt” – shachath / shaw- khath’ [H7843] a primitive root; to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively):–batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, X utterly, waste.
The earth was corrupted (polluted to the point of ruin – genetically modified plants?) as was man (genetically modified DNA?) and animals (hybrids). It is no coincidence that every ancient culture made depictions of hybrid humans / animals.
These chimeras (e.g., satyrs, minotaurs, centaurs, sphinx) may have actually existed, which may account for why the animals were also needed to be destroyed in the Flood (the graphic is taken from a larger chart produced by Simon E. Davies).
2Samuel 23:20 refers to the slaying of two “lionlike men of Moab”. A strong person within a tribe may be symbolically referred to as “the Lion of Judah” or “the Lion of the Desert” (Omar Mukhtar) to connote strength and leadership, but “lionlike” suggests a genetic mingling of men who sought to embrace the physical power of a lion.
Other such hybrids have been recorded to have been born alive as late as the late fifteenth century.
Marvel Studios is a multi-billion dollar media enterprise that fantasizes about humans altering their DNA with drugs or animal DNA to make enhancements to man’s physical body (e.g., Spiderman, Captain America, Black Panther). What child didn’t want to fly like Superman or climb buildings like Spiderman?
Athletes already use steroids and human growth hormones (HGHs) to enhance their speed and strength. Chances are, there will always be people ready do anything to intensify their abilities.
Transhumanism is man’s attempts to enhance sensory reception, physical ability, cognitive capacity, and extend life – indefinitely. “. . . ye shall be as gods” (Genesis 3:5)
Experiments that the Nazis and Japanese did on prisoners were especially evil, but also a natural byproduct of evolutionary thought. ‘Some species and/or races are inferior – what kinds of things can be done to make ourselves even more superior?’ Let’s test them on the inferior, first.
What scientists are doing, today, that is not being advertised is the scary stuff that happened before Noah and that Yeshua warned would happen in the end times (Transhumanism – Chuck Missler – 2013)
13 And Elohim said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. 15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. 16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it. 17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
Genesis 6:13-17
Elohim shares His plan with Noah, which must have seemed extraordinary, for the Earth had not experienced any recorded rain (a mist came up from the Earth – Genesis 2:6) and definitely there had not been a flood like the one He was outlining.
Noah does not argue with Elohim as Abram does in verses 18:23-33 when He determines to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Noah has witnessed the giants and the hybrids and understands how wicked they are. He knew it is only a matter of time until all of mankind (including his family) and the Creation is consumed by this evil.
Still, Noah and his grandfather, Methuselah continue to witness to the people on the Earth, using the words given to them by Elohim, to call man to repentance (Jasher 5:6-9). Oh, and they are also building a really, really big boat.
“Gopher” – gopher / go’-fer [H1613] from an unused root, probably meaning to house in; a kind of tree or wood (as used for building), apparently the cypress:– gopher.
Gopher wood is not readily translated and is only used this one time. Many Bible translations refer to it as Cypress because of its durability and resinous nature.
There is also a good argument for it being an Acacia tree, as this was the wood used to build the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:10-13). [BBC]
“Pitch” – kopher / ko’-fer) [H3724] properly, a cover, i.e. (literally) a village (as covered in); (specifically) bitumen (as used for coating), and the henna plant (as used for dyeing); figuratively, a redemption-price:–bribe, camphire, pitch, ransom, satisfaction, sum of money, village.
The pitch is obviously a substance spread on the wood to make the ship water-tight, but there also appears to be a play on words here, in a couple of different ways:
Cover the gopher with kopher?
The occupants of the ark are their own village.
Redemption (ransom) from the coming deluge.
Verse 15: “Cubit” – ‘ammah / am-maw’ [H520] properly, a mother (i.e. unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e. a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance):–cubit, measure, post.
The cubit is a unit of measure that is marked by the length of the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. Not an exact, universal measurement, but Noah was probably building the ship by himself (his sons are not old enough, yet) so Elohim would have based the measurements off of Noah’s forearm.
The cubit in ancient Israel is generally believed to be approximately 17.5 inches (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – “Cubit”). This would make the dimensions of the ark 437.5 feet long (nearly 1.5 football fields) by 73 feet wide by 43.75 feet tall.
We do not know where Noah built the ark, but these dimensions beg several questions:
Was it built close to a body of water? Even if it was, Noah still would have been constantly mocked for it immensity.
Since every thought of the men of the day was continually evil, how often was the work vandalized? Did it have heavenly protection?
Did anyone help Noah build the ark? Elohim tells Noah about His plans after his three sons are born, so Noah was at least 500 years old and Methuselah at least 869. His sons would not have been any help for 13-14 years or about 85 years before the Flood.
Any servants or craftsmen that would help would expect a place on the ark.
Verse 16: It was to have three stories and one window. The rains would be so torrential that having numerous portals would be dangerous, though a system for collecting rain-water for drinking would have been essential as would a means of removing human and animal waste.
I once read that the base of the ark would have had a shaft in it that was open at the bottom, but tall enough to be above the waterline. This would keep the ark from sinking, but the pressure created as the ark rose and fell in the sea would also help to push out bad air and force in good air. Recirculation of air would have been nearly impossible with only one window. The shaft would have made removal of waste easier, also.
An ark (tebah / tay-baw’ [H8392]) does not need to be steered (see also, Moses’ basket – Exodus 2 and the Ark of the Covenant – Exodus 25). Yahweh determines the direction of its movements.
Noah is not asked to build a boat that he thinks is sufficient. He is given specific instructions from Elohim on what he must do in order to be saved. Salvation is achieved by accepting Yahweh’s design and our free-will choice of acting in coordination with that design [BBC]. The same still holds true, today.
Verse 17: Yahweh appears to give the reason for the big boat after telling Noah to make the big boat.
Verse 18: Now it appears that Noah was told after he had his three sons and they were married (approximately 70 years before the Flood?). This gives a shorter time frame in which Noah could have built the ark, but it also gives him 3 – 6 additional helpers.
This could also be a recording of another of the several times that Elohim spoke to Noah about the Flood. The timing of the conversation is not as important as the content of the conversation.
Yahweh’s pronouncement could have come earlier and been prophetic concerning Noah’s children and their spouses, giving Noah more time to build the ark alone. This could also be a recording of another of the several times that Elohim spoke to Noah about the Flood. The timing of the conversation is not as important as the content of the conversation. Neither interpretation is contradictory.
“Covenant” – briyth / ber-eeth’ [H1285] from 1262 (in the sense of cutting (like 1254)); a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh):–confederacy, (con-)feder(-ate), covenant, league.
A covenant is not a simple contract which makes provision for the possibly of a party defaulting. It is a solemn agreement between two (or more) consenting adults with the expectation of a life-long commitment (e.g., marriage)
Verse 18 is to be contrasted with verses 9-10. Noah and his sons are ‘perfect’ – the sons’ wives are never described the same way. Their corruption could explain Nephilim traits in humans after the Flood.
Verses 19-20: These verses are to be contrasted with verse 17. The animals on the ark are chosen “after their kind”. This verbiage mirrors how the animals are described in the Creation narrative. The animals to be destroyed by the Flood in verse 17 have no such verbiage – their DNA was probably corrupted by experiments done by evil men who learned forbidden knowledge from the Watchers.
Verse 21: If many of the animals had become carnivores after the expulsion of man from the Garden, they reverted back to vegetarianism for the time they were living in the ark.
One can certainly learn a tremendous amount of knowledge in 600 years, but was Noah knowledgeable about ship-building? The ark is the largest wooden ship ever built and would required very great attention to detail to ensure it could withstand the violence of the flood.
Noah probably knew about animal husbandry, but where would he have gotten the knowledge necessary to know how much provision was needed for every animal that would occupy the ark?
The Word obviously does not record every instruction that Elohim gave to Noah, much like what happens with Moses, later.
Verse 22: Salvation is dependent on doing “according to all that Elohim command[s]”. This is still the case, today. Yeshua tells us that not one “jot or tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (Matthew 5:18; Luke 16:17).
Noah’s faith was not enough to save him, he had to pick up a hammer, also [BBC]. “Grace without works is dead.” (James 2:20)
Next week I will expound upon Chapter 7. I am currently working on Chapter 8 – hopefully it will be ready for the week, after.
Yeshua warns us that there is a selection process for salvation, and most will not make the cut – even many that think they ‘good people’.
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
This is a hard truth that most do not want to believe. There are qualifications we must meet for admittance and many will fail to meet the standard – including people we love dearly, but are as lacking as ourselves.
We can assume that following the consensus is no guarantee for success since Yeshua tells us ‘many will take the broad way to destruction’.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7:15
There are pious people who proclaim they have the secret to salvation, or to leading an abundant life, or . . . whatever the new craze is.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Matthew 24:24
There are obvious charlatans among the many gospel preachers of today, but there are also many that are sincere in their beliefs and teachings (I could be one of them!). How can someone tell whether truth unto salvation is being taught or not?
First, we are commanded to “Test Everything”.
21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.22Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Thessalonians 5:21-23
When was the last time you ‘proved’ the tenets of the church you attend? Do you know how to prove what they teach?
There is what is referred to as the “Deuteronomy 13 Test”
1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. 5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.
Deuteronomy 13:1-5
If someone instructed you to worship Horus or Ishtar, that would be rather obvious. Stay away from that nut case. We are warned, however, that it is possible to “deceive the very elect”, so the false instruction must be much more deceptive in order to lead the majority towards the wide gate of destruction.
“Buddy Christ”
Christ is always protrayed as all-inclusive and that no matter what you say or do, he has your back . . . he is your buddy and would never be judgmental concerning your words or actions. This is not the Christ of the Bible – he is going to separate the wheat (good) from chaff (bad) and throw the chaff in a fire!
It might be good for you to know what he professed and how he lived, rather than rely on what others say he is.
Yeshua continues warning about false prophets and gives us a way to spot them.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Matthew 7:16-20
“Good Fruit” – that is what we need to look for. But how do we define “good”?
If only there was an objective standard.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Psalms 19:7-10
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Psalm 12:6
Here is the rub. Christian leaders, today, tell us that the entire Word of God no longer applies to us. Why would they do that? Yahweh wrote one book and men claim it no longer applies to us? On what basis?!?
Obviously, there are some men that teach this because they do not want to follow the rules that Yahweh gave us (instructions that best allow us to live among men with relative peace). They do not want to have consequences for lying, and stealing, coveting and murdering (sounds like most politicians, doesn’t it?).
These are your wolves, because they are open in their desire to destroy you. There are others, which claim to be believers, who teach that large sections of the Word no longer apply on the basis of a misunderstanding of what Paul shares.
Peter warns us that
the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever.
2Peter 3:15-18
So, when you read in several places that the Word of God is perfect and lasts forever . . .
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
Isaiah 40:8
For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
Psalm 119:89
Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
Psalm 119:160
But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
1Peter 1:25
. . . and then you read, and are told by religious leaders, that Paul tells us
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 6:14
Then to reconcile this contradiction, you need to apply the Deuteronomy 13 test.
Taken out of context, this verse not only makes it sound like we are no longer bound by the Law of God (which is what the wolves want to be true), but if it is read grammatically, it states that the law is sin.
Does anyone really believe the Law of God is sin?
Paul (the guy who wrote Romans) doesn’t
7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
Romans 7:7,12
[In case you are curious, the “law” referred to in Romans 6:14 is the “law of sin”, which he mentions several times in several letters – this is easy to see when looking at the context.]
Paul was falsely accused of teaching “all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs” (Acts 21:21). If the Law was actually done away with and Paul was actually teaching that, the Jews would not have needed to falsely accuse him of speaking against the customs.
The misapplication of Paul’s letters is not the purpose of this blog. Many people have addressed this (as have I, in several of my blogs), but you must test what you have been taught and “hold fast that which is good.”
Does it matter whether the person is teaching ‘the Law does not apply to us’ has good or bad intentions? No, because the end result of believing either one of them takes us from the Law and leads us down the path to destruction.
Remember, few are saved. When Yeshua judges us at the Bema (judgment seat), what standard do you think he will use? Surely he has an objective standard that he will apply, fairly, to all of mankind.
Can you claim that Yeshua is your Lord and believe you are not bound by the “perfect” Law his Father gave to man and that Christ lived perfectly?
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
1John 2:3-6
Yeshua was the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Can you proclaim him as Lord and deny him, also? He speaks of those who will confess him Lord.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 7:21-23
Proclaiming Christ as Lord and teaching the Lord’s Laws do not apply is the same as taking Yahweh’s name in vain (the third Commandment – Exodus 20:7). It is likened to taking someone’s name in marriage but denying that the marriage vows apply to you or anyone else.
One’s ability to preach a dynamic sermon or sing an inspirational worship song does not overcome the FATAL flaw of denying the Word and teaching others to deny it, also.
On the Pentecost after Yeshua died on the cross, and was resurrected, 3000 souls of the people attending the festival at the Temple became believers (Acts 2:41). Why did several thousand believe then and few are transformed today?
Maybe they do their own Deuteronomy 13 test.
Maybe Peter didn’t teach that Christ’s resurrection did away with the Law, like most teach, today.
Maybe they recognized that Yeshua kept the whole Law and never taught against it.
Embrace the entire Word of God. It is what Christ did (“Not my will but thine be done” – Luke 22:42b); it is what the Apostles did; and if we are to be followers of our Lord Messiah, it is what we should be doing, also.
Let us finish Matthew 7:
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Matthew 7:24-29
Hear and do.
Hear and do.
Your eternal life depends on your hearing and doing.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Galatians 3:24-25
Were you taught that once we were born-again in Christ Jesus, that we are no longer under the Law [schoolmaster], that we have no guilt if we fail to keep the Law? I was, as were many in the Dispensational movement.
It is very tempting to tell a sinful human (approximately 99.999999999….% of all of humanity – I understand there was one exception), that they need not fear the consequences of sin because all that stuff in the Old Testament no longer applies. Have you ever considered the consequences of not one thing being a sin?
Looking at only the Ten Commandments (the Big Ten), saying we are not under the Law gives acceptance to lying, murder, adultery, and theft, just to name a few. What kind of society do you have now?
I’m not advocating for keeping the Law because it makes for a good society (which it does), but because I believe this is what we are instructed to do. If the Word actually stated, “the Law no longer applies”, then I would accept Yahweh’s judgment and try to figure out how I can best steal more from you than you steal from me.
Such logic mirrors the guiding principle of the Church of Satan, “Do what thou wilt”. Something is not as it seems.
Peter warns us that Paul’s letters are hard to understand.
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
2Peter 3:15-16
Let us not be unlearned and unstable, which leads to our destruction.
Anyone who quotes a single verse from a letter of Paul is silly or is intentionally trying to subvert the Word. Context is everything with Paul because he builds his case for Christ in a similar way that a lawyer might build his case for his client – both build a legal structure that they know will be attacked, so they include numerous support arguments that interweave with the rest of their chronicle, so the finished product is unassailable to anyone trying to poke holes in their narrative.
Let us look at more of Galatians ( I have a four part teaching on Galatians at my website, if you want to see more of the context of the overall letter).
6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
Galatians 3:6-9
We are blessed through faith, not of works. Few believers would argue this, but part of the context of Paul’s letter to the Galatians is that there were those preaching works unto salvation and it was harmful to the new believers.
Abraham’s faith was accounted to him for righteousness, so righteousness by faith was not a new concept that was introduced by Christ. The Law was the believers’ guide to understanding and obeying the Heavenly Father they could not see, but then Yeshua came and physically manifested the Law and the Father.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
John 14:6-9
Believers now had the example of the Father, physically among them. The Law asked believers to envision a good and loving Father, but now Yeshua was the concrete example . . . and what was his example?
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
John 5:14-19
All has not been fulfill, nor has heaven and earth passed away, so what is the “schoolmaster” that has been done away with? Let’s go back to Galatians 3:
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Galatians:21-22
The Law is NOT against the promises of God, but it cannot bestow righteousness – that is only through faith.
23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Galatians 3:23-25
“Schoolmaster” is the Greek word, paidagogos, “a servant [slave] whose office it was to take the children to school.” Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines it as:
Among the Greeks and Romans, the name was applied to trustworthy slaves who were charged with the duty of supervising the life and morals of boys belonging to the better class. The boys were not allowed so much as to step out of the house without them before arriving at the age of manhood. The name carries with it an idea of severity (as of a stern censor and enforcer of morals) in 1Cor. 4:15, where the father is distinguished from the tutor as one whose discipline is usually milder, and in Gal. 3:24 sq. where the Mosaic law is likened to a tutor because it arouses the consciousness of sin (i.e., preparing the soul for Christ, because those who have learned by experience with the Law that they are not and cannot be commended to God by their works, welcome the more eagerly the hope of salvation offered them through the death and resurrection of Christ, the Son of God.
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon
The schoolmaster was not needed once the children were mature enough to go to school on their own. The children were still going to their education, they just were no longer accompanied.
Without the knowledge of good and evil that the Law provides, we would not know to do good rather than evil. We would not understand that there is an afterlife and that we must seek the blessing of the one that can make the afterlife available.
Without the Law, we would not gain the education we need to learn that we cannot work out our own salvation. The Law gave us the example of people who achieved righteousness through faith.
Once we confess Christ as Lord, through faith, (Born Again?) and believe he has risen from the grave (Born Again? Part 2) we no longer need a schoolmaster (the Law) to lead us to Christ. That does not negate the need to distinguish between good and evil . . . and to do good. As we read, earlier, Christ is the Law made flesh.
The Law leads us to Christ, who is the Word [Law].
1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.
1John 2:1-7
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:14-20
John tells us we are to walk as Christ did. Do we need to wonder What Would Jesus Do? No, we do not – every page that depicts Christ shows him following Torah – he never wavered. Don’t profess faith in Christ and ignore the commandments. Don’t be a liar – rather, Do What Yeshua Did.
James tells us that faith without works is unprofitable and dead! The devils have faith – they know and believe Yeshua is the son of Yahweh, but their works are evil
Saying that the law is done away with because we now have faith in the perfect law-giver is equivalent to saying we don’t need clothes because we have done away with the need to have someone dress us. I don’t want to live in a society that has no clothes . . . . I can’t believe that imagining an audience with no clothes is supposed to help a speaker overcome nervousness – it would make me nauseas.
Finally, Paul says,
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:26-29
Your nationality, gender, skin-color, whatever means nothing. The only thing that matters is faith in Christ. It is like the expression, “Irish-American” (or Italian-American, or Mexican-American, or . . . .). Unless you have dual citizenship, you are an American.
Read the Word. Learn what is available through Christ and then take action. I’ve read it and I know what happens if you don’t take action – you don’t want those consequences.
A guide I find particular helpful (of course I do, I wrote it) in navigating your way through the Law is GRAFTED: Embracing Torah. Buy it before the censor take it down.
