These are to familiarize you with you bible. Professional drivers can fit them into a ‘34 hour restart’ time off. Read your bible regularly. ASK the Holy Spirit to teach you and guide you. Let Him direct you to help.
For comments or questions go to:
I N D E X
1 THE FEAST OF HARVEST This considers how to evaluate the value of the condition of your heart for producing good fruit for God to harvest. This includes an overview of the plan of salvation in agricultural terms.
2 DEDICATION PRAYER This is a reminder of the covenant we make at baptism – die daily – take up our cross and follow Jesus.
3 ELIJAH IS COMING A study considering when Elijah was likely to return after Jesus’ time.
4 ARE YOU WILLING TO BE CLEANSED? Scripture says if we confess our sins He will cleanse us. Why do some seem apparently unchanged? We must carry Jesus’ dying and His life in us.
5 COVENANT THEOLOGY Looks at the terms of the Old and New Covenants. Who are they for? How are the different? What is required?
6 PHILEMON This small New Testament letter ties together many biblical themes together in a picture of God requiring us to surrender to His command in order to be useful.
7 FLOOD STORY IDEAS The Flood Story of Noah’s Ark is the oldest universal story on earth. These Old Testament stories contain the basic elements of Truth necessary for salvation.
8 GOD’S COVENANT THEOLOGY Considers the Old and New Covenants using rules of interpretation for bible study. Contains examples of God’s teaching contradicted by man’s teaching.
9 GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION SEEN IN HIS FESTIVALS God’s appointed holy times teach the way through condemnation to reconciliation with God - through the bad news to the Good News of salvation and eternal life.
10 THE DAY OF ATONEMENT This is a picture of how God looks at us on Judgment Day.
11 THE FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD This considers what the Unleavened Bread means and the mark it
leaves on our forehead when we eat it, and how we eat it!
12 THE FOUR RIVERS OF GENESIS This Old Testament PASSAGE occupies a very key location in the early
13 THE LORD’S PASSOVER This studies the first of the Lord’s festivals – Passover – and how it symbolizes
Jesus.
14 HAS AMERICA SINNED? The United States is called the Christian nation because God favored our
founding, as many believe prophesy suggests. Compare our nation’s story with the history of God’s
early nation, Israel. Compare Jeremiah’s description to our nation today.
15 REASONS FOR SEVENTH DAY SABBATH OBERVANCE An analytical and critical, scientific look at why
Saturday is the seventh day Sabbath of the 10 commandments as Jesus continues to observe.
16 PAUL’S GOSPEL AND WARNING About Paul’s letter to the Romans – regarding how to honor God by
the “obedience of faith” in Jesus Christ and His ways. Beware of ‘faith of obedience’ like Israel tried.
17 PAUL’S JOB: “TEAQCH OBEDIENCE OF FAITH” TO ALL NATIONS The bible uses Abraham as an example
of the “Father of faith.” Jesus said if you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham.
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The Feast Of Harvest
See the big picture – God‟s Plan of Salvation as seen in His Festivals. As the world forgets its Spring holidays, this 4th of the Lord‟s appointed times is approaching (May 23) and begins to bring the overall purpose of the Lord‟s 7 separate feasts into focus, where many New Testament passages are symbolized.
Feast of Harvest. This is also called the Feast of Weeks, and is commonly called the Feast of PENTECOST. The Lord‟s early followers were to count 50 days
from the day the wave sheaf was offered (Apr 4th, Lev23:15,16 NASB throughout) to the Feast of Harvest by counting seven Sabbaths (7x7 days -to the day after
the seventh Sabbath, or 50 days (Pentecost means 50th). The Spring harvest would be complete.
Seven is the number representing spiritual perfection and completeness in scripture. Eight, or one plus seven, represents a new beginning. This harvest represents a judgment of our condition compared to spiritual perfection. A new beginning is given to those who confess the need of forgiveness and ask for the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit in purifying themselves.
The 7x7 pattern is also used to count to a Jubilee year. The rental value of cropland diminishes as the Jubilee year of release draws near (Lev25:13-16). Why is this so?
We are like cropland. Jesus taught that we are like soil in the parable of the sower (Mt13:22). We must cultivate our heart to control conditions from being worried about the world or deceived by riches (Mt13:20 -22). Using the jubilee symbolism, the value of the cropland of our heart would become less as we near the Harvest – if we judge the body rightly. We begin to see the shame of our condition as the Holy Spirit prepares us for the New Covenant (Ezekiel36:24-32, Jn14:16,17, 16:7-14). We are of little value unless we see the great need of the Lord‟s redemption and cleansing.
During the 50 day countdown from the Wave Sheaf Offering to the Spring Harvest Festival, a person is to eat the Unleavened Bread of God‟s Law, and spiritually examine himself using the unleavened Word of God, and compare himself to the Wave Sheaf of first fruits, Jesus (Jn6:51, 53, 1Cor11:28-31). Jesus is the perfect manifestation of the law (or the goal of the law – Jn1:14-17, Rom10:4 footnote). A person should see that he comes up short of the glory of God (Rom3:23).
The Spring Festivals serve as the ministry of condemnation that Paul speaks about (Jn3:19 and Rom5:16 KJV, and especially 2Cor3:7-9). The bad news of our condition drives us to respond to the good news of the plan of salvation – JESUS has provided a way for us to be declared righteous (Rom4:22-25)!
Scripture also uses the word “nakedness” (Strong‟s #6172) to mean disgrace, shame, or uncleanness (Gen9:22). The beneficial truths such as shame, as part of the plan of festivals, are relevant today. Shame is recognized by another popular mind;
Dr. Joyce Brothers, article in a Parade Magazine Article dated 27Feb05:
“Adam and Eve were ….ashamed of having gone against the will of God.” “Certain types of shame can be beneficial. Good shame is an experience that is instructive. Positive shame occurs when we see ourselves as we really are.” “Maybe it‟s time to invite the useful aspects of shame back into our culture.”
Paul tells us that when we try to keep God‟s Law we realize this “bad news” of sin in our members (Rom6:19 -23, 7:14 -23, 1Tim1:15). We see our “condemnation” by observing the Spring Festivals. Like Paul, we hunger and thirst after some “GOOD NEWS” – THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST! Jesus Christ came to save sinners. We must come to realize we are sinners – law violators, in order to be harvested by Him. We must call out like Paul; “Wretched man that I am, who will deliver me from this bondage of sin ? Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Rom 6 and 7 through Rom 8:1, and 1Tim1:16). In our Lord‟s acceptance of the first fruits of the Spring harvest we see the Good News that we can be accepted if we are in the wheat crop – not the tares (Mt13:24-30, 36-43). The HOPE of the GOSPEL!
From “Jack: The Life of C. S. Lewis.” p277, George Sayer, Crossway Books, 1941:
“Lewis wanted to talk about the law of nature, or objective right and wrong, because in modern England the New Testament assumption that people believed in natural law and knew that they had disobeyed it was no longer accurate. The first step….was to help people recover a sense of guilt.”
God knows we still sin, therefore, He told us to present a leavened offering at the end of the Feast of Harvest (Lev23:17). An impure offering is all that we are able to give.
THE REASON why the gospel of Jesus Christ seems to be ignored today is because people don‟t realize the bad news of their true condition.
The CONFESSION . We are told specifically (in Lev 23:2 and 4) to make a declaration at all of the appointed times of Lev23. Describing the Feast of Harvest in Lev23:21, we are specifically told again to make another proclamation. Why call out a special proclamation for this day and not the others?
This extra emphasis is needed to show us our condition. This is not just another announcement of the individual appointed time. This is a confession after examining ourselves, after comparing our own condition to the perfect wave sheaf –the Son of God – our Unleavened Bread from heaven - our Standard of Righteousness, our Savior Jesus (Jn1:1, 6:32-58, Rom7:12).
The New Testament identifies this time of receiving the HOLY SPIRIT. We learn that the Feast of Harvest is PENTECOST when the Lord‟s disciples received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit prophesied in the Old Testament (Joel2:28, Acts 1-2, 1 Jn1:6-10 ).
Jesus taught us in Luke; as we see our need of cleansing and call out to the Lord -we are told to
ask, seek, and knock – “A.S.K.” He will give us the Comforter – the Holy Spirit to guide us on our journey (Ex32:34, 33:14, Luke11:913, Jn16:7-15)
The SECOND HALF of the Festival Year As the Lord gives the Holy Spirit to confessing sinners after the Feast of Harvest, or Pentecost, we should begin to produce fruits of the Spirit (Gal5:22-24). After the summer season of growth, the Lord will look at us to see if we bear fruit to gather at the second harvest, or “Ingathering” in the fall (Ex23:16, Jn15:1-8). The fall feasts are Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles
These agriculturally based pictures of the necessary times appointed by the Lord are for us to grow through, and may be applied daily. The steps are compressed in 1 John 1:5-10.
We should yield our will and our life over more to the Lord out of gratitude for all He has revealed to us about our relationship with Him, and for His delivering us from the bondage of sin, covering our debts, and guiding us through our cleansing journey.
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Dedication Prayer
O, God of all creation, grant thy blessing upon this vessel, that thy divine providence will protect her and keep her safe from harm this ship, her crew, and her passengers.
Let now one of your guardian angels be the constant companion of this ship and her cargo.
May no storm come so quickly that her safety will ever be in doubt, may no darkness ever confound her watch, and may the calmness of a morning and the beauty of a sunset always remind us of your ever watchful eye.
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit we now dedicate this vessel to the service of mankind and for the good of the people of this great state.
Amen
Dedication Ceremony
May 22, 1995
Rev. Robert L. Carpenter
This is the dedication prayer for the motor vessel “Cedar Island,” a ferry boat operated in Pamlico Sound, NC.
Many drivers have a prayer like this used to set apart their trucks for their service to the Lord.
This prayer should also be applied spiritually to each of our lives. We should set apart our bodies as vessels of honor for the Lord. This idea is in Holy Scripture; 1 Thessalonians 4:4 and 2 Timothy 2:20,21. The Lord calls us to be set apart and sanctified for His service.
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JESUS SAID; “ELIJAH IS COMING AGAIN,” – ARE YOU READY?
What is walking obediently with Christ?
JESUS SAID; “If you care to accept it, John the Baptist is Elijah, who was to come.” He is coming back to make ready a people prepared for the Lord (Math 11:14, 17:11, Luke 1:16,17, NAS Bible throughout). All are called to be prepared for the Lord. Some turn away, but some respond and become a disciple of Jesus by disciplining their life to match Jesus‟ life (Math 10:24-39). It depends on what we are looking for in life.
JESUS SPOKE to the disciples in Math 11:7-19. He said; :7 What did you go out to see? A reed shaken by the wind? :8 But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? :9 but why did you go out? To see a prophet?
The spirit of Elijah came during different periods of history. How do we know this? We find prophets who came with the same message, and the same spirit and power of Elijah, as Jesus taught us in Holy Scriptures. Notice four periods;
I. In 879 B.C., THE LORD SENT ELIJAH to King Ahab. Here are main points of his message; To King Ahab; “You have troubled yourself and your father‟s house because you have
forsaken the commandment of the Lord and you have followed the Baals (other gods),” (1Kin18:18).
“How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, then follow Him,” (1Kin18:21).
II. In 870 B.C. the Lord also sent Elijah to Ahab‟s successor, King Ahaziah in 2King 1:3 asking, “Is it because there is no God in Israel that you inquire (of another god or person)?”
III. In 397 B.C. the Lord said in Malachi 4:5, “I am going to send Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord.”
Why is the day of the Lord terrible? The Lord warned in Malachi 3 and 4; Mal 3:2, “Who can endure the day of His coming?” “Who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner‟s fire and like fuller‟s soap.”
Mal 3:3 “He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver. He will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them like gold and silver – so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness.”
Mal 3:7 “From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My statutes, and have not kept them. Return to Me and I will return to you.”
Mal 4:1-2 “Behold the day is coming…every evildoer will be chaff. But for you who fear My Name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in his wings.
Mal 4:4 “Remember the law of Moses, My servant.”
Elijah returned, as John the Baptist. In Luke 1:16,17, Zacharias was told that John would “turn the disobedient to THE ATTITUDE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.” The Lord told Malachi, “I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord…to restore the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers,” (Mal 4:5,6)
Read about two of the forefathers – Abraham and David, (Gen26:5, 1Kings 14:8, Ezekiel 18:5-9).
WHY DID THE LORD NEED TO SEND A FORERUNNER?
When the Lord‟s people forsook the commandments of the Lord and followed other gods and other ways of worship, the Lord sent His people into bondage or exile for disobedience and unfaithfulness (Lev 26:14-39, Isaiah 7:9, 20, Jeremiah 1:1-7:20).
Because of God‟s love for man, this Good News was sent to give the people HOPE– and a way out of bondage to sin – that is, from lawlessness and rebellion to God‟s ways (2 Chronicles 7:13-15). This call to return is the same message taught by Moses and Jesus (Lev 26:40, -45 and Luke 24:49).
Examples of man‟s self-righteous attitude can be seen in the prophet Jeremiah‟s warnings to God‟s people; “Because you say „I have not sinned,‟ I will enter into judgment with you” Jer 2:35, “Ask for the ancient paths,” Jer 6:16, The Lord finally told Jeremiah, “Do not pray for this people,” Jer 7:1,3,7, 16.
The same comments and descriptions can be used of our SOCIETY TODAY. Whenever
we look for the Reformation message after Jesus, we must with all certainty expect the same message – and the same main points as Elijah‟s message – because of the same needs among us.
IV. Year 1516 -REFORMATION TIMES Most people today are familiar with the names of great reformers like Luther, Calvin, Glait, and Tyndale, and Zwingly. But Andreas Carlstadt came in the spirit and power of Elijah. He taught Martin Luther in college and posted 155 thesis the year before Luther posted his 95 thesis. As Elijah, Carlstadt taught to return to the Lord and His teachings.
We should do this too (see Math 10:24-42 and Luke 1:16, 17). Pay attention to similar passages of scripture that have the same teaching. This is the same message as Elijah and John the Baptist taught.
Reformer Andreas Carlstadt taught scripture only should be used in Christian churches. Therefore, he:
• taught the bread/wine in the Lord‟s Supper were symbols, not magically turned into Jesus‟ actual flesh and blood.
• eliminated the period of Lent before Easter as not bible based
• authorized removal of imagery and idols from churches
• pursued removal of the Mary pictures and shrines and use of idols in churches
• wrote 155 thesis to call for church reformation
• he wanted to turn the hearts of the children back to the fathers, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous (faithfulness in God‟s laws)
Finally, CARLSTADT WAS CHALLENGED by contemporaries – if only scripture was to be used, the seventh day Sabbath of scripture must be kept Therefore, Carlstadt changed from the Roman Catholic
Sunday back to the seventh day bible Sabbath of rest on Saturday, (search “ROME‟S CHALLENGE” on the internet for an explanation of this subject) .Many of these men from times of Reformation such as John the Baptist, Jesus, Paul, and others, died for proclaiming these scriptural truths. . It is tragic that so few heed the sacrifices of these men of the Reformation!
GOD WORKED IN HISTORY. The Romans‟ system of roads made it possible to take the Gospel message of Jesus Christ all over the known world. Similarly, in 1456 Gutenberg invented the printing press and the first type-set whole bible was printed. In 1516 Andreas Carlstadt brought the Elijah message to Europe – to return to the Lord‟s commandments and covenant. His ideas could then spread to the world through printing.
DO THE LORD‟S WAYS EVER CHANGE? Jesus sent His “reformers”to get people to return to Him, His Covenant, and His Ways. Jesus gives us important clues; “I the Lord do not change,” Mal 3:6. The law never changes, Math 5:17,18. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever,” Heb 13:8.
The message of Moses, Elijah, Malachi, John the Baptist, Jesus, Paul, Carlstadt, and God‟s people should be constant. Return to the Lord, His ways, and His covenant.
JESUS SPOKE to the multitudes in Math 11:7-19:
:7 “What did you go out to see? A reed shaken by the wind?”
:8 “But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing?”
:9 “But why did you go out? To see a prophet?”
Are you trying to find God‟s message by looking for His type of messenger?
JESUS TOLD His disciples: “..if you care to accept it…John the Baptist is Elijah,” Math 11:14 The Roman tetrarch Herod had John the Baptist beheaded, Math 14:10. Later Jesus said, “Elijah is coming, and will restore all things,” Math 17:11. Jesus said, “Elijah already came, and they did not recognize him,” Math 17:12.
Has Elijah returned again after Jesus and most churches did not recognize him?
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
After the Reformation, many “protestant” churches sprang up with specialty doctrines which they “protested” were not taught correctly in the Roman Catholic Church. However, the Jesuit COUNTER REFORMATION of the Roman Catholic Church began after the Council of Trent in 1564. They over-powered the “Protestant” churches into keeping the Roman Catholic rest/worship day of Sunday, and other holidays they promoted other than God‟s Ways and Holy Days (searching “COUNTER REFORMATION” on Google offers explanation of this).
NEW TESTAMENT MESSAGE: We must repent - seek to purify ourselves from;
1-All defilement of flesh and spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1) as the Lord warned His people
through Malachi Chapters 3and 4 before Jesus came.
2-All defilement of the world (Romans 12:1,2).
3- Scripture describes the true church as betrothed to one husband…presented to Christ as a pure virgin (2Cor11:2, Rev12:1,5,6,17).
The opposite activities are pictured in Rev 17:1-6. This is a system of religion,
Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and the abomination of the earth. The woman still symbolizes a church, but one which has committed spiritual adultery with
other teachings than our Creator God, as Adam and Eve did (Gen 2:11,12, 3:1-6).
3-The apostle James reminds us, “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?”(James 4:4).
REPENT – “come out” of the apostate church (worldly Christians) as described in Revelation 18:4. The world‟s values are backward from the Lord‟s (read Rev 18:11-13, Babylon‟s list).
4- In Revelation 11:8 dead bodies of the Lord‟s TWO WITNESSES lay dead in the streets. It seems that God‟s people have frequently ignored the witness of Moses and Elijah, (the two who have power to shut up the sky in order that rain may not fall),
( Ex 9:33, 1 King 17:1, 18:41).
John‟s Revelation of Jesus Christ as our Deliverer, Savior, Lord, and Refuge was written to God‟s people in all the last days, from His time to now (Acts2:16,17). It is to give them hope during their tribulation, as John writes in Rev 1:9.
Is this where we are today? We have no spirit or power of Elijah in the churches.We have no reformation message to return to the Law of Moses, as it was practiced by Moses. The Law is to be written on our hearts in both the Old and New Covenant (Duet 6:6, Jer 31:31, Heb 8:10, 10:28).
CONCLUSION
WHAT DID YOU GO OUT TO SEE? A preacher with a fancy title, or teacher with
worldly pedigree who could speak smoothly and would bend to man's traditions? Jesus warned against those who would use titles to exalt themselves or their ministry. We are all brothers (Math 23:5-12).
But, what did you go out to see? A TV evangelist dressed in fine clothes? These are often found in comfortable denominational mega-churches.
But, what did you go out to see? A prophet? One living like Jesus, teaching like Jesus, acting like Jesus. Someone prepared for the Lord. SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE.
We have looked at the unchangeable characteristics of the men of God. He has always dealt with men in the same way, and always expected the same faithful, obedient, loving discipline from us as we try to imitate Him (Lev 26:40-45, 2Chron 7:13,14, 1 Cor 4:16, 11:1, Heb 10:28).
The Old and New covenants both have the Lord as our God and we are His people (Ezek 37:27, 2Cor 6:16,17). Both require the same obedience of faith, (read Rom 1:616:26).
Both the Old and New Covenants require that His laws be written on our heart, (Deut 6:6, Heb 8:10). A true sign that we love Him, that we have faith in Him, and we want to be a testimony of exactly how Jesus our teacher and tutor lived.
Jesus told His followers, “If you believed Moses you would believe in Me, for he wrote of Me, but if you do not believe Moses‟ writings HOW WILL YOU BELIEVE MY WORDS?” (John 5:46,47).
Our inter-actions with God and our neighbors are governed by the same laws that are in the Old and New Covenants( Lev 19:18, Ezek 18:5-9, John 14:21, Rom 13:9, Heb 10:28).
We are to BE GRATEFUL for the Lord delivering us out of the condemnation from the law, because of our own particular sin. The Lamb of God was sacrificed as a sin offering in the Old and New Testaments so that we could live. In whatever land we live, we are to find peace and salvation in His Covenant (Isaiah 54:10, Ezek 34:25, 37:26). We are to be holy, because He is holy (1 Pet 1:16).
The bible theme of a consistent level of holiness is new to many. Read all the references to see they are consistent, and not taken out of context of the actual scriptures.
Let the Lord speak to you through His Scripture. Psalm 1:1-2
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ARE YOU WILLING TO BE CLEANSED ?
Paul tells us, “Cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God,” (2Cor7:1, NASB throughout, except as noted).
Is cleansing a gift? Is it a response to grace? Is it a sacrifice to please God?
Can we find a picture in scripture of what cleansing means?
It is my opinion there is an outline for repentance in the bible, and it is of great importance.
Our journey to follow the Lord is like that of the Israel nation. They had been in bondage and had been delivered from it, but they soon complained about the way the Lord was leading them. Aaron’s wife Miriam complained that others could hear the Lord’s word just as well as Moses, whom the Lord had chosen as His servant. The Lord gave Miriam leprosy for this sin of pride, and the Lord healed the leprosy too. Thus we see how leprosy symbolizes our sin. The Song of Moses tells us, “It is I who put to death and give life, I have wounded and it is I who heal,” Dt32:39. This symbol shows how some actions in scripture are to be taken spiritually.
After deliverance from your own sin, or “leprosy,” are you willing to be cleansed? In Luke 17 a group of lepers asked Jesus to cleanse them. All were healed but only one turned back to Jesus to give thanks. The others did not turn back to glorify God for healing. They were to show themselves to the priests and present the required offering. They were willing to be physically cleansed - but showed no gratitude – they did not want to be spiritually cleansed!
In my opinion, much of the New Testament is based on the Leviticus 13 and 14. You can find the language and pictures of the cleansing ceremony throughout. We will follow the picture of the leper cleansing for our lives. This includes being freed from the bondage and ‘death sentence’ of our ‘leprosy,’ becoming separated from the world of the flesh and lusts, and becoming undefiled spiritually. There is a physical step and a spiritual step.
How important are leprosy examples to Jesus? He uses leper stories to show how sinners should react to Him (Mk1:40-44, Lk 4:27, 17:12-19).
Leprosy symbolizes sin. Sin can be on, and get under our skin and can spread, and can lead to death. Leprosy is described in Lev 13. At the infection site of an Israelite, leprosy would turn hair from black to white. Jesus reminded us how we are unable to make a hair turn from white to black (Lev 13:25, 26, Mt 5:36).
In Lev 13 we read how the infected man “shall be brought to the priest” and the priest shall look at the mark on the skin. The priest shall see if the infection is spreading or healing, and pronounce him clean or unclean. If the person has an infection, he shall tear his garments, shave his mustache, cover his head, cry “Unclean!” and live outside the camp (Lev 13:45, 46). The leper developed a relationship with his priest by going to him each week (Lev13:4,5,21,26,27,31,33,34) to have him evaluate his infection of leprosy. If the priest found the leper was healed, he would invoke “the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing” (Lev 14:2), and begin the CLEANSING CEREMONY described in Lev 14:3. Then a leper could again fellowship with the Lord and the people of God. We must go to Jesus, our priest, for Him to treat our sin infections, and to be declared clean. How appropriate - the leprosy cleansing ceremony is positioned among other cleansing ceremonies (Lev 12-15). One similarity identifying the cleansing ceremonies is a seven day period plus an eighth day.
The leper cleansing ceremony in Leviticus 14 occupies the exact center of God’s Law – the middle chapter, of the middle book of the five books of the law, the Pentateuch. This ceremony prescribes what a man who had been healed from a disease with a “death sentence,” must do to be acceptable to God. Leprosy was a disease resulting in death. This is why sin is represented by leprosy. Scripture teaches, “The soul who sins will die.” (Ezek18:4). Only God can heal both leprosy and sin.
The cleansing of a sinner, or leper, is the main subject of the bible. This is generally summarized as individual human salvation.
See the parallel between this leper cleansing ceremony and our repentance. Paul and other NT writers saw it. We are to cleanse our physical walk and our spiritual walk – to avoid defilement. We will compare the leper cleansing and our sin cleansing;
1- First, we must BATHE IN WATER, (in God’s laws); In 1 Cor 10:2 we are told Israel was baptized into Moses. “Baptizo,” Greek, root meaning is “to dip, soak, immerse” into a liquid, so that what is dipped takes on qualities of what it has been dipped in – for example, cloth in dye or leather in tanning solu-tion. Thus immersion into Moses means being united with him, accepting his vision, goals and lea-dership. The Jewish practice was self immersion (Jewish NT Commentary 1Cor10:2). We are the one’s responsible to immerse ourselves in God’s Word and seek His Holy Spirit fruits.
Also, we must BATHE in God’s Holy Spirit. Immersion into the Holy Spirit means to take on the properties of the Spirit and to bear the fruits of His character, continue to grow and follow the Spirit’s leading into all truth. Mt3:11, Acts 1:5, Rom 8:6,12-14, Gal5:16-25, 25-27).
2- We must WASH OUR CLOTHES in His righteous ways.
Jesus Christ’s bride is to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean. Fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints (Rev19; 8).
THE PROBLEM: All our righteous acts are like a filthy garment (Is64:6).
We must wash are garments in the blood of the lamb and make them white
(Rev7:14).
3- We must SHAVE our pride - seek humility and humbleness (1Pet5:5).
Paul and others used picturesque descriptions of how we are to respond to the grace of God in our New Covenant lives when we try to return to God and His ways. Many New Testament references have been included, because it is the purpose of this study to show how extensively these writers drew from this Old Testament ceremony. The following familiar New Testament descriptions can be traced to Leviticus 13 and 14 and show the importance of the leper cleansing ceremony to us today. Spend a few minutes and read these two symbolic chapters, Leviticus 13 and 14.
DESCRIPTIONS N.T. REFS OTHER REFS
Earthenware vessel (This is us) 2Cor4:7 Lev 14:5, Isaiah 45:9
2Tim2:20,21 Jer 18:6, 19:1-12.
Outside the camp Heb13:13 Lev13:46, 14:3, Gen3:22-24
Enter the camp, but stay outside his tent for seven days Lev14:8b
Read Lev 13-14:20 to refresh your mind as to all that the leper has gone through to arrive at this point in his cleansing. The complete cleansing ceremony reveals periods or steps to pass through to develop spiritual traits (Rom5:1-5). Remember Abraham had to show his FAITH by following the Lord - for the Lord to reckon his faith as righteousness (Gen12:1-15:6, 22:12, Heb3:6). This is also a picture of us, on our way to being purified for a heavenly dwelling (Rom12:1,2, 2Cor7:1, 1Pet1:14-16), and growing fruit for the harvest (Jn15:1-17).
As the leper came to the camp of God’s people, in Hebrews we read, “You have come…to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect…”(Heb 12:22,23). See the following parallels of people waiting to enter God’s promised land of rest, or the house of Israel.
In the Faith Chapter of Hebrews we see similar pictures of men living as aliens, like Abraham in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents, for he was looking for the city which has foundations whose architect and builder is God. All these died in faith, having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on earth. They were seeking a better country than that from which they went out. They were seeking a heavenly country (Heb11:9-16). Also, Moses and Joshua proceeded on in faith enduring trials, as seeing Him who is unseen (Heb11; 27-30).
Why a seven day period? See the seven day waiting period that also occurred when Joshua circled Jericho seven days before entering the city,(Josh6). Seven days is used by the priests in Lev 13 for a healing period before inspecting a leper to pronounce him clean (Lev13:6,34). Just as a leper waited in anguish for seven days, this should be our experience – waiting to perfect our fruits of the Holy Spirit, waiting through our periods of affliction and healing. The number seven in scripture represents spiritual perfection.
As this leper looked back at his experience with the affliction of leprosy decaying his outer man, he could feel his inner man being renewed as he worked with his priest (2Cor4:16-18). The earthly tent he lived in was being torn down by leprosy at the same time the Lord was trying to get him to look, not at the earthly tent, which is our house now, but at the new house He is preparing for us. This is a heavenly building not made with hands but an eternal one (2Cor5:1-10). The leper was to be cleansed from the defilement of the flesh to newness of life. He waited seven days to enter his new house.
NOTICE the many NT passages teaching that we must be willing to leave our
world of the flesh to grow into the world of the Spirit, (flesh = world, lust, sin (1Jn2:15, 16, Rom7:5, 7-13, 8:6-8-14, Gal5:16-24, Eph2:1-3, Col3:1, 2, 5, Heb13:3). Our affliction from leprosy is a battle of the flesh vs. the spirit. The Lord helps the leper heal from leprosy and learn His ways. God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth (Jn4:24).
To become a heavenly temple, we must leave behind the evil earthly house (Heb11:14-16), by surrendering our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice (Rom12:1,2).
We are building a holy place for the Lord’s dwelling. We must see that we build it according to the plans His Word shows us, as the Lord showed Moses and Ezekiel (Heb8:5, Ezek43:10-12).
We are to press on to maturity from the elementary principles of the oracles of God….and lay a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God. This is only milk, and we should be accustomed to the word of righteousness, or solid food (Heb 5:11-6:1,2,11,12). Watch for these TWO STEPS in this article.
Jesus and Paul warned many times of this striving to enter, to work out our salvation, to endure to the end, to overcome, or to box the body to keep it under submission (Mt7:13,14, 24:13, 1Cor9:27, Phil2:12, Rev2:7,10,11,17,24-26, 3:5, 12, 21). Paul encouraged us to imitate Jesus as he himself did (1Cor11:1).
Jesus went through humbling by tasting death (Heb2:9, 5:8). The leper was humbled by
tasting the death sentence of an incurable illness (2Cor1:9,10). We should all be humbled by realizing the spiritual death sentence caused by violations of God’s law (Col 2:13), as Adam experienced (Gen3:6,7, Eph2:1-10). We will be in Christ’s house IF we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope until the end (Heb3:6, 2Thes1:4,5).
The leper would be in his tent IF he held his confidence and boast of his hope to the end. Joshua and Caleb entered Canaan because they held on to their faith, confidence, and hope to the end.
There is no reason we should not have Hope.
There is no reason we should not have Confidence.
There is no reason we should not persevere to be in God’s House.
This cleansing ceremony shown in the law illustrates how we need Grace all the way through our cleansing from defilement and separation from the world of the flesh to be able to enter Christ’s House.
This ceremony shows Repentance is not a step – it is a process.
Declared clean ( pronounced clean ) Rom3:24,25, Ch4-5 Lev13:34,37, 14:7,11
(some translations use reckoned, or declared ).
The priest was the only one who declared the leper clean, even before the end of
the ceremony. Our High Priest declares us clean too, as soon as we receive His sprinkled blood and see that Jesus was accepted in heaven with His blood (Heb9:11,12). As the leper, we must also be willing to go through to the end of the cleansing (Rom12:1,2, 2Cor7:1).
Sprinkled by the blood Heb8:10c, and 9:19-22 teach the book of law = heart in New Covt.
(see Lev14:7, Heb10:22, 11:28, 1Pet1;2). Also see the OT picture of the the mercy seat in the “Comments on Washing Garments” section following.
Garments 1Pet 5:5, Jude 23 Lev14:8,9, Rev7:14
Think of garments as work clothes or dress clothes. They reflect what kinds of deeds we do and how we do our deeds:
NT refs; Put on faith rather than anxiety for proper clothing, Mt6:25-34.
Have true “sheep’s clothing” Mt7:15
“Put on a heart of compassion…” Col 3:12,14
“Put on the Lord Jesus Christ…” Rom 13:14, Eph 4:24,6:11
OT garment refs; Gen35:2, Ps73:6, Ps73:6, 102:26, 104:1,2, Is1:16-18, Jer3:25.
Garments, or deeds, can be spiritual in nature – an act of surrender, humility, or victory:
Clothe yourself with Christ (Gal3:27), then you will be “In Christ” as Paul
described many times. See armor of God (Eph 6. Rev 6:9-11) - white garments given to souls slain for the Word of God, testimony the Lord wants.
Other examples: Jer 2:32, 34, 1Pet 3:1-5, Job40:10, Ps 109:18, Lk12:35
Garment Washing references: Rev 3:4, 7:14 Lev 14:8, 9
Rev 3;4, some in Sardis with white garments not soiled.
Rev7:14 souls washed white garments they had been given after over-coming tribulation, or coming out of the tribulation, to make their garments white again by washing them in the blood of the Lamb. All our works are like filthy rags – only accepting Christ’s ‘covering’ (atonement S#3722,5 ) will make them be pure, without spot or wrinkle (Eph 5:27).
Our covering must be from the Lord, as Adam’s (see Gen 3:21).
The Lord removed Joshua’s filthy garments and said, “See, I have taken your iniquity away
and will clothe you with festal robes,” (Zech3:3-5, Lk15:22).
COMMENTS ON WASHING GARMENTS:
From the Jewish New Testament Commentary on Rev 3:4, by David Stern;
“Through the bible white, clean clothes, or ‘White linen,’ refer to the righteous deeds God gives His people to do so that they may exercise and express their faith ( Is61:10, Eph 2:10, Rev 19:8). Contrast the outwardly righteous works which people without faith organize for themselves to do, these God calls ‘filthy rags,’ (Is64:6).
We must immerse ourselves in the Holy Spirit on a continuing basis as Paul did. He was given a thorn in the flesh so he would continue to depend on God (2Cor12:7-10). Paul’s mind continued to be a prisoner of the law of sin in his members of his body (Rom7:14-24). Paul continued to buffet his body and make it a slave, lest possibly after he has preached to others, he himself should be disqualified (1Cor9:27).
Six times through scripture we find the Lord telling us, “You shall be holy for I am holy,” (Lev11:44,45, 19:2, 20:7,26, 1Pet1:16).
The new deeds we repent to, or our “new garments,” are still the product of our efforts, even though we love Jesus and feel a debt of gratitude for the redemption and love He gives us, while we were still sinners(Rom5:6-8).
Any works we do at all, however, even for the right reason, and even though they are required to show our faith (Js2:14-26), are still not perfect obedience (Eph5:27, Heb4:12). Scripture says our robe is still not perfectly clean, it is as a filthy rag (Is 64:6). It must be cleansed by His blood sacrifice.
On our journey, we must realize we are not staying clean when we sin. Therefore, we must return to wash our robes in the blood of the Lamb, who makes His blood available to us, to cover our sins. He is our propitiation offering to appease God’s wrath against sin (Mt3:7, Rom 3:25, 1Thes1:10, 1John 1:9, 2:2, 4:10). We will be recompensed according to our deeds (Mt16:27, Jn3;20,21, Rom4:4,5, 2 Cor 5:10).
See the OT picture of the mercy seat. When the Lord looked down to judge His people from the cloud above the mercy seat to see the Law in the arc of the covenant, He saw it through the sprinkled blood stains of the atonement sacrifice sprinkled on top of the arc. The sprinkled blood on the arc is a symbol of our sin sacrifice – JESUS (Lev16:2, 14, 15). Today garments bearing the blood of Jesus, God’s substitution sacrifice - protect us from violations of the law which demand our death, (Gen 2:16, 17, Ezek18:4, Rom6:23).
REMEMBER we are temples of God. In the NEW COVENANT our hearts are to be the new tablets of law – we are the arc of the New Covenant (1Cor6:19-, Heb8:10). Therefore we must have Jesus’ blood sprinkled on us as the arc of the Covenant needed blood sprinkled on it, to be cleansed from iniquity and sin in the Old Testament temple on the Day of Atonement (Lev16).
Still we sin. We are still on the way back to God. We need mercy because of our garments (deeds) do not stay white. They need relaundering. Jesus’ blood on our deeds make them acceptable to God.
The Lord will see His Son’s blood, the substitute, sacrificial lamb, on our garment.
Shave or “Be Shaved” 1Cor5:5, 2Cor12:7, 2Thes3:14 Lev14:8, 9, Is7:20
Scripture contains many synonyms for shaving; to cut off, humiliate, humble, shame, shave crown or head, or shaving your glory, or circumcising your heart(Lev26:41, Judg16:17-19, Is3:16-24, Is7:20, 2Cor7:8-10).
The leper shaving in this cleansing ceremony, would physically help to remove germs and bacteria from his body. Shaving his hair would spiritually humble him from any personal stature. To a Mideasterner in bible times, the beard shaved off was a disgrace (Faucette & Brown Commentary). In 2Sam10:4, 5 David’s men were shaved and humiliated. Other refs; Jer2:16, Prov20:29,
Paul reflects this idea; a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God. He would lose his glory to shave his hair or cover it (1Cor11:7). If a person has not lost most of their pride after realizing they are infected with leprosy, the shaving process would probably take the rest away! If the first shaving did not humiliate him, the second would do a much more complete job – shaving all his hair. This has to reflect our spiritual state.
Repenting to God’s ways and laws can cause allot of persecution from family and the world. But the spiritual persecution required to walk humbly through the world and among men, to love enemies, and to serve all men, requires pride to be set aside. This is what this ceremony depicts for a man to be useful to the Lord as a priest and king.
These Leviticus 14:8, 9 shaving scriptures could be the source of the question that some people ask each other when reflecting on ‘misfortune,’ “Have you ever had a close shave?”
“Shaving” judgments through bible --- that reflect the same ideas as found in Lev14:8, 9, and Lev 26; 14-40, and in Heb12:7, 8.
Lev 26:14 – 39, shavings to humble people of Israel to confess their iniquities and unfaithfulness (Lev 26:40).
Leviticus 26:41 Circumcision of the heart = shaving. Respond to Lord’s
humiliating shavings. Soften your heart, return to Lord (Heb12:5,6).
Is 2:12,17, 3:16-24, Pride is an inner sin– deeper then the skin.
Israel’s shavings; Neh 9:26,27, Is 7:20, Jer 3:25.
Lam5:16 In captivity, Israel’s crown has fallen from her head
Ezek16:54 Bear your humiliation.
Ezek36:32 In the passage speaking of the future covenant with Israel after Babylonian captivity, Ezekiel said that if you receive God’s spirit, you will remember and be ashamed and confounded of your ways.
Luke 22:31 Satan demands to sift you like wheat.
John 5: 39-47 My words will judge you
1 Cor 1:27-29 Paul tells us, “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise,….the weak, base things to shame the strong…that no man should boast before God.”
Therefore; Judgment leads to Condemnation leads to Humiliation
From Dr. Joyce Brothers' article in Parade Magazine, 27Feb05:
“Adam and Eve were ….ashamed of having gone against the will of God.” “Certain types of shame can be beneficial. Good shame is an experience that is instructive. Positive shame occurs when we see ourselves as we really are.” “Maybe it’s time to invite the useful aspects of shame back into our culture.”
From “Jack: The Life of C.S.Lewis.” p277, George Sayer, Crossway Books, 1941:
“Lewis wanted to talk about the law of nature, or objective right and wrong, because in modern England the New Testament assumption that people believed in natural law and knew that they had disobeyed it was no longer accurate. The first step….was to help people recover a sense of guilt.”
Living Water (living water = The Word of God = Jesus) Lev14:5, Jer2:13, 17:13, Jn4:10, 14, Eph5:26, Heb4:12, Rev 21:6, 22:1, 2. “Running” water = S#2416, alive, life, running,
living water. Contrast cistern water in Jer 2:13. Many go to other priests or teachers or ministers other than our High Priest’s “living teachings.” Also contrast alive vs. dead in Isaiah 8:19. Living water is teaching flowing from God’s ‘LIVING WORD.’ The scriptures are still alive because the Author is still alive.
Bathe and be clean Jn13:6-14, Eph5:25.26. Lev14:8,9
Math 3:11 and Acts 1:5 teach 2 baptisms; Physical baptism in water (water of the Word) for repentance (1Cor10:2).
Spiritual baptism into the Holy Spirit - for fruit production (Rom8:13, Gal5:16-, Col 1:10).
NOTICE: Two steps appear repeatedly through the ceremony; entering first the camp, and then your tent, washing clothes two times, shaving two times, and bathing two times. These picture two stages of repentance
and growth;
1- Immerse in God’s Law realizing the condemnation of our disobedience, or sin illness.
2- Learn of the deliverance and freedom from condemnation available through faith in the God’s Sacrifice.
These TWO STEPS are symbolized by the two birds in the leper cleansing ceremony. The following paragraphs will attempt to show how these steps give us hope.
Death of Jesus 2Cor4:10, 2Cor6:16-7:1 Lev14:5-7
Life of Jesus 2Cor4:10,11,15-18 5:1-10,16,17 Lev14:4-7
The death and resurrection of Christ are pictured by the two birds in Leviticus 14:4-7.
He died as a propitiation for our sins Rom3:23, heb2:17, 1Jn2:2, 4:10).
It is Jesus who takes away sin, Mt1:21, Jn1:29, 1Jn3:5. Jesus fulfilled bird #1.
Also see Jn12:24-26 seed dies (1st bird) - then new life bearing fruit (2nd bird),
Also compare Lev 16; 1st goat dies to provide blood cleansing
2nd goat bears our confessed sins away.
Faith Picture – How do we apply these pictures of two birds to our life?
Two sacrifices were required to show two important steps.
Step 1 - Our Lord’ Deliverance for us from the enmity of the law. He died and shed His blood (Heb9:19-22).
Step 2 - Our Lord’s Deliverance for us from the bondage of death. He entered heaven carrying the sacrificial blood. Scripture promises a new life and a new ‘house’ for to us for following God (Jn14:1-3, Heb 9:23-28).
Have faith in the Death of Jesus, and the Life of Jesus:
Step 1: Believe in the symbolism of bird #1.
Realize our fleshly nature must die.
Believe 1 Cor 15:3. Jesus died “ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURE.”
This includes His fulfilling the sacrifice patterns commanded in Lev14 leper cleansing with the two birds and the 8th day atonement sacrifices. Other scriptures
were fulfilled concerning the timing of His death and length of burial.
He submitted Himself to die in our place and be our sacrifices (Heb10), that we might be pardoned. Our Lord learned obedience and humiliation (Phil 2:3-9, Heb 5:8).
Step 2: Have hope in the symbolism of bird #2, which points to the resurrected Jesus.
Believe 1 Cor 15:4. Jesus was raised “ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURE” and
went back to His natural place – heaven, like bird#2 went back to its natural place, Lev 14:7, Jn 6:62. Other scriptures were also fulfilled besides this.
Holy Scripture offers restoration of the soul – God can bring life to the dead. He can
bring new life to us. Read the stories about Adam, Abraham, David, Isaiah, Paul, and others, who experienced some physical or spiritual death and were given a new life to bear fruit of the Spirit. See respectively Gen2:25,3:8-11,17,21 / Rom4:17- 25 / 2Sam11-12:13, Ps40:1-3 / Is6:4-7 / Acts9:1-18.
We must accept these two steps in the order of the two birds. We must see;
Jesus is our Savior, first, and,
Jesus is our Example, second.
“ Always carry about the dying of Jesus that the life of Jesus may be manifested in your body,” (2Cor4:10).
If the Creator of the universe said to sacrifice an animal as a substitute for forgiveness of our own death penalty sins, we would have to do what He says.
But He has said to proclaim belief in the sacrifice He provided, and then live like we believe Him.
NOTICE: The symbolism of the two birds that show the death and life of Jesus must
necessarily be acted out in our lives too. These two steps are illustrated in the NT by the two following terms from 2Cor3 which constantly shape our souls:
Ministry of condemnation 2Cor3:7-9 These two terms were acted out by two birds in Lev 14.
Picture the teaching of SUBSTITUTION. Picture bird #1 dying in bird #2’s place. Picture Jesus dying in our place. We must take up our cross and follow after Jesus, (Mt10:38, Lk9:23,24, 14:27, 17:33).
Ministry of the spirit NT refs; 2Cor3:7-9, Jn14;16-26, Jn16:5-15, Gal5:16-26. OT refs; Ex35:31, Ezek36:27,
Haggai 2:5, Zech4:6. The gospel of Jesus Christ is good news IF we cling to it (1Cor15:2).
NT writers say;
Imitate me as I imitate Jesus Christ
Take up your cross and follow Me
The gospel of Jesus Christ; He died, was buried, and rose again.
The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy for us,
(Rev1:2, 6:9, 12:17, 14:12, 19:10).
If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him,
(2Tim2:11,12, Rom6:3-8, Gal2:19,20, 3:22).
In these two steps Jesus did physically what we must go through spiritually. See Col2:20-3:4, Rev6:9, 7:14.
If Jesus fulfilled all OT animal sacrifices, including of the leper cleansing ceremony’s offering SEE WHAT JESUS’ SACRIFICE SHOULD REPRESENT TO US, A NEW COVENANT LEPER.
First, if a person becomes unclean (sins)….he shall confess …and bring his guilt offering to the Lord (Lev 5:3-6, 18). The normal daily guilt offering allows a female lamb or goat, or a ram from the flock. The leper cleansing law requires a male lamb for a guilt offering (14:12, 21). This specifically symbolizes Jesus the Lamb of God, a male. Jesus takes away the GUILT of our sin.
Secondly, the sin offering (Lev 14: 19) is to cancel the death penalty of the man’s unintentional sin (Lev4:2). Paul tells us that Jesus took away the enmity of the law (Eph2:15, 16, Col2:13,14). The law is to condemn us (Rom4:15, 7:1, 2Cor3). We have a permanent offering for all time – Jesus. (Heb 10:8-14). . Jesus died in our place. Jesus takes away the PENALTY of our sin. The arc of the covenant of God’s Laws is supposed to be in our heart (Heb8:10). When we see the need to apply Jesus’ shed blood to the arc of the covenant in our heart we are accepted before the Lord.
Thirdly, the burnt offering (Lev 1:3-10, 14:19,) is a complete sacrifice (Lev1:9,13,17), that we may be accepted before the Lord. Because we are ungodly (Rom 3,6,7), we must be protected from the wrath of God against all ungodliness ( Jn 3:36, Rom 3:23-26, Col 3:5,6). Our garments are “covered” by Jesus’ blood – if we have faith in Jesus’ sacrifice (1Cor15:2). Jesus takes away the WRATH of God, (1Thes 1:10).
Lastly, we can see the grain offering and the anointing oil used by the priest in the leper cleansing ceremony (Lev 14:15-20) reflected in the NT. See 1Cor15:20-23, Jn6:48-51). Jesus is our grain offering (First Fruits Lev 23:9-14, 1Cor15:21-23) and our anointing oil (Zech4:2-6, Rom8:9-17, 1Jn2:20,27), and the Lord is the Spirit (2Cor3:17). The grain offerings ascended as a soothing aroma to appease the Lord (Lev2:9). Jesus ascended to appease God – He is a propitiation offering (1Jn2:1,2, 4:9,10). An appeasement.
Anointed kings and priests 1Pet2:9, Rev1:6 Lev14:14-18, 1Sam 10:1, 16:12,13.
Throughout scripture the number eight pictures a new beginning. On the eighth day
of the cleansing, the leper was a fully restored man, welcomed as a son of God, an
heir, and a priest and witness to God’s wondrous works.
Remember the example of Miriam, Aaron’s wife, who was given leprosy for being defiant towards God. Now consider Gahazi, Elisha’s servant, who became greedy and ignored his master’s examples and was given leprosy (2Kin5:20-27). Gahazi was given leprosy forever. So we can see that we can be “cut off” from God’s people for resisting these two steps taught during the exodus:
1- Stop being defiant (Num15:30). Our pride stops us from being submissive, immersing in God’s laws.
2- Be willing to be cleansed from defilement ( Num 19:20, Rom 12:1,2, Rev2-3). Realize our guilt. Become immersed in the Holy Spirit for guidance into spiritual fruit.
These two steps show how leprosy represented sin to Israel. Our journey is like theirs. We get “leprosy” many times and only the Lord can cure it. Like Moses’ sign that was given to show the people (Ex 4:6,7); he was to put his hand to his bosom - it would become leprous when he pulled it out to look at it. When he put his hand to his bosom again it was cured. Let’s see how this symbolizes what our regenerative experience should be.
We should see our heart is sinful in the Lord’s eyes (Gen: 6:5, Rom 3:10-18, 23), and our heart will make our hand’s works, deeds, and garments sinful. We must repent to make the works of our hands heal from sin and let our yielding to the Holy Spirit both bear fruit in our lives, and touch our heart to cleanse it from sin (Tit3:5). As Moses taught, we can be “cut off” from God’s people for doing anything defiantly, which is blaspheming the Lord, or if we are unclean and we do not purify from uncleanness which defiles the sanctuary of the Lord (Num 15:30, 31, 19:20). Watch for the TWO STEPS throughout Scripture.
Lepers must go to the priest for inspection of their disease. A healed leper must go through the cleansing ceremony necessary to be cleansed. We must too, in the New Covenant, as we allow God to write His laws on our heart (Rom 7, Col 3-4, Heb8:10). In Heb5:11-6:1, we can again see two steps in our lives. Grow from early teachings (milk) to mature teachings (solid food);
The Ministry of condemnation is to conquer our pride, and the Ministry of the Spirit to help us to bear fruit of Love and Faith, and grow as a child of God to be a priest and king. Christ’s gift of righteousness is the covering from the Law’s condemnation.
CONCLUSION
We have come to see more continuity in scripture from how NT writers drew from the heart of the law – the leper cleansing ceremony. This is in harmony with all recognized rules of interpretation. Let us submit to all of God’s ways. If we follow this pattern found throughout the bible – God will bring forth life from the dead – from us spiritually dead men – as Adam was. This is the main theme through scripture – restoration of man’s soul to fellowship with God.
If we say that the leper cleansing ceremony does not apply to the New Testament we contradict many scriptures: Mt5:17-20, Lk16:29-31, Jn5:47, Rom7:1, 15:4, 16:25,26, 1Cor10:1-11, Eph2:19,20, 2Tim3:15,16, Heb8:7-12 (repeat of OT Jer31:31-34), 1Pet1:14-16 (repeat of OT Lev 11:44, 19:2, 20:7), 2Pet3:2. These scriptures show the continuity and harmony of the bible.
We must keep moving on our journey back to the Lord. This leper cleansing ceremony, and all the NT commentary referring to it, shows how extensive and detailed our repenting is to be. This ceremony at the center of God’s law is a symbol of our spiritual journey of repentance. This study does not exhaust all the symbols in the ceremony but is to help us to see the importance the NT writers saw in it. This ceremony shows Repentance is not a step – it is a process. Grace is not a period of time – it is always a gift to draw us to God.
The leper developed a relationship with his priest by going to him each week to have him
examine the infection of leprosy. We must develop our relationship with Jesus by going to Him
regularly to have our sins evaluated, forgiven and cleansed. We must go to Him to confess and cry out to God, like Paul (Rom7:24). When He heals us He wants to see the two birds symbolically. The first bird died and its blood covered the second bird and the leper who was to be cleansed. So we must too carry about the memory and testimony that sin requires a death. He wants us to see that to go free we must be dipped and sprinkled in the blood of the one who died sacrificially for us – Jesus.
The ceremony is a picture to show us how much our garments must be washed in the blood of Jesus, and carry His sprinkled blood. Our life’s deeds must reflect the life of Jesus (2Cor4:7-5:10). The Lord loves us and wants to purify and cleanse us from the earthly, fleshly world to His standards. We are to see this ceremony all through the New Covenant as many of the writers saw it. But we are to FOCUS ON JESUS, who fulfilled all the sacrifices of the ceremony. He offers grace to us as long as we seek to follow this leper cleansing ceremony to overcome our sin, as taught in the New Testament. He is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb12:1,2). We are to be willing to be cleansed.
THE SOLUTION:
We must stay immersed in God’s law and in the Holy Spirit to become like Him and to separate from fleshly defilement of the world. To sum it up;
BATHE and stay immersed in God’s Word to be “baptized” into Moses’ law like His first people (1Cor10:1,2, Eph 5:26). This is Old Covenant and New Covenant.
Also, BATHE and stay immersed in God’s Holy Spirit to bear fruit for God (Jn15:2).
WASH YOUR GARMENTS (deeds) in the blood of the Lamb. His Righteous blood sprinkled on us will cover our soiled works (Gal3:27, Eph5:26).
SHAVE YOUR PRIDE by giving glory to God for His great works of mercy, forgiveness, and redemption (Psalm 144-150, Dan4:1-34-37 – the personal testimony of King Nebuchadnezzar, three Songs of Moses Ex15, Dt 32, Rev 15:3,4).
BE SPRINKLED with Jesus’ blood to make Atonement before God (1Pet1:2), and be set free from the enmity of the law (1Pet3:18-21).
ENTER the Lord’s CAMP. Return to Him in order that through repentance and cleansing you may enter your tent made without hands (2Cor5:1-).
The Lord has promised to dwell with us and be our God;
“Therefore, having these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God,” (2Cor6:16-7:1).
Then we can be anointed, as the cleansed leper, and “be kings and priests” (1Pet2:9, Rev1:6).
Read Romans 8:1-17 for a beautiful explanation of how we are saved from condemnation if we learn to
walk by the Spirit.
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COVENANT THEOLOGY
How is the New Covenant Theology different from the Old Covenant Theology? How do the two differ in their means to call forth Faith, Practice, and Experience in a disciple‟s life?
Faith is required in both covenants. Belief in the proper object brings about justification. The proper object is that which can take away God‟s wrath toward anything sinful. Jesus Christ is that Propitiation offering symbolized in the Old Testament sacrificial ceremonies and realized in the New Testament fulfillment of God‟s laws and Festivals.
Practice of the Laws included in the covenants show your love to the God who gives the covenant by your willingness to obey His specific Will. If you follow the covenant you can expect the promises that He makes in the law to come about, whether good or bad. The laws of each covenant are the same, with the only changes made by God and clearly explained in each case. Two examples are Acts
10:15 and Heb7:12-28 where foods were cleansed and the priesthood changed (NAS bible texts throughout).
In Heb 8 we are told the New Covenant laws are to be written on our heart. This is simply a restating of the original promise from Jeremiah 31 where the Lord promised the New Covenant to His people where He would write His laws on our hearts. There is no difference in the laws of the New Covenant and the laws which He wrote on stone.
The Experience of the Covenants on the defiled person is the main difference between the Covenants. In the Old Covenant, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who had been defiled, sanctified for the cleansing of the flesh. In the new covenant, the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanses your conscience from dead works to serve the living God (Heb 9:13,14). The Lord found fault with the people of the Sinai covenant for they did not continue in His covenant. Apparently a justification system based on works does not regenerate a persons spirit to love and obey the Lord. Paul expands on these findings in Romans Ch. 4 –
8:3.
It should be noticed that neither covenant offers a means of sacrifice to justify willful disobedience of its laws. A sacrifice is provided only for unintentional sins, or “unwillful” sins in either covenant. “Anyone who sets aside the Law of Moses dies on the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Leviticus Ch. 4-6 and Hebrews 10:26-28). Jesus says, “whoever annuls one of the least of the commandments, and so teaches others, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, and if their righteousness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees they will not enter the
kingdom of heaven.” The Pharisees kept the letter of the law meticulously, but didn‟t add compassion for their neighbor. We must love God and man to surpass the pharisaical standard. We must not leave out either step. Jesus said the foremost commandment is to love God. The second is to love your neighbor.
The Apostle Paul is the best example of how a natural person going through life learns of God‟s Laws and then grows to understand his need of a sacrifice that can truly regenerate his spirit to follow Gods ways in love. Paul was raised under the old covenant and participated in dead works, trying to obey rules for justification, until he realized the need of Christ‟s free gift of reconciliation with God. Christ‟s sacrifice affected Paul. He accepted the free gift of righteousness and his conscience made him repent. He could no longer be just Christ‟s servant, but desired to follow Christ, and to imitate Him. He became a bondservant of God (Acts9:15, 1Tim1:12-16).
What is the difference between a servant and a bondservant? The New American Standard Bible text makes this distinction apparent. This is an important distinction because it reveals our motive for following God‟s Word, just as the Word itself is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Again, Paul is our best interpreter since he was raised with an Old Covenant education in a New Covenant church surrounding, as all of us should be. Paul‟s use of the term „servant‟ and „bondservant‟ are rooted in the Old Testament. Paul‟s experience in coming to understand the New Covenant made him voluntarily become a bondslave, or bondservant to Christ.
Examples of this principle can be found in the Old Testament Law in Leviticus 25:39,40. This passage shows that you could not compel a brother Israelite to serve as a bondservant, but only employ them as a hired man.
Examples of this principle, in war, can be found in 1Kin 9:21. This passage shows that King Solomon forced all survivors of Israel‟s conquests to become bondservants. However, the Children of Israel, Solomon did not make bondservants but servants – as princes, captains, rulers and men of war, etc.
These examples from the testimony of the Old Covenant should not surprise us because SCRIPTURE USES ALL THE EXAMPLES OF OLD TESTAMENT ISRAEL TO APPLY TO US: see Math5: 17-19, Lk 16:29-31, Rom 7:1, 15:4, 1Cor 10:1-11, Eph2: 19,20, Heb 8:7-12, 2Tim3: 16, and 2Pet3: 1,2. These are very important scriptures that we must accept in our theology and in our practice. In Deuteronomy the Lord urged people to remember that they were „bondmen‟ in Egypt and that He had redeemed them. Therefore, He said, they shall be careful to observe the statutes which He had given them (Deut16: 12). History shows that this appeal did not get many sincere responses. In the New Covenant, Christ sacrificed Himself attempting to generate godly sorrow in our hearts for our condition (2Cor7), and generate joy over His gift of Righteousness. In Numbers
30:2 some men offered their souls with a bond to God.
Jesus summarizes the slave relationships in Luke 12:42,43. “Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?” Jesus will put an obedient worker in charge as a caretaker of others. In all His teaching to call man back to Him, He never forces anyone to serve Him – He does not make bondservants, or slaves. He only calls servants. This idea is woven throughout scripture and has it‟s roots in Genesis Ch 2:5,11, before the fall. We find that Adam was created to cultivate the Lord‟s garden. Strong‟s Hebrew Dictionary shows the word for „cultivate‟ means to work, serve, till, to enslave, be bondmen, become a servant, or be a worshipper. After the rebellion of man we find the Lord willing to accept man again, if man will serve Him.
With this distinction between the servant and bondservant in mind, consider the title that many of the New Covenant writers assume for themselves. Paul, James, Peter and Jude summarize their dedicated lives of sacrifice to Christ‟s Ways by referring to themselves as bondservants -voluntary slaves. Paul reviews his feelings in Romans 6. Verse 22 is especially descriptive of Paul‟s own testimony, “But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God you derive your benefit,
resulting in sanctification, and the outcome eternal life.” It is to this class of person that Jesus addresses the last book in scripture, The Revelation of Jesus Christ. He sent it to His bondservants.
God‟s New Covenant Theology is clearly highlighted in Hebrews 9:14. Change was necessary, from the first covenant to the new covenant because of the fault of the people (Heb8: 8,9). He changed the Old Covenant because it didn‟t bring about obedience to His laws. Read the indictment of Israel in the beginning of Jeremiah describing why they were dispersed (Jer Ch 3,6and 18). Then read God‟s promise to His people of a new covenant which contained HIS New Covenant Theology (Jer31). The New was designed to cleanse the conscience of those who have been defiled from dead works to serve the living God (Heb9:14). We will be “bondservants” if we follow the bible writers‟ New Covenant testimony.
In conclusion, there are few differences between the first or Old Covenant and the New Covenant. The Lord changed the location where HIS Laws would be recorded from a stone tablet to a man‟s circumcised heart. Then to realize grace and truth, He came to act out the grace of His death for us and to give us faith in scripture‟s prophecies, such as His life, death, burial, and resurrection. He made atonement for us, and is an example of how to live His ways. Ezekiel says that the Lord God redeemed us to vindicate the holiness of His great name, not for our sakes. Men have profaned His name among the nations (Ezek36:22,23,32). His New intention was to cleanse our conscience to surrender to His Way and His laws. We will surrender if we will only consider ourselves defiled and repent to serve our Living God. We should live according to the Scriptures as Jesus lived according to the Scriptures. He is our Savior first, then He should be our example.
The same teaching is in the Old and the New Covenant. Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, your spiritual service. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Num33: 50-56, Deut6: 5, 30: 15-18, Rom12:1,2).
Become an imitator of Paul, as he is of Christ (1Cor4:16,11:1,2). In your service, consider offering yourself to God as a bondservant, but above all do not try to change His laws, or annul one of the least of His commandments and teach others.
Theology is a study of religious faith, practice, and experience, especially the study of God and His relation to the world. How closely do you perceive the differences in theology of the two covenants? REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHART comparing the Covenant ratified at Sinai and the Covenant ratified at Calvary. This is not an exhaustive chart but includes most subjects on which many people fail to distinguish clear bible teachings. Ask the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, to expose all truths into which He wants to guide you (Jn16:13).
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PHILEMON
This is a study of the short book of Philemon, just before Hebrews, only 25 verses long. Philemon contains many mature doctrines of the Christian faith.
This book doesn't get a lot of attention, but it contains a spiritual snapshot of our relationship to our Lord -“to whom we owe our selves,” vs 19 (NASB used throughout). We can move from a life of slavery to sin, if we choose a life serving our Savior.
Read Philemon – in a minute or two. Re-read again watching for the great truths that follow;
Ideas in Philemon;
vs 1 Paul a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Prisoner concept emphasized in vss. 1, 9, 13
and 23 of Philemon.
vs 10; “Onesimus” name means “useful” (see footnote or side note in your bible). We
are to be useful to our Lord and Master (Ephesians 6:5-7).
vs 13; we are “imprisoned” for the Gospel (see Roman's 6:16-18 )
vs 14; “Choose” your response; Exodus 25:2 every man whose heart moves him Exodus
35:5. Whoever is of a willing heart Deuteronomy 30:15. “Choose” Joshua
24:15 choose Philemon vs.13.
vs 16; a “bond servant” of Christ Jesus, ( “servant” in KJV). See the first verse of
Romans, Philippians, Titus, James, 2 Peter, and Jude. Also 1 Cor 6:20 &
7:23.
vs 18; assume spiritual debt or guilt of your brother – Romans 5:7,8 and Rom 12:18,21.
Very mature attitude in 1 Corinthians 6:7 -“why not rather be wronged?”
vs 20; Paul looks for encouragement and countenance boost (Genesis 4:7 to Cain)
vs 22; we should clean out and prepare a lodging in our spiritual “houses” for the Lord.
vs 20 – 22; we want our obedience to be following the Lord's commands as Paul wanted
Philemon to follow his command. Paul expected obedience from Philemon even as the Lord expects obedience from us – to show our love for Him, and our faith in Him. We owe our own self to Him. We have been
bought with a price. Serve in gratitude Heb12:28. See Rom 1:5, 16:26.
vs 25; the Lord included this letter to Philemon in the Holy Scriptures that He has sent to
you; “The grace The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
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Flood Story Ideas
Did the people at the time of the flood get to have the blood of Jesus applied?
I think salvation was available through the blood of Jesus Christ for the following reasons:
I think that the “flood people” knew about God's Salvation. The most common story in the world is the Flood Story – even without names of people. Most peoples know that “the great Creator God” “made a way” for “the good people” to be saved from “the destruction with the wicked.” See web site; http://nwcreation.net/noahlegends.html. Also refer to the lyrics of the popular gospel song – “Take Me in Your Lifeboat,” at
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/flatt-and-scruggs/take-me-in-a-lifeboat11673.html, apparently a summary of the flood story.
The people of that day, and of all practically 6000 years since who could not read, and were under the darkness of the Roman church would have relied on story telling of bible stories. I believe that the Lord put enough essential truths in the Old Testament stories to offer every man a choice – to seek to know the Good or evil. A basic choice.
This is pictured as plainly as possible in Gen 2-3. The Lord gave man one simple law. Adam and Eve chose to follow some other person's teaching about the trees instead of the Lord's teaching. That they ate the fruit of a forbidden tree was a bad act – but worse – the story illustrates the choice that most of mankind has made – we commit spiritual adultery, putting faith in someone else's teachings, rather than Scripture‟s plain, old message. In that day we die spiritually, like Adam and Eve.
Another intersting picture from the Old Testament flood story. The word "pitch" used by Noah to seal the ark, is the same word used to describe the "atonement" called for in Leviticus 16 Day of Atonement Ceremony -this is word #3722 in Stong's concordance -"kaphar" in Hebrew. Without the use of pitch the ark would not have carried it's members to the safety of a dry land. Any church “lifeboat” today not sealed with Jesus Christ's blood of the atonement sacrifice will not carry its members to His promised land.
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GOD‟S COVENANT THEOLOGY
Why did God give two covenants instead of one? One reason -to teach man His Ways, His Personality, His Attributes, and His Statutes. New Testament writers refer to the whole Old Testament as the Law (Greek word “nomos”). The Law is all of the writings of Moses, the prophets, and Psalms. Passages before and after the covenants, such as Genesis26:5 and Revelation14:12, teach us how God favors men who obey Him and keep His charge, His commandments, His statutes and His Laws. Genesis26:5 tells why God blessed Abraham. Mathew13:11-52 tells what the kingdom of heaven is like. (New American Standard text throughout).
A second reason for the first covenant is to present a framework of laws which later identified Christ as the only one to fulfill all of God‟s laws and typology of the Sanctuary and annual feasts (Lev23, 1Cor5:7,15:3,4,20,23). He is the First Fruits of the harvest of the faithful, and He is our Passover Lamb, and He is our Atonement sacrifice. His birth, life and death were according to scripture. Ours lives should be too.
A third reason for the first covenant is to present man with a plan of salvation. God taught man rules to obey so that he would live in harmony with God and not die. The devil gave men deceptive teachings to follow so that he would die. From the beginning, imposters have been allowed to operate to test lovers of truth (2Thess2: 7-12, 1Pet5:8, Rev12: 9). Daniel 7:23-25 prophesied that men would come along who would intend to change God‟s times and laws. There are Old Testament examples of God‟s laws being twisted. The serpent in the Garden of Eden changed God‟s rules by telling Eve that the Laws really kept you from being like God. Later, Jeroboam added a feast in the eight month to duplicate God‟s feast in the seventh month to lure people from following God. The little horn symbol in Daniel represents all those people through history who would intend to change God‟s rules to another time. A time they felt was just as meaningful, or seemingly honoring an occasion, but without sacrificing the reverent period of time.
Why did God change the theology of the way the New Covenant applied to man? The New Covenant had better promises. God said He would remember our sins no more and be merciful to our iniquities (Heb8: 12, 9:15). We are also promised eternal inheritance and a resurrection after Christ our first fruit.
The first covenant wasn‟t attractive to most people. Not many who accepted the first covenant repented or followed their God faithfully, only two out of the Israelite nation. These two became sanctified by the blood of their animal sacrifices, but many hardened their hearts and didn‟t serve God (Ezek16:15-34). The slaying of animals for sin offerings did not lead many to repentance. Samuel‟s sons even made the priesthood into a business.
Repetitive animal sacrifices remind us of sin (Heb10:1-3). If we must repeat animal sacrifices we are reminded of our sinful nature and feel the bondage of sin. The first covenant failed because man played the harlot, grew fat and kicked as predicted in Deut32: 15. The people were attracted to foreign gods and alien sacrifices. The pagan people had practices and traditions of worship to their gods that our creator God hated. God‟s people did not tear down pagan altars and did not drive out the pagan people that were left in the land as the Lord told them (Num33:55,56). Today many of us are not sincere enough about turning from sins we have been shown in our lives. Many repeat sins without victory (Heb10:26-31). Our unintentional sins are forgiven – but we must repent of repeating any known sins (Lev4:2,13,22,27-31, Lk24:47).
Some did serve God; Enoch, Abraham, Noah, and David, to name a few. Their testimonies from the Old Covenant remind us that a few people do choose to serve God. These remind us of our constant choice in life -who will we serve?
The second covenant is to cleanse our conscience to serve the living God. A man died for us – not just an animal and not just a man, but God Himself wanted to help us (Heb2:17,18, 10:19-25). The second covenant showed the love of God in His sacrifice. It also showed the expense of the more costly man/god life. It was the act of sacrificing Himself, showing us the kind of love He wants to see in us. Perhaps one might die for a good man, but Christ died for us while we were yet sinners(Rom5:7,8)! The second covenant is designed to show we have nothing to boast about. Our works of sacrificing for our sins, whether animal offerings or acts of love are imperfect and fall short of Christ‟s example of perfect love and motives.
Both covenants have the same laws, the first engraved on stone, and the second written on our hearts, if we allow. Neither covenant forces obedience. More blessings and happiness follow from obedience (Acts2:38,39, Eph1:1-14, Heb10:19-25,11-17). We are to repent and sanctify ourselves from the world in both contracts (Jer5:3, Ezek14:6,18:30, Mal3:7 and Lk13:3,5, 24:47, Acts3:19, 26:20, Rom12:1,2, 2Cor7:10). Scripture reminds us of our choices in both covenants. Deuteronomy 30:15-19,20 tells us to choose life and prosperity, or death and adversity. Acts3:19-23 tells us to heed Jesus and repent that times of refreshing may come. Scripture reminds us 1-you must choose, and 2 – there is only one of the choices that receives grace (Rom6:1-23 and Heb10:19-39)!
Why do we need God‟s mercy if we don‟t have any violations of his laws (Rom4:15). The testimony of the Old Covenant and the New Covenant used leprosy as a symbol of sin in stories and parables (Num12:1-12,2Kin5:3-27,7:39,2Chrn26:16-21,Mt8:1-3). If a person was sick with leprosy they were a sinner. Jesus taught, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means, „I desire compassion and not sacrifice,‟ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” We must grow to realize we are sinners (law breakers) and must seek repentance. The Old Testament and new both have warnings and reminders that we must make a choice (Deut12:29-32, Josh1:7, Heb10:19-29).
John 3:14-16 and Rev 22:17 remind us that „whosoever will‟ may come drink of the river of life, but only those who believe in God‟s only begotten son to cover their sins have eternal life.
Some men have intended to change the New Covenant and call that theology. The most common example of this error is to be seen regarding the interpretation of the fourth commandment which
tells us what day God wants us to consider holy, rest and worship. Of course it tells us when He rests -on the seventh day Sabbath (Ex20:8-11, Math12:8, Mk2:28, Lk6:5).
Sunday worship contradicts the bible Sabbath example of the Old Covenant testimony given to us in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms. If it is said that the seventh day Sabbath was part of the old Law, that is right. However, it is part of the New Covenant Law too. To say otherwise raises great contradictions to Scripture and violates all accepted principles of hermeneutics, not to mention voiding common sense.
SCRIPTURE INSTRUCTS US PLAINLY-THE OLD TESTAMENT IS FOR OUR EXAMPLE:
Mathew 5:17-20 …not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the law…
Romans 7:1 …do you not know brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law) that the law has jurisdiction over a man as long as he lives…
Romans 15:4 …whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction….
1Corintians 10:1-11…these things happened to Israel as an example, and
they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have
come…
Ephesians 2:19,20…you are of God‟s household, having been built upon the
foundation of the apostles and prophets…
2Timothy 3:15-17…the sacred writings are able to give the wisdom that
leads to salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ. All scripture is inspired by God and
profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every
good work.
2Peter 3:2…you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles.
Two points are very significant. First, that these passages say that all writings of the past and all examples are for us. They do not say that „most‟ of the examples are for us. Second, all the writings referred to at the time of these writings are the Old Testament.
Hermeneutic laws of scripture interpretation say to use didactic passages to interpret the vague passages. Acts 20:5-16 is a description of a historical incident which has yielded faulty theories based on men‟s eisegesis of the passage, or the interpretation of a text by reading into it one‟s own ideas. The time frame described is clearly stated as between the days of Unleavened Bread and the Lord‟s Feast of Pentecost. Surprisingly, some men pick out a vague incident of a gathering together to break bread on the first day of the week to interpret as a commandment to begin worshipping on that day in the future, but ignore that the person in the story obeyed two of the Lord‟s Holy Days, as we are commanded.
Another example of error in use of hermeneutic rules of interpretation can be found in Colossians 2:16. Again, it is an example where some men read their own prejudices into a text, to bring out a meaning which is not there. Many consult extra writings to research historical and cultural settings. However, this text simply commands us not to judge another persons Sabbath keeping, and not to let anyone else act as your judge in regard to your Sabbath keeping and other matters of the law. Paul expresses the same feelings elsewhere; we are to judge ourselves (1Cor11: 28-32). If we judge ourselves rightly, we should not be judged by God. Don‟t worry about others judging you. Let no one act as your judge (Col2:16).
Another example of error in interpretation can be found in the four gospel accounts. We find man giving a title to a portion of God‟s word that he likes, such as, “The Great Commission” and ignoring other commissions. Consider that Jesus gave final commissions to all the gospel writers; Mathew 28:19,20, that we should baptize and teach all nations all that Christ commanded us, Mark16:15, that we should preach the gospel to all creation, Luke24:47, that we should proclaim repentance for
forgiveness of sins in Christ‟s name to all nations, and John21:15, that we should shepherd God‟s sheep. We must interpret according to the Analogy of Scripture. Any portion of Scripture is subject to the illumination of all the rest. If we say that spreading the gospel to the world is Jesus‟ „great commission‟ but ignore his command to teach all His commandments we confuse many who wonder why they need grace if there is no transgression of a law. Jesus always referred to scripture when answering people, and even after death He opened men‟s understanding of the scriptures, Moses, and the psalms. The bible does not contradict itself; and if we sometimes think it does, it is the result of not rightly applying the hermeneutic principles talked about here. We stiffen our necks or harden our hearts (uncircumcision) as some of the Old Testament examples warn against.
Again, the harmony of scripture must not be violated. For another example let‟s look at the surprisingly controversial fourth commandment. Or is it just inconvenient?
The seventh day Sabbath can be found clearly, or descriptions of it, which flow unbroken all the way through scripture, see Gen 2:2,3, 26:4,5, Gen 39:9(people knew God‟s laws and what sin was), Ex 16:4-30, Ex20:8-11, Deut5:12-15, Isaiah 56:1-6, 58:13,14, Jer 17:19-27, Ezek 20:10-26, Mt12:8, Mk2:28, Lk6:5, Acts13:27, 15:21, and Heb4:1-13, 13:8. Jesus affirmed that there was only one law. No jot or tittle will pass away from the Law (Greek word “nomos” means the Pentateuch, the Psalms, and the Prophets) until heaven and earth pass away. And they are all still here!
Another of the very basic rules of hermeneutics is that of interpreting Lexically, or according to the word meanings. If we are to repent to what the bible teaches we must use the bibles definitions of words as our goal. Many people trying to repent from “sin” want to change to become “good.” However they are not interested in the bibles definition of sin to find out from what they are to separate themselves. Yes, sin is evil, but more specifically it is „lawlessness‟ (1 John 3:4). John tells us to practice righteousness. The best definition of righteousness in scripture is found in Ezekiel 18:5-9.This includes law keeping and love keeping. The passage in 1John3:1-10 summarizes our duty topractice righteousness and to love. Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother. Jesus taught that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. These two sects kept the law dutifully but needed more love mixed with their deeds. We must love our neighbor but not neglect the foremost commandment to love God first. If we love Him we keep His commandments. Then be sure to include your neighbor in your love also.
There is no other alternative but to dispose of any theology which contradicts ALL of these conditions. If we follow the God of Israel of the Old Testament and the New Testament we must not follow any customs of the people around us which include heathen or pagan traditions. Scripture is very full of examples where the Lord expressed His hatred of mixing customs into His Law (2Kin17:619). These are Old Testament examples for us. For our instruction. Written by prophets. These are the sacred writings which give wisdom.
God‟s New Covenant Theology was to change the conscience of the defiled sinner, not His Law (Heb9:14,15). If we have Godly sorrow for our lawlessness (sins) we will give them up. Something made Paul want to keep the law – to love God (Rom7). The Holy Spirit was guiding him into all truth and teaching him of His gifts. The important point is that Paul kept following. If we stop following the Holy Spirit‟s guidance into all truth we will become like Lot‟s wife, another Old Testament example. Jesus, even in the New Testament warned us not to put our hand on the plow and look back –at our old ways. The Holy Spirit is to teach us how to be God‟s people. How do we blasphemeagainst a guide or teacher – by not following. Sin against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. (Gen 19:17,26, Mk3: 29, Lk9: 62, 17:32,33, Jn16:7-13).
God gave us examples of “law keepers”-the scribes and Pharisees. He also told us what was wrong with their approach – they relied on their performance of law keeping for righteousness (Rom9: 31-33). Had they been honest, they would have been sorry for their failure to keep God‟s laws with perfect love, which is a sin (Lev19: 18, Deut6:5). Therefore the enmity of the law was on them (Ezek18: 4)! We can surpass their righteousness by accepting the Savior‟s free gift of righteousness
through faith in Paul‟s gospel, “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scripture, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” (Math5: 20, 1Cor15: 3,4). If we observe God‟s laws as a love offering to Him, He will know that we love Him according to the Scriptures (John14: 15, 1John3: 10-21).
Our greatest desire and thirst should be to join God‟s people Israel. The testimony of both the Old and New Covenants contains no less than 35 different references commanding or alluding to the fact that FOREIGNERS ARE TO JOIN ISRAEL AND HAVE ONE LAW. Some of the more prominent texts are Ex12: 19,49, Lev 16:29,18:26, Num9:14, 15:15,16,26-29, Deut 5:14, 1Kin8:41-43, Jer12:14-17, Ezek14:6,7, Rom2;28,29(refers back to Jer9:23-26), Rom9:6-8,23,24,11:1-24, Eph2:11-20, Rev2:9, and 3:9(all texts listed as endnote). These last two references from Revelation remind us to be sure we imitate a true Jew like Paul (as he imitates Jesus – 1Cor4:1-16,11:1,2). Most people are unaware of many „background‟ texts in the book of Acts which reveal Paul‟s personal testimony. Following are several scriptures showing his love and faithfulness to the Law of Moses; Acts 21:17-24, 24:14, 25:8, 28:17,23. Jesus of course was a Jew. He came to make grace and truth real to us. His life, death and resurrection were according to scripture. His answers to most people‟s questions were from scripture. If we live and die according to scripture then we will be raised according to scripture too!
The prophet Daniel prophesied that men would intend to make alterations in times and in law. This has also been true in many bible times such as Gen 3, 1Kin 12:32,33, and Ezek22:26, as well as after the main prophecy of Daniel 7:23-25. In Acts10;28, 2Thes2:3-12, 2Pet2:1-3, 1Jn2:18,19,2Jn7, Jude4, and Rev2:2 examples of deceitfulness in the testimony of New Covenant times is shown. Today in our time some have chosen the first day of the week as a worship day to celebrate the New Covenant hope of the resurrection. This is a very nice idea but is man‟s creation – not God‟s. God gave us ceremonies and traditions to keep to remember the resurrection and to be a sign of our rest in Christ‟s work. We must honor God‟s commandments not man‟s teachings (Mk7:6-9,13, 1Cor11:1,2, 2Thes2:7-15,3:6, Heb4:1-13). We must obey God rather than man, just as in Paul‟s day. Acts10:28 reveals that some changed God‟s laws of inclusiveness making His church into a segregated social club. The Jews taught that they were not to associate with foreigners. This was a teaching of Judaism, not scripture. This contradicts God‟s scriptures we have looked at which command foreigners to join Israel and have one law.
Man‟s new Covenant Theology distracts man away from God‟s Word and defaces God‟s Law. God‟s grace and His Wondrous works are dishonored by creating confusion and suggesting law changes that Jesus told us would never happen. THE LAW NEVER CHANGED – CONVERTS CHANGED TO BECOME GOD‟S PEOPLE ISRAEL, AND WE ARE NO DIFFERENT. The Old and New Covenants were both offered to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Scripture has no record of the Lord making a covenant with a pagan nation or gentiles.
In conclusion, we can see that mans‟ new Covenant Theology creates deceptive lies designed by the enemy, just like in Paul‟s day. Scripture passages such as the dreams of Daniel and their corresponding interpretations warn us that such men or organizations would come along and be opposed to submission to God and His Laws. In Jesus‟ day many of the sects taught a polluted scripture by adding or subtracting to God‟s word. Jesus would explain in the Sermon on the Mount; “You have heard…..but I say to you,…” Many zealots of His day changed scripture to sell their own theories and doctrines. Jesus warned; “From the days of John the Baptist until now the king of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.”
God will judge our heart. If a new convert is thirsty and is given enough time, will he follow God‟s ways? Hebrews 4:12 teaches that the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged-sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Some may turn back from following Jesus and actually set aside God‟s Law after having earlier been led into it by the Spirit of Truth. These people can be a great stumbling block and a great deceiving influence to a young follower. The final outcome of a deluding influence such as one of these is apparently decided in a final court according to Heb10:28.
Jesus taught us not to condemn others, but He warned us to beware of false prophets. Some come in sheep‟s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Paul warned of the way wolves work in Acts 20:29,30. We can know them by their fruits. Jesus said; “Not everyone who says to Me, „Lord, Lord,‟ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” To some He will say, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”
So it is a matter of whose laws are followed and taught. Whose mighty works are proclaimed? Man‟s theology, like the little horn of Daniel, usually turns out boastful, talking more about their ideas than proclaiming the glory of God and His perfect laws and His perfect redemption from the enmity of the law, which calls for our death.
The Good News is that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, the first fruits of all those who believe and follow Him. He proclaimed repentance (from lawlessness) for forgiveness of sins (lawlessness). Let us not pass up so great a salvation!
If we have not died to the law as Paul plainly teaches as a necessity (Rom7: 413), we must repent to God‟s ways. We must die to the Law. The Law will not die to us. The Law outlives us – we are under the laws jurisdiction as long as we live (Rom 7:1, 1Pet2:24).
In the case of the Sabbath. It has been around for six thousand years. In the eyes of some men who have set aside the Law of Moses the Sabbath may appear to be in crisis. But there are a few who still follow the Lord of the Sabbath, and express our love to Him in the way He taught.
Endnote from page 4.9 listing references alluding to the fact foreigners are to join Israel and have same laws; Ex12:19,12:49,Lev16:29,30,17:8,10,12 ,13,15,18:26,24:16,22,25:6,35,Num9:14,12:1, 15:14,16,26,29,30,19:10,35:10,15,Deut1:16,5:14,10:19,26:11,29:11,2225,31:12,Josh8:35,20:9,1Kin8:41-43,Est8:17,Is56:3-8,Jer12:1417,Ezek14:6,7,8,47:21-23,Mt28:19,20,Rom2:27-29,9:6-8,23,24,11:124,1Cor12:13,20,Eph2:11-19,4:4-6.
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GOD‟S PLAN OF SALVATION SEEN IN HIS FESTIVALS
Jesus Christ came to save sinners (1Tim1:15, NASB throughout). The Festivals of Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Wave Sheaf Offering, Feast of Harvest, or Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles show the Lord‟s plan of salvation and include this essential truth!
The appointed times, sometimes called “Feasts” of the Lord, are summarized in Holy Scripture found in Leviticus Ch 23. The word “feast,” Strong‟s #H2282 &H 4150, means; an appointment, a fixed time or season, an assembly convened for a definite purpose, a solemn time. These feasts picture Jesus as our Deliverer, and through these annual feasts we see how He provides for our salvation as we grow into His family. We do this by eating His spiritual food in due season (Ps104:27).
We are to feast on the good news of redemption provided by Jesus Christ‟s sacrifice. Thus we are to eat His flesh and drink His blood (Jn6:53).
The Israelite people are pictured in bondage before the first of the Lord‟s appointed times, the Passover (Ex12). They were crying out to God from their helpless position (Ex3:7). We learn that God delivered them out of bondage in Egypt (Deut5:15).
We can have that same deliverance that is portrayed in the Feasts in our own lives as we follow God‟s Festival Plan. This plan matches the NT ideas in Eph 2, and 1Jn1:7, 9. Just as Paul taught in the NT, the OT Festivals teach the ministry of condemnation and the ministry of the spirit. As you read all these scriptures, compare one idea to another and to the whole bible story. Let scripture interpret itself. If we do not make any human additions or subtractions to the ideas taught, we can expect a blessing and eternal life.
Let us now walk through each appointed time and see how they can apply in our lives to give
us the hope of forgiveness, repentance, and salvation. The “Romans Road” is a popular simplified outline for salvation, but we shall see that it does not place emphasis on some such things as purifying ourselves from defilement of flesh and spirit (2Cor7:1) as the Lord does.
PASSOVER. The first annual appointed time is the Feast of Passover. The Egyptian Pharaoh would not let God‟s people go free to worship the Lord (Ex10:24-28), so the Lord decreed that every first born son in the land was to die (Ex11:4-7). This feast recalls how the Lord called for his people to sacrifice an animal without defect to be substituted for the death of any firstborn sons (Ex12:3-13, Rev7:14, 12:11). The people were to put blood of a substitute lamb on the door of their house to be delivered from the Lord‟s death decree.
Today, we need the Lamb‟s blood on us to be delivered from our earthly house of sin in our members (Rom6-7, 2Cor4:10-5:10, 1Jn1:7), and begin our „exodus‟ to our spiritual house of promised blessings and opportunity. Peter exhorts us to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood (1Pet1:2). Follow the sprinkling of blood through the bible. It was on the skin covering the Lord gave Adam and Eve to cover their Nakedness. It was applied to the doorpost of the house. It was sprinkled on the altar of sin offerings in the temple. It was sprinkled in the Holy place of the temple on the top of the arc of the covenant where the tablets of law were contained. Today, our bodies are the temple of the Lord (1Cor6:19), and our hearts are to have God‟s law written on it, and we are to be sprinkled with His blood. In the NT we find Satan, rather than Pharaoh, not wanting to let us go to fellowship with the Lord. Only those who apply the blood of the sacrificial Lamb of God to their house are redeemed from the curse of the law.
FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD. The second annual appointed time is the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Scripture tells us that God‟s law is unleavened bread (Ex13:79, Rom7:12). We learn that Jesus, called The Word of God, is the bread that came down from heaven (Jn 6:32-35). He is humble, not puffed-up, sinless, and unleavened (Heb4:15). We are to eat Jesus – the Word of God personified (Jn1:1, 14). The Lord taught us to pray daily “Father, give us this day our daily bread,” (Mt6:11).
Examples of people going astray because of eating someone else‟s bread, or teachings other than our Lord‟s are;
1-Adam and Eve were ashamed because of following the teachings of the serpent instead of God‟s teachings (Gen3:1-7), and they hid themselves in shame (Gen3:8).
2-God‟s people turned away after following Him in the Exodus for 40 yr. (Heb3:6-19).
3-God‟s people turned away after 70 yr. exile and wouldn‟t return to His ways and to His promised land because they liked Babylon‟s ways better.
4-God‟s people consulted mediums and spiritists instead of consulting their God (Is8:19).
5-God‟s people hewed broken cisterns that can hold no water rather than drinking from the fountain of living water, their God (Jer2:13).
Finally, at the end of scripture (Rev13:15, 16), we see that following Satan causes a mark on the forehead and hand which is a counterfeit of the mark the Lord looks for, as Exodus 13:9 speaks about in the Feast of Unleavened Bread. We must always have the Law of the Lord in our foreheads and in our mouths, and as the work of our hands (Dt6:5 -8, Mk12:30). We will also have the Lord‟s mark on our forehead if we sigh and groan over the abominations which are being committed in the midst of the Lord‟s temple (Ezek9:4). This can be the Lord‟s church and cam mean in our bodies!
As we follow Jesus, as the people did on the exodus from Egypt, we are to take His yoke upon us and learn of Him, to become disciples and to discipline ourselves to His ways (Mt11:29,30, Lk6:40). We are to repent, to stay free and not be taken prisoner again (Mt11:20-22, Col2:8). We must only eat of His word, not others‟ teachings. Jesus said; “If you abide in My word then you are disciples of mine,” (Jn 8:31, 32).
We must see the importance of following only the Lord‟s teaching on our journey. To follow Him otherwise, you will probably go astray like Adam and Eve and many of the other Old Testament Israelites. Approximately 95% of those exiled in Persia were influenced enough by that worldly culture to stay in Persia. Less than 5% returned when the Lord called them to rebuild the Lord‟s temple, although the return journey back to rebuild the Lord‟s temple was completely paid for by the Persian King (2Sam24:9, Ezra2:64)!
Numerical Key of Spring and Fall Festival Patterns: The Passover and 7 days of Unleavened Bread include the pattern of (1 + 7 days) which is found in the Spring Feast period. This is the reverse of the pattern found in the fall feast period. The fall Feast of Tabernacles is 8 days also, but (7 days + 1) instead. The fall pattern is the same as all the other cleansing ceremonies of Leviticus
Chapters 12 – 15, which is 7 days cleansing + an 8th day of atoning sacrifices. When we see the opposite pattern, think of the opposite meaning -the opposite of a cleansing pattern. We will call this a “defilement ceremony” because we learn of the condemnation charged to us.
See chart on last page.
Both 2Cor3:8, 9 and Colossians 2:13, 14 speak of the ministry of condemnation. We have enmity against us in decrees for breaking God‟s laws – death decrees – or recorded sins. Other references to this record are; “The soul who sins will die,” ( Ezek 18:4), and “In the day that you eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil you will die,” (Gen 2:17). Paul describes two ministries; that of the Law and that of the Spirit (2Cor3:8, 9). The Law, or ministry of condemnation, brings an awareness of violations, or transgressions and impurity to God‟s ways (Rom3:20, 4:15, 5:13, 20, 7:7), thus showing we are defiled or sinful. This Spring Feast pattern should bring a self examination and awareness of condemnation, comparing ourselves to God‟s standard (1Cor11:2832). How do we know we are sinners? By eating God‟s law. This is the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Ex13:9, Jn5: 45-47, 1Cor5:7, 8, Rev10: 9, 10).
In scripture, we find the idea of a new beginning represented by the number 8. So we are presented with the idea of the Feast of Unleavened Bread teaching us a new life of awareness to the sin in our members (Rom3:20, 4:15, 5:13, 20, 6:23, 7:7) or bringing us the bad news of condemnation of death due to sin (Gen2, Ezek18, Rom 6:23). The Feast of Tabernacles teaches of a cleansing (2Cor7:1) and a new life of growth producing fruits of the Holy Spirit as He lives in us. Both the Spring and Fall Festival Periods teach new beginnings, identified by the number 8. One is a new beginning when we confess our sinfulness and the other a new beginning when we cleanse ourselves to make a house for the Father, Savior, and Holy Spirit (Jn14:16-24). This is a new beginning, coming to understand our condition and our need of redemption. See Chart at end of article.
THE WAVE SHEAF OFFERING. After the people entered the Promised Land, they were to observe all the appointed times of Leviticus 23. The Wave Sheaf Offering (Lev23:9-14) of the first fruits of the grain harvest would be cut and offered on the day after the Sabbath, which is widely accepted to be the weekly Sabbath during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It was on a first day of the week when Jesus rose from the tomb and ascended to heaven and was accepted as first fruits offering (Jn20:1, 18, 1Cor15: 20-23). This Wave Sheaf represents Jesus Christ. It showed the significance of Jesus Christ being our First Fruits (1Cor15:23). Jesus Christ was the First Fruits of all those who follow Him and worship Him and want to be included in the final wheat harvest pictured in Mt 13:40-43. He was accepted by God as the first wave sheaf of the spring wheat harvest. We are supposed to be the wheat crop that follows – growing among the tares of the world (Mt13 parables).
It is interesting that most people forget to observe this appointed time, or replace it with a
man made day, because it does not require a rest. Spiritually we must rest in Christ for our acceptance in heaven. A wave offering is an appeasement before the Lord, to appease His wrath against sin and make peace by atoning for our sins. The word “wave‟ should be translated as „lift up or elevate‟ which could picture a type of resurrection, (Bill Bratt, in “Jesus Fulfilled the Wave Sheaf Offering.”)
In Leviticus all the offerings that men would offer as wave offerings were without defect, and the wave sheaf of grain is the offering to God, waved as an appeasement and sign of peace, in hope that the whole harvest would be accepted. Today armies still wave a white flag as a surrender gesture.
This Feast pictures Jesus, the Word of God which we are to eat (Jn16:3358). This wave sheaf was not broken, ground, leavened or baked into a loaf as an offering. Jesus did not have any bones broken or sin in Him (Jn19:36, 1Jn3:5). The wave sheaf and the Feast of Unleavened Bread give us the picture of unpuffed pure grain to eat. Scripture pictures leaven as pride. Jesus‟ offering is the opposite – humble (Phil2:1-8).
FEAST OF HARVEST . This was also called the Feast of Weeks, and is now commonly called the Feast of Pentecost. The Lord‟s early followers counted to the Harvest Feast by counting seven Sabbaths (7x7 days) from the day the wave sheaf was cut (Lev23:15, Dt16:9) to the day after the seventh Sabbath, or 50 days. This represented a judgment of our condition. Why is this so?
The 7x7 pattern is also used to count to a jubilee year – the year of release from the bondage of debt and servitude (Lev25: 10). The rental value of cropland diminished as the jubilee year of release draws near (Lev25:15, 16). A person was to continue examining himself to the unleavened word of God after eating the Unleavened Bread of God‟s Law, and examine himself to the Wave Sheaf of first fruits, Jesus (1Cor11:28-31), during the count down to the Spring Harvest Festival.
Jesus is the perfect manifestation of the law (or the goal of the law – Jn1:14-17, Rom10:4). A person should see that he comes up short of the glory of God (Rom3:23). We are like cropland. Jesus taught that we our heart is like soil in the parable of the sower (Mt13:). We must cultivate it to control conditions from becoming thorny or rocks (Mt13:20-22). In the Jubilee symbolism, the value of the cropland of our heart would become less as we near the Harvest
–if we judge the body rightly. We begin to see the shame of our condition. We are impure and puffedup – of little value. Therefore these Spring Festivals serve as the ministry of condemnation that Paul speaks about in 2Cor3:8 and 9.
During this ministry of condemnation we must not fail to see God‟s Grace. He accepts sinners that repent, but does not accept people who think they are righteous! In His acceptance of the first fruits of the Spring harvest we see the Good News that we can be accepted if we are in the wheat crop – not the tares (Mt13:24-30, 36-43). In life we choose whether we will become wheat instead of tares. If we eat of His laws and compare ourselves to Him we will not be puffed-up, or be leavened. He wants us to be unleavened from pride. We must see and confess our shame.
God knows we are not pure. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God ( Is1:1 -31, Rom3:11 -23). He knows this but some of us do not. These pictures and several scriptures show we are sinners. “You were dead in your trespasses and sin,” Eph2:1, “Abraham was as good as dead,” Rom4:19, “We died to the law,” Gal2:19. He wants us to realize that we have sinned and are prideful (1Jn2:16), and see we are condemned by the law. From these scriptures we can see one of the most important bible themes is that God brings forth life from the dead.
Scripture used the word “nakedness” (Strong‟s #6172) to mean nakedness, disgrace, shame,
or uncleanness. The beneficial truths such as shame, as part of the plan of festivals, are relevant today.
Shame is recognized by another popular mind; Dr. Joyce Brothers, article in a Parade Magazine Article dated 27Feb05:
“Adam and Eve were ….ashamed of having gone against the will of God.” “Certain types of shame can be beneficial. Good shame is an experience that is instructive. Positive shame occurs when we see ourselves as we really are.” “Maybe it‟s time to invite the useful aspects of shame back into our culture.”
God knows we still sin, therefore, He told us to present a leavened offering at the end of the Feast of Harvest (Lev23:16). An impure offering is all that we are
able to give.
The CONFESSION. We are told specifically twice (in Lev 23:2 and 4) to make a declaration at all of the appointed times of Lev23 Describing the Feast of Harvest in Lev23:21, we are especially told to make a proclamation again. Why call out again a special reminder of a proclamation for this day and not the others?
This special declaration is emphasized in addition to the announcements of the Festivals. None of the other appointed times remind us to make a special declaration. I submit that this extra emphasis was to declare that we see our sinful, leavened, or puffed-up condition. This is not just another announcement of the individual appointed time. This is a confession after examining ourselves, after comparing the perfect wave sheaf –the Son of God – our Unleavened Bread our Righteous Deliverer and Savior Jesus - to the condition of our own imperfect (unrighteous) sheaf.
This happens after we have eaten God‟s Unleavened Bread, which is His Law, which is His Son (Jn6:32 -58). Then we will see our leavened, puffed up, sinful condition compared to the Righteous, Holy Standard (Rom7:12). In Egypt, His first followers acknowledged the condemned status of their firstborn by applying the lamb‟s blood to the door of their house to appease God‟s wrath.
Before disagreeing with this explanation of the idea behind the special proclamation of the “Harvest Festival,” or “Feast of Weeks,” realize that this sequence of pictures from the Exodus parallels 1John1:5-9 in the New Testament. Consider the description of the Exodus where God‟s people followed the pillar of fire going before them as the Lord led His people out of Egypt, or darkness. Read Exodus 13 and 14, and then read in 1Jn1:5-10;
“God is light, and in Him there is not darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son (the Passover Lamb) cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us (we remain in Egypt). If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us.” John saw the purpose of the Spring Festivals and the pattern which is opposite of a cleansing ceremony.
From “Jack: The Life of C. S. Lewis.” p277, George Sayer, Crossway Books, 1941:
“Lewis wanted to talk about the law of nature, or objective right and wrong, because in modern England the New Testament assumption that people believed in natural law and knew that they had disobeyed it was no longer accurate. The first step….was to help people recover
a sense of guilt.”
When we realize this “bad news” of sin in our members by observing the spring “Condemnation ceremony,” like Paul (Rom7:14-23, 1Tim1:15), we hunger and thirst after some “GOOD NEWS” – the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ came to save sinners. We must come to realize we are sinners – law violators, to be harvested by Him. We must call out; “Wretched man that I am, who will deliver me from this bondage of sin ? Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (read Rom 6 and 7 through Rom 8:1).
After we believe in Jesus as our Deliverer, we will see Him from the eyes of one of His disciples and He will give us a comforter – the Holy Spirit to guide us on our journey. This is just as Israel had His Spirit to guide them (Ex32:34, 33:14). The Spirit convicts us of sins, righteousness, and judgment, and guides us into all truth. The rest of our journey to become as our teacher, Jesus, is for purifying ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit while still living in the world (Jn17:14, 15, Rom12:1, 2, 2Cor7:1). We must avoid ways and teachings other than those from Jesus, our Teacher. The bible is full of examples of some who followed the Lord‟s teachings, and there are examples of some who followed other‟s teachings and were led to sin and spiritual death ( Adam and Eve, Saul, Solomon, Judas).
The SECOND HALF of the Festival Year As the Lord gives the Holy Spirit to confessing sinners after the Feast of Harvest, or Pentecost, we should begin to produce fruits of the Spirit (Gal5:22, 23 John16:7-13). After the summer season of growth, the Lord will look at us to see if we bear fruit to gather at the second harvest in the fall (Ex23:16, Jn15:1-8).
We see the Lord‟s Grace continuing through His Plan of Salvation to draw us into growth and purification of our souls. We should yield our will and our life over more to the Lord out of gratitude for all He has revealed to us about our relationship with Him, and for His delivering us from the bondage of sin. However, if we have no fruit, we will be cut out from His people (Jn15:2, 6).
This fall festival begins with the FEAST OF TRUMPETS, which announces to us to gather and convene an assembly (Num10). This gives us hope of harvest if we heed the warning signs and signals and are ready to gather at the Lord‟s appointed time – the calling of a solemn assembly. In Revelation the trumpets announced coming judgment - either to condemnation or to eternal life – our choice (Dt30:15-18, Jn3:16).
The next appointed time is the DAY OF ATONEMENT. Two goats without defect are required as sin offerings since they picture Jesus. One is to provide a blood covering for our sins. In this ceremony from Leviticus Ch 16, blood is sprinkled on the arc containing God‟s law. In the New Covenant Jesus Christ‟s blood must be sprinkled on our hearts, where the God‟s Law is to be written (Heb8:10, 1Pet1:3). We must accept the “covering” that Jesus provides. (The covering is the “Atonement”) (Strongs #3722). Jesus provides the covering, just as Adam and Eve accepted a covering for sin, which would have been a blood stained skin. We must trust in Jesus‟ Righteous Sacrifice to redeem us from our death sentence, and also to bare away the guilt of sin, like the second goat in Atonement Day ceremony, to appease God‟s wrath. Read about the propitiation, or appeasement in (Lev 16, Rom 3: 24, 25).
The people were to humble their souls, or deny themselves, on the Day when the Lord provided Atonement to cover their sins (Lev23:27-32). It is a day of complete rest from work. This was a state of denying everything to them selves. This would help them to hunger for the atonement from God, for which they have come to see the need. After learning from the previous appointed times of the year the people would see more clearly the need of having their uncleanness and their transgressions covered. The Atonement Day pictured the need for us to be humbled by the blood sacrifice required to purify even the altar where our sin sacrifices are made.
Today, we must sacrifice ourselves. See the picture in the short book of Philippians in the NT. Most people observing the Day of Atonement try to fast to weaken their will.
The idea of leavened bread is very important in scripture. Bread with leavening puffs up. Unleavened bread is not puffed up. The Lord wants us to be humble, not prideful, or puffed up. He wants us to eat of the teachings that will be examples of humility, not pride. That is why He says to eat of His flesh and blood, they are humble fruits. That is why He says to humble our selves on the Day of Atonement. We must go through humility to see the Atonement that we need before the Lord, just as we must be born again with the Holy Spirit to see the Kingdom of God.
The last appointed time of the year is the FEAST OF TABERNACLES. The description in Leviticus says; “Celebrate the seven day feast, with a rest day on the 1st and 8th days,” (Lev23:33-39).
This description of days should catch our attention! It should remind us all of the cleansing ceremonies in the law. All the cleansing ceremonies for a person use 7 days + 1 day, to add up to 8 days. They are for cleansing uncleanness. One of these ceremonies is the leper cleansing ceremony, which significantly occupies the exact center of God‟s Law – the middle chapter, of the middle book of the five books of the Law.
The cleansing ceremony for a leper, or OT sinner, was 7 days of cleansing + an 8th day for atonement offerings and anointings of the type that were given to kings and priests. In the NT, a sinner is to be cleansed – to be separated from defilement (world, lust, flesh), and atoned for -- and anointed as a king and priest (1Pet2:110)! A 7 day period represents attaining spiritual completeness. A new beginning represented by the eighth day would follow. This new beginning is the new birth Peter writes about in 1Peter Ch 1.The 8 day feast at the end of the Lord‟s Festival Plan of Salvation means that we have beenprepared for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to make Their abode in us (Jn 14:17, 23).
The Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes the Lord coming to make His abode with us. In fact, history supports that it is at this time of year when it is most likely that Jesus the Christ was born. You are to feast on our Lord when He comes to make His abode in you. We must continue to come out of the “world,” (1Jn2:15, 16). In the big picture of the plan of salvation we have been shown grace. Then we are to respond to the grace to show we are repenting. Jesus told His disciples, “Unless you eat My flesh and drink My blood you have no life in you.” The festival plan which pictures His salvation uses “FEASTS” because it is this plan we must eat of to enter God‟s rest. The GOOD NEWS saves us from the BAD NEWS!
CONCLUSION
Remember the opposite numerical patterns. The Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread includes the pattern of 1 + 7 days and is found in the Spring Festival Period. This is reverse of the pattern found in the Fall Festival Period which includes the Feast of Tabernacles where we find a 7 + 1 day pattern.
These patterns are to show that we are spiritually complete – first in our sinful uncleanness, and finally by following the Lord‟s plan for salvation we can be spiritually complete in His Righteousness. These help us see the Lord‟s grace is needed all of our life as we restore fellowship with our Lord. This is done in trust grounded obedience, or as our “obedience of faith” grows, as Paul described our life after we know to accept Jesus‟ redemption (Rom1:5, 16:26). This is our deliverance from the bondage of sin, and our growth in fruits of the Spirit, and righteousness.
The plan of salvation seen through scripture in the Old and New Testaments becomes apparent when we look at the pattern of days which the Lord declares as sacred “appointed times,”
rather than man made church declared holidays, which were built around man made religious idea to celebrate as fun for children. See why the adversary of our Lord would substitute other holidays to remove these teachings from the church.
Jesus taught; “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his own life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal.” (JN12:24, 25).
From the plan set forth through these appointed times, or feasts of scripture we can learn we have violated God‟s law and are condemned to die. This is the bad news. However, if we confess our sins (Rom10:9, 1Jn1:9) we can be reborn spiritually. This is the Hope of the Gospel because Jesus Christ died for our sins, according to scripture, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day, according to scripture. We are saved if we cling to this good news (1Cor15:1-4).
This plan of salvation explains the Good News of salvation provided by Jesus Christ. The salvation is explained by the seven feasts. They are called feasts so that we will be attracted to eat this part of His word (Jn 6:53-55). Peter writes that when we come to Him we are built up as a holy priesthood (1Pet 2: 5). Like the priest in the OT sanctuary we must eat of the sin offering by which atonement was made (Lev8:31).
“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God,” (2Cor7:1).
A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher ( Lk 6:40). The Festival Plan of scripture is for our spiritual growth. To become as Jesus – consider how we grow by feasting on Him in these appointed times. Consider each time as a thought picture on which to feast Jesus tells us to eat His flesh (the Word of God) and drink His blood.
Passover – a deliverance from the death decree of sin offered for following the Lord‟s teachings, putting faith in His blood sacrifice.
Feast of Unleavened Bread – eat only from the unleavened bread of scripture to learn God‟s true ways of how we should live in humility before Him, and
remain in fellowship with Him in His Promised Land, or Inheritance.
Wave Sheaf Offering – The Christ was accepted as a pure offering of the first fruits of all
the harvest of mankind who follow Him.Feast of Harvest – is also called the Feast of Weeks – or Feast of Pentecost;
if we examine ourselves according to His Law, we should see our needto confess that we fall short of the glory of God – we are sinners. If we compare ourselves to Christ‟s offering, we should see the great need we have of a Redeemer – and the Good News of our Deliverance by Him. The Good News is that He came to save sinners! We are accepted as a disciple and given the Holy Spirit to learn to walk in His ways and practice the Truth.
Feast of Trumpets – we are told of the coming battle and judgment. So we should want todrive out all defilement from our hearts and lives.
Day of Atonement – we see how our sins are covered and their remembrance is removed, so we are safe from God's wrath through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.
Feast of Tabernacles – we cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit so that
God will come and be our Father and we will be His sons and daughters, to be kings and queens to rule with Him for a thousand years.
To download CHART ONLY of "GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION SEEN IN HIS FESTIVALS"
Atonement
The Lord's 2nd fall festival is coming - The Day of Atonement. It is the second of the fall festivals. First is the feast of Trumpets, second is the Day of Atonement, and third is the feast of Tabernacles - collectively called Tabernacles.
The day is described in Leviticus 16 and is mentioned in the Lord's appointed times in Leiticus 23.
The day is a solemn picture of what Jesus has done for us:
Old Testament picture;
The high priest entered the Holy place of the temple once a year to sprinkle blood on the mercy seat which was on top of the arc of the covenant. The arc contained the 10 commandments written on stone.
The Lord appears above the cloud over the mercy seat, to judge His people's sins. When He looks
down at the Law, He will see it through the blood stained covering on the arc.
New Testament picture; We are the temple of God. The Father and Jesus make their abode in us, and He sened the Holy Spirit to be in us as a guide and interpreter (Jn 14:17-21). Jesus is our sin offering (Jn 1:29, Rom 3:24,25, 1 Jn 2:2). In the New Covenant our hearts are to have His Laws written on them (Heb 8:10). We are told that we can have confidence to enter the holy place and have full assurance of faith because our hearts are sprinkled clean by the blood of Jesus (Heb 10:1-22). If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us of our sins, and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 Jn 1:9).
Another intersting picture from the Old Testament. The word "pitch" used by Noah to seal the ark, is the same word used to describe the "atonement" called for in Leviticus 16. This is word #3722 in Stong's concordance - "kaphar" in hebrew. Without the use of pitch the ark would not have carried it's members to the safety of a dry land. Any church today not sealed with Jesus Christ's atonement sacrifice will not carry its members to His promised land.
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A STUDY OF OUR LORD’S UNLEAVENED BREAD
The second appointed time of the Lord is The Feast of Unleavened Bread. In scripture leaven symbolizes moral corruption. All leavening was to be cleaned out of their houses. This is a picture of us cleaning out our spiritual houses of anything that would puff up our pride and encourage our self will against God's ways (Exodus12:15-20, 13:3-16, Lev23:6-8, NASB).
Does this Feast of the Lord apply to Me? In Ex 12:38 and 49 we are shown that a mixed multitude left Egypt with the Lord. Some aliens and Egyptians joined Israel. Whether Israelite or aliens, all need to be delivered from physical, emotional or spiritual bondage. Many are puffed-up (leavened with pride at their level of goodness).
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God‟s people were to clean out all leavening from their homes (Ex13:7). They were to eat unleavened bread for 7 days. The New Testament teaches the unleavened idea also;
--Math 16:6 ..”Watch out for the leavening of the scribes and Pharisees.”
-1Cor5:6,7 ..”clean out the old leavening”
-2Cor7;1 ..”cleanse yourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit.”
The Feast of Unleavened Bread, like the Passover, points to Jesus (John 6:3142). The Passover taught us to eat Jesus flesh and blood. The Feast of Unleavened Bread teaches us to 1-show Jesus in our lips and 2-in our renewed spirit. Show Him we desire to fellowship with Him.
A major theme through the New Testament writings is the renewing of our minds from being focused on the world and the flesh, to focusing of the things of the Spirit. The Feast of Unleavened Bread calls us to give up the “puffed-up” things and replace them – eat of the humble things – those of our Lord. We must rest in His work (Math11:28-30, Rom 8: 5-10, Phil4:8,9).
Why keep this Festival? Holy scripture says that observing this rite will serve as a
sign on the forehead and on the hand – that the Law of the Lord may be in your mouth.” What is the sign, or mark (Ex13:9)?
THE FIRST MARK – Exodus 13:6-10.
“Keep this rite when you enter Canaan” (Ex13:5). This is a symbol of us entering into Rest in Christ Jesus (Math11:29). We are following the Lord‟s Holy Spirit to rest in Christ (Eph 1:1-14). We must defeat the natural influences of “the world” (Numbers 33:50-56, Judges 2:1-3, Gal5:16-26, Col3:1-14).
We must have the Lord‟s Law in our mouth (by eating unleavened bread) as we pass through many other teachings and factions of religious beliefs. Remember, the Lord is the One who delivered us, Ex13:8. Scripture says to tell our son that observing this time will serve as a mark on our forehead and our hand!
THE SECOND MARK -Exodus 13:11-16;
We know from Eph 2:1, “You were dead in your trespasses and sins.” Jesus said, “Unless one is born from above you cannot see the kingdom of God.” Paul said, “God brings forth life from the dead.” Our old nature needs to die, so our new man may be born,” (Rom 6:1-11, 7:14-25, 2Cor4:16-18).
We are to devote our firstborn to the Lord. In 1Cor15:44-46 Paul tells us that we have two natures. The natural is first, then the spiritual. We are to redeem our” first born” natural man with a lamb. We learn that the Lamb of God came to redeem us – to live on as a spiritual man (Rom8:6-10).
Paul spends allot of his writing about setting your mind on the spirit – not on the flesh (Rom6-8, 12:1,2, 1Cor15:39-46, 2Cor5:1-10, 2Cor7:1, Gal5:13-25, Eph4:17-24, Col3:1-10). Scripture says that redeeming our “first born” will serve as a sign on your hand and a sign on your forehead. Observe unleavened bread spiritually to serve as goals to redeem your natural man to a spiritual man.
Consider how strong bridges are built -by pouring concrete into plywood forms. Which is more important, the forms or the concrete? The first mark shows we are forming our life to God‟s law. The second mark shows we are spiritually redeeming our natural man to carry our Lord‟s testimony. Which act is more important – the form or the substance? The form may assist us in realizing the substance.
Eat Jesus. Passover told us to eat the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ – His life and sacrifice. Unleavened Bread also tells us to eat Jesus Christ – the Word of God – God‟s Law. When we eat of Him and His Laws, and examine ourselves honestly – we see our sinfulness and see our need of Him, (1 Cor 11:28-32).
This makes the Gospel of Jesus Christ as good as it can be! When we call out our confession He gives us the Holy Spirit and begins cleansing us ( 2Cor7:1, Rom12:1,2, 1John 1:7-10).
Try to Eat Unleavened for 7 days. Try to avoid puffed-up foods (anything with leavening). See how easily leavening sneaks into our life.
Eat the Unleavened Bread. “Some did not receive the love of the truth, so as to be saved.” “For this reason, God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness” (2Thes2:7-12, Rev13:11-16, 14:1-12).
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The Four Rivers of Genesis
The Four Rivers description found in Genesis Ch 2:10-14 has a prominent place in scripture, sandwiched between the Creation and the fall! Here is scripture‟s first place to warn man that earth is a battlefield of the kingdoms of heaven and darkness. We must surrender to one or the other and bear the fruit of our choice.
Two fourths of the rivers were left covered with water after the great flood, the Pison River and the Gihon River. Now, only the Tigris River and the Euphrates River remain. This same pattern of 2/4ths, or ½ of something being taken away, or covered is validated because it runs all through scripture.1Here are some other instances; the first two tablets of commandments given on Mt. Sinai were broken, the second two remain. Joseph had two sons; The first born son who would normally have had the life of extra blessings of the “firstborn”, was supplanted by the second son who received the greater blessings. Also consider Christ‟s teachings on baptism, the Lord‟s Supper, Circumcision, and keeping the commandments. There is a natural experience and there is a spiritual experience. Also in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us to not only obey the Law with physical performance only, but to look beyond. Our righteousness must surpass that of the scribes and of the Pharisees. We must not sin in action or in our heart. We must love like our Father in heaven so that we may be sons of our Father. This pattern which runs through scripture is summarized in 1Cor15: 46 while describing the two Adams; “the first is natural, the second is spiritual.” There are other examples of this pattern.2
This pattern can also be seen in the two covenants. The first covenant is not gone, scripture still includes it and teaches it. Indeed some people still try to use it for salvation, rather than observe its laws to please God.3 Jesus offers the Good News – if we seek mercy for our failure to meet the first covenant requirements, He covers the legal requirements of death with His sacrifice and offers us the second covenant.4 The first is still taught in scripture, like the first two rivers. The second teaches the need to surrender to His offer of grace, and then bear the fruit that heaven endorses – love of God and man, mercy, and forgiveness.
Consider the meanings of some of the words that appear in the Four River account:
Eden; A river flowed out of Eden and became four rivers. Eden means “delight” S#5730,31. Man was to find delight worshipping God. We were to do this by obeying Him and serving Him, cultivating the garden. Cultivate means to till, serve, to worship, or be in bondage, S# 5647.
Havilah; means “circular” (S# 2341). Havilah is a symbol of heaven – heaven is the only territory in scripture, which has no end, like a circle.
Bdellium; can mean “pearl” (S# 916). It is curious that no translators currently use “pearl” for bdellium in Genesis 2. On our way to increased likeness with God, we need to successfully encounter irritants or trials to become a pearl. That is the way oysters create pearls-by covering irritants. New Jerusalem is to have many pearls – they are the way to enter – they are the gates.
Onyx; According to Webster‟s Dictionary, onyx means a translucent chalcedony in parallel layers of different colors, or precious stones.[5]Children of God are referred as precious stones in scripture scripture. Finally, precious stones are the foundation of New Jerusalem.6
NOTE: All the items in Havilah in Genesis Chapter 2 appear in New Jerusalem in Revelation Chapter 21. These descriptions of items in Havilah are in the second chapter from the front of the bible, and match descriptions of items in New Jerusalem in the second chapter from the back of the bible. This recognized chiastic pattern in scripture supports bdellium being translated as „pearl‟, and supports the „circular‟-never ending-Havilah as symbolizing heaven.
Cush; means Ethiopa, or black, ( S#3568 ). This is a symbol of darkness as opposed to the light of heaven.7
The PISON flows all around Havilah , or heaven, so the Pison represents teachings about heaven. Gen 2:11 says that Havilah has gold. Scripture study reveals that gold represents righteousness. Jesus is the righteousness of heaven ( the gold of Havilah).8 Heaven is where that is, and the gold of that land is good – only Christ has perfect righteousness. The Pison teachings include Christ and His righteous works for us, and how He would like us to live. At the end of scripture the eternal city has streets of gold. The gates of the city are pearl (bdellium) and the foundations to the city walls are decorated with every kind of precious stone, or chalcedony (onyx). The main subject of scripture is the description of how to get into the Kingdom of Heaven. This is also Christ‟s main teaching.9
Pison means “dispersive,” ( S# 6376 ). Heaven disperses blessings abundantly to the just and the unjust, and is dispersive of it‟s gold too. The verdict of “righteous” is freely given to all that repent and follow heaven‟s ways from a heart of love, not for a reward.
The GIHON flows all around Cush (or Ethiopia, representing black, or darkness). Darkness identifies all those lands and people who are separated from God, or who oppose God and His people Israel, so the Gihon represents teachings about darkness. Bible stories, history, parables and teachings describe people in this mortal, unregenerate, or spiritually dead condition.
Gihon (S#1521) means “stream.” Satan, the father of lies, constantly tries to attract men to his rebellious domain by teaching a constant stream of new deceptions and lies. People who do not choose to love God or be obedient to His ways will end up in darkness where there is “ gnashing of teeth” according to Christ‟s teachings.10 “There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in misery and chains, because they had rebelled against the words of God and spurned the counsel of the Most High.”1
The TIGRIS represents teachings about humbling oneself. There is no meaning for the word „Tigris‟-it is the name of a place ( S#2313). There is only one example in scripture at the Tigris River, the experience of Daniel humbling himself before the Lord and seeking understanding of God‟s ways.12 Daniel chose to humble himself because he wanted to go back to his homeland, and to God‟s ways. He knew the exile according to God‟s
word was almost over ( Dan 9:2, 7, 11, 12, 13, as related to Lev 26/ Deut 30 ). He was as far as he could go through Babylon and was at the farthest border from Canaan Land when he was at the Tigris River.
The Tigris is the east side of ancient Babylon and ancient Assyria also. Daniel was as far east as you could go through Assyria, or he was “east of Assyria” where the Tigris River flows, according to Genesis Ch 2. Daniel was symbolically where we must be too – deep into bondage and trials before we are ready to humble ourselves and seek understanding of the Lord‟s ways.
Easton‟s Bible Dictionary describes the Tigris as the “rapid” Tigris. Maybe we are to surrender rapidly before the Lord – Paul says, „Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “„the day of salvation.” This story represents teaching throughout scripture – humble yourself before God and seek understanding of His ways. Other examples of this message; Jeremiah‟s message to the King of Judah in Jer38: 17 is, „surrender and live,‟ paraphrased. Many of Christ‟s teachings are about our need to surrender our will.13
The EUPHRATES represents teachings about bearing fruit. We are told that this is the fourth river but we are not told where it flows. We find in geography that it flows very near the Tigris River and somewhat parallel to it, finally becoming one. Bearing fruit often comes near surrendering, and at the same time -or parallel with it. This idea of bearing fruit is found throughout scripture. If we turn our heart to love the Lord our God, to walk in His ways and His commandments we will have life and prosperity. If we do not follow His ways, scripture tells us we will have death and adversity. Living and working with God can bear fruit for His Kingdom.14 Euphrates (S#6578 ) means “to break forth,” or “fruitfulness.” Many texts are referenced in endnote 14, but the most graphic is the idea Jesus taught in Jn 12:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies; it remains by itself alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
There is progressively less described about each river, from the Pison to the Euphrates. If we accept the meanings of each river as just discussed, then the descending amounts of descriptions make sense. Scripture spends the most space describing heaven, less describing darkness or bondage, less space telling us that we must make a choice between heaven and darkness, and finally, points out that we will simply bear fruit according to our choice.
We see that scripture calls for growth and requires choices. Choose Pison or Gihon – light or darkness – bear good fruit or bad – the choice is ours. When we realize we have become a slave to sin by obeying impure laws, Holy Scripture offers us a choice of becoming slaves to righteousness instead of to sin. We can present the members of our body as slaves to righteousness resulting in sanctification,15and bearing fruit for Christ – reflecting His love, mercy, and forgiveness.16 The first two rivers are covered, but the last two are not. Their requirements remain – “surrender and bear fruit.” When we surrender to the Lord, the Holy Spirit guides us into the truth of how Jesus wants us to live and bear fruit so that others can eat of it.
The Four Rivers were placed between the Creation and the Fall as an outline of how we should find our way back to God when we fall. This scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.17
1 According to hermeneutic rule of analogy of faith, the testimony of any single portion of scripture is subject to the illumination of all the rest – the bible does not contradict itself.
2 Abraham had two sons; Ishmael first/ Isaac second.
Naomi had two sons die in Moab. Then Israelite women considered two later
relatives as “sons” to Naomi.
The first two Kings of Israel were Saul (natural)/ David (spiritual).
Consider Jesus‟ two natures; natural/spiritual. As men come to know Jesus from His personal testimony in history, the first nature is replaced by the spiritual. In Adam all die/in Christ all shall be made alive 1Cor15: 22 (NAS throughout).
3 love God-the great and foremost commandment Jn14:15, Mt22:36-38
4 if transgress first covenant, accept mediator‟s death – second covenant Heb9:15
[5] precious stones Ex39:6-14, 1Pet2:4,5, Rev21:19,20
6 layers of precious stones Rev21:14-20
7 darkness Deut28:15-29, Mt22:2-13, Mt25:30
8 gold = righteousness = Christ Rev3:18, Job22:21-25
9 kingdom of heaven parables Mt13, Lk4:43
10 choose light instead of darkness Jn3:19-21, 8:12, 12:35,36 ……see endnote 7
for gnashing of teeth
11 those who dwell in darkness Ps107:10,11
12 Tigris experience Dan10:4-12
13 surrender parables Mk8:34-38, Lk9:23-27, 13:3, Jn12:24-26, 2Cor6:2
14 bear fruit Mt7:15-20, Mk4:14-20, Jn12:24,25, 14:12, 15:1-8, fruit from Gen9:1 – James3:17
15 choose your slavery Rom6:16-18
16 bear fruit of the Holy Spirit to others – the second greatest commandment Jn15:1-17, 16:13, Gal5:22-24, Eph5:8-10, Mt22:36-39
17 all scripture inspired 2Tim3:16 _____________________________________________________________________
A STUDY OF OUR LORD'S PASSOVER
Why study the Passover? The Passover is the first of seven “Appointed Times,” or feasts of the Lord described in Lev23:4,5. They are commonly called “Feasts” of the Lord, because we are to eat of their teachings – as we are to eat of Jesus and His teachings. The appointed times are to teach God's people His plan of salvation – a step-by-step guide to God's promised rest in Jesus Christ. These appointed times present the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance into these deep things of God (1 Corinth 2:9,10). The Apostle Paul kept these Feasts.
We should develop a special interest in the Lord's “appointed times” because they set forth great New Testament bible truths that run from the Old Testament through the New Testament. Watch for these ideas in this study and in the next Feast of Unleavened Bread study;
--God passes over condemnation of law for those applying His blood
(Ex12:12,13).
– God's people were told to sacrifice a lamb and eat the flesh with the blood. Then apply some of the blood over the door of their house (Ex 12:7,12).
• Jesus is our Passover sacrifice (1 Corinthians 5:7,8).
• We are to apply Jesus‟ blood to our heart (1Pet1:3, Rev12:10,11).
Passover is the first step on the spiritual journey revealed by the seven appointed times. Grace is offered if we apply the Passover blood (Exodus Ch 12).
The Passover is the only time the Lord's followers were told to eat the flesh and drink the blood of a sacrifice. Eating of the Passover Lamb was to help them remember that the Lord is the One who provided deliverance from bondage we could not escape, and that we must apply the blood of the Lamb to our temporary house (our fleshly bodies) as a defense from the wrath of God against sin. Without the blood applied in the Exodus from Egypt, even God‟s people would have incurred His wrath.
Jesus said, unless we eat His flesh and drink His blood we have no life in ourselves (John 6:53). We need to eat of His life and drink of His sacrifice. The Lord gave His people appointed times to map out an official “ISREALITE ROAD” for us to follow on our way to the Promised Land. The popular “Roman's Road” is a short cut we must beware of – it doesn't tell us everything we will encounter on OUR JOURNEY. Short cuts can get you in trouble! We learn the Lord's ways by observing His people and grow through all that He wants us to learn. The Passover is a symbol of Jesus‟ death as a substitute for us and His blood shed for us.
CELEBRATE the Lord‟s Passover Feast. In the New Testament Paul tells us we should “Celebrate the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth,” as he writes in 1Cor5:8. Jesus initiated what is called the LORD'S SUPPER on Passover night (Luke22:14-20, 1 Corinth 11:23-26).
There are 15 scriptures linking New Testament meaning to Old Testament example. Two are 1 Cor10:11 and Rom 15:4.
You can EAT the Lord‟s Passover. Buy some grape juice/wine and unleavened bread (not puffed up -Triskets or Matzo Crackers). Check the calendar and take a short time after sunset on the evening before Passover to Eat of them after reading these referenced scriptures.
THINK SPIRITUALLY. On your journey of repentance, thank the Lord for Passing Over your temporary fleshly “house”, as we turn from sin and daily apply His Blood over our 'home' door. The Apostle Paul expanded this idea of a temporary house;
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 – outer body decaying vs. inner man being renewed -
2 Corinthians 5:1-10 -fleshly tent in world vs. spiritual house with Lord living in us This theme throughout Paul's letters is expanded in the next festival study – Unleavened Bread.
Jesus is pictured as our substitute -our Passover Lamb (Exodus 12, John 1:29) -and offers His Righteousness to us as a gift (like the animal skin in the garden of Eden – Genesis 2:16-3:21). Like Adam and Eve, we choose to feed on Jesus, or someone else's teachings.
The focus of this Feast is on eating the flesh and blood of the Passover Lamb. This bible truth is used by Jesus to identify Himself and to teach the importance of eating Him (the Word of God) and His blood sacrifice. We eat and identify Him as our Atoning sacrifice for our sin.
Experiencing this Feast and the other 6 feasts are to guide us in becoming a new creation of fruits of the Holy Spirit. These thoughts are summarized in the beautiful passage the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:16,17. Take a moment and read this short passage. Then consider this Feast from scripture which pictures Jesus Christ. Why doesn‟t the world appreciate the Lord‟s appointed times? Is there anything taught that Satan wouldn‟t like?
Three reasons the “appointed times” are forgotten;
1 -The phrase “Feasts of the Lord” (Lev 23:1) deteriorated to “feasts of the Jews” (Jn5:1, 6:4). This could be exclusivity (denominationalism) from early Jewish bible writers.
2 -Acts 12:4 in KJV should read “Passover,” not Easter (Strong's Greek
#3957). The Apostle Paul did not observe Easter.
3 -Customs of man such as Lent and Easter change the intended picture of
Holy Scripture.
As the time of the Lord's coming gets closer – don't be side tracked by celebrations of Easter bunnies and eggs. Most research shows Easter is a celebration of a pagan goddess of fertility – hence it‟s timing as a spring time reproduction celebration. We must watch ourselves that we do not turn aside on our journey as we seek to rest in our Lord.
Paul warns us, “We cannot drink of the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons” (1 Corinthians 10:21-).
Contrast the scripture meaning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the practice of observing Lent.
God's people were freed from bondage at the Passover. The Passover represents the giving of Grace. Grace is required throughout our journey -as long as try to follow the Lord and return to His ways with a willing and grateful heart. Psalm 53:17, Micah 6:8.
I pray that the Lord will bless you for studying His appointed time of Passover.
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HAS AMERICA SINNED?
In the weeks after September 11, are Americans “uniting together?”
What are we Uniting for? To ward off evil?
Did the loss of approximately 3000 lives make us angry?
Are we seeking revenge for the “injustices?”
Is there any similarity to America in 2001 and the nation of Israel in 600 B.C.
during the prophet Ezekiel’s time, before their captivity?
There are several popular phrases heard around the United States since the evil foreign terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. The same phrases can be found after Israel was allowed to be defeated by the pagan Babylon nation. A study of some of the attacks on God’s followers reveals the people’s responses.
The NT of the bible teaches that the OT is for our example. There are at least 12 linkage scriptures that point us to Israel and their Old Testament Laws as an example:
1. Math 5: 17-20…not the smallest letter shall pass from the Law or the Prophets…whoever annuls a commandment is least in the kingdom…our righteousness must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees.
2. Luke 16:29-31…if they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.
3. Luke 24:27,44…Jesus explained the things concerning Himself from the Law of Moses, and all the Prophets, and the Psalms.
4. John 5:45-47…If you do not believe Moses’ writings, how will you believe My words?
5. Rom7:1…the law has jurisdiction over a man as long as he lives.
6. Rom15: 4…all written in earlier times is for our instruction.
7. Rom16: 25, 26…you are established by Jesus according to scriptures of the prophets
8. 1Cor10: 1-11…these things happened to Israel as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
9. Eph2: 19,20…you are God’s household, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets.
10. 2Tim3: 15-17…all scripture is inspired and profitable for teaching, for reproof, and training.
11. Heb8: 7-12…the New Covenant is repeated here but is actually from the Old Testament, containing the same laws.
12. 2Pet3: 2…you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and ….
These passages say that all the writings of the past and all examples of Israel are for us.
Consider 8 of the popular responses:
First, some say they are INDIGNANT OVER THE ATTACK. Are you indignant over the defeat? The OT also teaches that Israel was indignant over the defeat by the pagan Babylonian nation because that nation was more evil than Israel. Israel was also indignant over the reprimand from God through His prophet Jeremiah. Jere-miah Ch 36 tells how King Jehoiakim burned Jeremiah‟s scroll after he read it! Jer Ch 37 and 38 tell of the head priest Shephatiah and King Zedekiah casting Jeremiah into a cistern and then prison. Jeremiah Ch 44: 15-17 reports the people telling Jeremiah (telling God) “we will not listen to you,” we will carry out every word that has proceeded from our mouths!”
Following the September 11 attack, evangelist Pat Robertson warned the U.S. that God may be lifting His protective veil from the country. Also right after the Sept 11 attack, Jerry Falwell rebuked the homosexual roles in marriage and church leadership as inciting God’s wrath on our country, which gives legal protection to many homosexual activities. As a sign of how far from scripture the U.S. has turned, some church leaders felt Mr. Falwell’s comments were untimely and unfortunate! Our only concern should be whether any comments are scripturally based.
Second, are you DISHEARTENED? In Joshua Ch 6 Israel conquered Jericho. In Ch 7 Israel fled from people of the town of Ai, disheartened by the loss of lives in the battle. Disobedience to God’s commands was shown to be the reason for the defeat from Ai.
Third, many Americans are displaying signs proclaiming “UNITED WE STAND,” and “God Bless America.” Many in America are neither convinced of any need to admit God and His standards into their life, or to realize any meaning from the September tragedy as a message from God to repent. Some have returned to idol worship of wealth, entertainment, and pleasure. Just before the exile of the nation of Israel, the prophet Ezekiel describes how the people turned to idols such as Tammuz, sun worship, and creature images (Ch5-9).
Should the loss of approximately 3000 innocent lives on September 11 insult us? YES IT SHOULD!
What should the loss of 3000 lives EVERY WEEK make us feel?
What about 12000 lives lost every week?
What about 12000 individual willful murders every week?
In the book “Politics in Healing”i Daniel Haley leads his readers through about 100 years of bright, genius medical breakthroughs which produced 8 cures for cancer. Non toxic and harmless! Throughout these same years the American Medical Association, the National Cancer Institute, and the Food and Drug Administration of the United States government suppressed, harassed, black listed, and prosecuted these discoverers and discoveries out of competition, and out of our country. Cancer victims are given – toxic chemotherapy (poisons) which are mass marketed. These do not cure cancer, but only occasionally shrink tumors in some of types of cancer. One American dies every minute. 10,000 deaths/ week. Toxic drugs of all kinds are the 4th cause of death in America, approximately 2000deaths/week. This book is a must read for any family with a member who has cancer and wants to live without mutilation.
Israel UNIFIED after the rebuke from God. However, it was not to follow God! Jeremiah Ch 44:17-19 says they went back to the queen of heaven – the pagan Babylonian fertility goddess Ishtar. In Ch 42 and 43 the refugees had returned to Egypt, not God, after the capture of Jerusalem by Babylon.
How are we in the U.S. changing? Are we trusting God or the security of our country? History shows that God has previously rejected the works of His chosen people because it wasn’t according to His Covenant terms or in the right spirit. His first people were an example for us – see the linkages scriptures listed on page 1. Because we are voting citizens of the United States we have approved of the nation’s deeds.
Fourth, our leaders today are urging us to GET BACK TO BUSINESS – whether traveling, shopping, or working.
They want shoppers to spend money to get the economy going faster and to assume peace will prevail so that you can pay–off these new debts! Did Israel call all their people to get back to regular business? In Ezekiel Ch13: 10 Israel’s false prophets told them that the future would be “peace” - back to prosperity, but that was not the message of Jeremiah, God’s prophet.
Fifth, the OT teaches that Israel SINNED AND COMMITTED IDOLATRY. Jeremiah Ch7 teaches that Israel committed immoral and idolatrous acts. Jeremiah 8 charges that Israel was unrepentant, and Jeremiah 9 describes their faithlessness.
Today in America most self professed Christians follow their denomination teachers or a favorite media personality rather than trusting God’s Holy Spirit to guide them into all the truth, as Jesus promised you could. How many people in America are persecuted for following Jesus’ lifestyle? Scripture promises you will suffer persecution if you follow His teachings. 20,000 babies are killed by abortion each week by people seeking relief from responsibility in their own selfish way, rather than rearing children. They choose their own pleasure rather than following God’s rules.
There are other ways that the United States government is officially angering God. Here is a partial summary:
20,000 abortion deaths per week
10,000 cancer deaths per week
2000 toxic drug deaths per week
Due to Federal discrimination laws, local and federal governments are forced to spend money to honor prisoner’s non-Christian religious days. An example of this is providing a special diet to Muslims, during their month of Ramadan. These people do not believe Jesus Christ is the Son of our Creator God. Ref. Exodus 22:20, 23:13, Deuteronomy 17:2-7, and 1John 2:22-24, and the Islam Koran writings. (Muslims say their god is the creator god but they will not accept Jesus)
Sixth, DID GOD REJECT ANY OF HIS FOLLOWERS’ “GOOD WORKS?” Scripture describes such a rejection in Isaiah 1:11-13. What kind of sacrifices does God want? “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise,” (Ps 51: 17). A broken and a contrite heart is one that is circumcised – willing to accept God’s scripture and His sacrifice for our sinfulness. Sacrificing to God means to allow the cutting away our hardness of heart by the Spirit, obeying His commands and having a spirit of love to God first, and also others. God wants a circumcised heart (Rom 2: 28,29).
In Isaiah 1: 4 God charges Israel with sins. Verse 13 tells how God does not want any of their New Moon Ceremonies, their Sabbath observances, or even any called assembly! He rejected any of their worship because it was done in the wrong spirit. These ceremonies should be done, but in love and gratitude to God for His redemption and out of respect for His Kingship! In Amos, Chapters 2,4, and 8 describe the insincere, selfish religious and business practices of people who were supposed to be following God.
Seventh, God’s people have CORRUPTED THE COVENANT OF THE LORD. Daniel Haley’s book “Politics in Healing” is also a must read to understand why God cannot Bless America any longer. Are there examples of what God expects from his followers? Yes, there are. The four short chapters of the book of Malachi describe how they or any people can return to the Lord. Malachi describes how the church leaders insult God and how the people cheat God. He goes on to tell how God wants us to test His faithfulness and to follow His ways.
Eighth, could God possibly USE AN EVIL POWER TO PUNISH HIS PEOPLE today? He has before. Many people see the Afghanistan terrorist as crude, barbaric and evil. In Habakkuk Ch1: 12-17 the prophet asks God why He used the wicked Chaldeans to punish Israel. In Daniel 1:1,2 God describes using the pagan Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar to capture Israel and to punish them.
In 2Chronicles Ch 35:20,21 Neco king of Egypt tells King Josiah of Judah (a righteous king) to not bother him because he was on his way to do a job for the Lord and the Lord had told him to hurry!
Is it too late to repent? Does the Lord love us? In Rev 3:19, scripture reminds us, “those whom He loves, He rebukes and chastens. 1John Ch 4:19 tells us that we love because He first loved us. He still does love us. When He returns, He will call those who have chosen to follow His ways to eternal life. God knows the motives of our hearts (Jn 5: 29, Heb 4:12).
We have read of the miraculous healings and miracles which occurred in Israel, some of which are found in Mathew Ch 8 and 9. God has performed miracles such as these in America, as well as other parts of the world in answer to prayers, using modern medicine and scientific advancements. Many people suffering with impaired vision get laser surgery, and regain perfect eyesight. Electromechanical therapy reverses paralysis. Many people are resurrected from death due to new technology revealing how to treat people
who have been buried in snow banks or drowned in cool water. Especially important to mention are the answers to prayer many of us are aware of when God has granted merciful restoration and healings to our diseased friends’. According to Daniel Haley in his book “Politics in Healing,” America has been given 8 cures to cancer and many other degenerative diseases in the last 75 years. What have our leaders done with them?
Jesus’ warning to Capernaum in His day, found in Mathew Ch11: 21-25, applies to our country as well;
“And you Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You shall descend to Hades; for if the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day. Nevertheless I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgement, than for you.” If this warning applies to Capernaum, it equally applies to America.
Read in the newspapers how the United States government wants to encourage trade and commerce. Then compare Revelation Ch18: 11-13 describing the order of importance Babylon places on things and where they finally list human life.
We have no other choice but to repent to God’s commandments, - first by observing those commandments which show our love to God, and second by observing those commandments which show love to our neighbor. We must keep God’s Laws and also show grace and mercy to others as God instructs in Mathew Ch22: 37 –40.
To repent we must be ready to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance into all HIS truth, upon His conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgement.
i “Politics in Healing” by Daniel Haley, Potomac Valley Press, Washington, DC. 1-800-898-0639
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Reasons for Seventh Day Sabbath Observance
All of scripture teaches law and grace. Some are surprised to learn the Old Testament teaches grace. Some are surprised that the New Testament teaches Law. This study will examine the seventh day Sabbath as a law through the Old and New Testaments. Especially significant is Section #5 of this study which lists 13 scriptural CONTRADICTIONS created if a person keeps the first day of the week holy. Also see the eye-opening website in Section #8.
Included are nine categories of reasons why we can be in greater harmony with scripture and the Lord by keeping the seventh day Sabbath holy instead of the 1st day of the week.
We must share reasons why we believe as we do to understand each other and try to carry out the Lord’s commandments in harmony, in unity, and in love.
1 RULES OF BIBLE STUDY – (hermeneutics). Bible study has rules for interpretation similar to English grammar rules. This category is first because we must be able to talk the same language. We do this in science, finance, and other areas of life. Theology is no different. Following are the most widely accepted standards. We must interpret:
+ Lexically – be sure of the right meaning for each word.
+ Syntactically – know the laws of grammar.
+ Contextually – search for context of immediate passage, entire chapter, and entire
book. Example; Acts 20: 5-16 mentions;….the Days of Unleavened Bread….the first day of the week ….then Pentecost. (This is a common example of isogesis instead of exegesis, i.e. we all are prejudiced at finding what we want in a passage rather than what it actually says. Many use this passage to say Paul changed to worshipping on Sunday, but they ignore the two festivals of the Lord that were still the traditions that Paul believed and practiced. See section #4, first point).
+ Historically – interpret eternal principles in the local and temporary customs of the OT
prophet’s books.
+ Analogy of faith – the testimony of any single portion of Scripture is subject to the
illumination of all the rest.
+ Systematic passages interpret the incidental.
+ Didactic passages interpret the symbolic – interpretations of symbols should be subjected to the guidance of the plain statements of didactic non-symbolic passages.
2 CONSISTENCY – of God’s nature, according to scripture.
+ God never changes;
Refs: Psalm 33: 10,11, Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13: 8 (NAS text referenced throughout).
+ Isaiah 66:23 – Sabbath will be kept in heaven. God keeps it now – Gen2: 2,3, Heb13: 8
+ Jesus is “Lord of the Sabbath,” beginning from Genesis 2: 2, 3.
NOTE: Math 12: 8, Mark 2:28, Luke 6:5; “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” The Son of Man is one of the names Jesus used for himself.
Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath – This is the definition of the Lord’s Day- the Sabbath.
+ Math 5: 18 – none of the Law passes away until heaven and earth pass away + Heb 8:10 - I will write My laws on their hearts (NT)… is from Jeremiah 31:31 ( OT)
+ Rev 14:12 - to persevere – keep the commandments of God and have faith in/of Jesus.
3 JESUS’ COMMISSIONS;
+ 4 gospel writers give 4 “commissions”; (none are called “great” in actual scripture)
Mt 28:19,20…”Go teach all I commanded you…”
Mk 16:15…”Go preach gospel to all creation…”
Lk 24:47-49…”Proclaim repentance for forgiveness of sins…”
Jn 21:15-17… “Feed My sheep…”
+ Jesus taught foremost commandment is love God, then love your neighbor
Ref; Mt 22:36-40, 1Jn 4: 11, 19-21. He taught; if you love Me, you will keep My commandments, Jn 14:15.
John taught; love your neighbor by filling needs, 1John 3: 16,17.
4 PAUL TAUGHT BOTH JUSTIFICATION AND SANCTIFICATION. Justification is what Christ did for us. He offers to impute His righteousness to us. Sanctification is what the Holy Spirit will do for us. He offers to impart righ-teousness to us, if we allow.
IMPORTANT “ifs”; Rom 6:8, 8:16,17, 1 Cor 15:1,2-4, 2 Tim 2:11-13, 2 Pet 1:8.
+ Paul kept God’s Laws. Read his testimony in Acts 21:20 - 24, 23: 1,3, 24:14, 25:8, 28:
17,23.
We are to die to the law; not the law die to us. Rom 7:4,6,9, Gal 2:19
+ Paul’s letters call for both repentance to God’s ways and separation from the world:
In most of Paul’s letters; half is righteousness by faith
half is sanctification (by perseverance)
Paul’s epistles Justification Sanctification
1Corinthians Ch 15 Ch. 4:16, 11:1,2
Representative Romans Ch1-5, Ch9-11 Ch 6-7, Ch 12 –16
passages in: Galatians Ch 1-4 Ch 5 and 6:2,4
Ephesains 1-3 Ch 4-6
Philipians Ch 1:1-26 Ch 1:27-Ch.4
Colossians Ch 1 Ch 2-4
Timothy 1 & 2 All of both
Titus All
Other letters; Hebrews Ch. 1 – 9, 11 Ch. 10, 12, 13
James Ch. 1-5
1 Peter Ch 1:1-12 Ch 1:13- Ch 5
2 Peter Ch 1:1– 4, Ch. 2 Ch 1:5–21, Ch 3
1 John - - - - - mixed - - - - -
+ Mt 5:20 - The Pharisees and scribes were sanctified but not justified. Our righteousness
must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees (Mt5: 20), by realizing our need of
Jesus’ gift (Rom3:23,24).
+ Jn 4:24 - You must worship in spirit and in truth.
+ Jn 14: 6 Jesus said, “ I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…..
+ Jn 16:13 Jesus said The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth (Love and Law)
+ Best definition of righteousness is in Ezekiel 18:5 - 9 (includes Law and Love)
+ Paul’s use of law is summarized nicely in Galatians 2: 15-21.
5 CONTRADICTIONS caused in scripture by teaching rest on first day of week (Sunday);
+ Mathew 5:17-20…WARNING; no Law is annulled, our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees, (this includes obedience to Law and Love to others).
+ Luke 16:29-31…if people won’t listen to Moses, they won’t believe a resurrection
+ Luke 24:27,44…Jesus explained events from scriptures (Moses, Prophets, Psalms)
+ John 5:45-47…if people won’t believe Moses, they won’t believe Jesus’ words
+ Rom 7:1…the Law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives
+ Rom 15:4…all written in earlier times is for our instruction
+ Rom 16:25,26…you are established according to the scriptures of the prophets
+ 1Cor 10:1-11…things happened to Israel people as an example for us
+ Eph 2: 19,20…you are God’s house, built on foundations of the prophets
+ 2Tim 3:15,16…all scripture is profitable for training – this says same as the analogy of
faith rule of hermeneutics.
+ Heb 8:7-12…New Covenant is from Jeremiah – same Laws.
+ Heb8:10…My laws on their heart
+ 1Pet 1: 14-16…You shall be Holy, for I am Holy – this is a command from OT Law in Leviticus
+ 2Pet 3:2…remember words spoken by the holy prophets
NOTE: + + THESE 13 PASSAGES USE SAME LAWS AS OLD TESTAMENT ++
In New Testament they are written on our heart – IF we allow
Paul’s letters call for repentance – TO WHAT ? All the preceding thirteen references do not include any traditions which can be traced to man. Jesus calls for repentance too, Mark 7:7,8 “Man’s traditions contradict Scripture.….you worship in vain.” We are under the jurisdiction of the law as long as we live, ( Rom 7:1). Paul says to die to the law, not the law die to us, (Romans 7:4 – 11, Gal 2:16 – 19 –21).
Paul kept the law because he loved God, the way God taught him, Jn 14:15, 15:10. Jesus says; “Eat My flesh and drink My blood” (Jn 6:53–56). He also says, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work” ( Jn 4: 43), and “I am the bread of life…” (Jn 6: 35). He wants us to live according to scripture, as He did, and depend on His Atoning sacrifice to cover any unintentional sins. The book of Romans, beginning to end, teaches how to have the obedience of faith (see Rom 1:1-5, 16:25,26)! Paul calls for gentiles to practice the “obedience of faith”- we must have faith in Jesus’
death and resurrection being done according to scripture. Then we must be willing to live according to scripture.
6 OBEDIENCE OF FAITH as taught by Paul;
+ Paul’s letter to the Romans describes the obedience of faith from Ch 1:5 to 16:26.
+ “obedience of faith” is not faith in obedience.
+ “obedience of faith” is described in Romans 1:1,5, Hebrews 11, Revelation 12: 11.
Sanctification texts:
Heb 11 describes the sacrifice, perseverance, and suffering of ‘faithful’ followers who confessed they were strangers on earth ( Heb 11: 13), and strangers to the world’s teachings (man’s teachings).
6 OBEDIENCE OF FAITH as taught by Paul, continued;
Rev 14:12 reveals that the saints who persevere are the ones who keep the commands of God and their faith in Jesus. (this reveals love of God and love of man).
Repent from the world’s ways;
Rom 11:32 God shut up all in disobedience that He might show mercy to all.
Rom 12:1,2 Because of God’s mercy, Paul urges us to therefore present our
body as living and holy sacrifice – which is our spiritual service. DO NOT BE conformed to this world…… like Hebrews 11 ‘hall of faith’ mentioned above, we must too, live by faith!
+ Jesus’ example; He lived according to the Law. Jn 5: 45 - 47
He died according to the Law. 1 Cor 15: 1 – 4 Paul’s gospel
He was raised according to the Law. 1 Cor 15: 1 – 4 Paul’s gospel
He taught according to the Law. Math 4, Luke 24:44 – 48
NOTE: We will be judged according to Paul’s gospel. (see points # 7 and 8)
Also see Romans 12: 1,2 and Romans 16: 25,26.
7 REPENTENCE for forgiveness of sins at the final judgment. Is Repentance necessary?
+ Scripture teaches that 1, we are all sinners Rom 3:10, 23
and 2, sin is lawlessness 1Jn 3:4
and 3, the soul who sins will die Ezekiel 18:4
and 4, unless you repent, you will all perish Luke 13: 1-5
and 5, we must proclaim repentance for forgiveness of sins Lk24:47
+ There is “good news” for people who know they are sinners.
- The “Gospel” is most clearly summarized in 1Corintians 15:1-4
- Paul teaches that we will be judged by his gospel in Rom 2:16 and 16: 25.
- Paul began and ended his letter to Romans with an exhortation to bring about obedience of faith – Rom 1:5, 16:25,26
+ Paul also taught Repentance as Jesus did
- Repent means - to turn from your path.
- ‘Come out of the world’ Rom 12:1,2
- ‘Come out of Babylon’ Rev 18:4
- We must develop a ‘fear’ of God – or ‘revere’ God
‘revere’ means to regard as worthy of great honor (Websters)
- Psalm 103:11 “For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His loving kindness toward those who fear Him.
:13 Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
:17 But the loving kindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children,
:18 To those who keep His covenant,
And who remember His precepts, to do them
+ We should develop the “faith of obedience”;
We must live and worship according to the scripture like Paul and Jesus 1Cor 4:15-
17, and Ch15:1-4
+ All God’s people “Israel” will have one Law. Ex 12: 49, Rom 11:13-24, Rev 14: 12
8 PROPHECY
+ 1Kings 12:32 Jeroboam is an Old Testament example of man adding his own worship time to lure people of God away.
+ Daniel 7: 25 ‘the little horn’ force….would intend to change times and the law. Read the “Romes Callenge” article from the Catholic Church by simply entering ‘romes challenge’ in your search engine.
The Roman Catholics wonder why “protestants” follow the Roman Catholic day of worship (they changed their Sabbath from the Saturday to Sunday), rather than following scripture – like the protestants claim.
+ John 4:24 ..”we must worship in spirit and in truth.” How did Jesus worship the Father? As was His custom He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath - Luke 4: 16.
9 HYMNS
The older hymn writers knew the importance of both Law and Grace, and spread the bible’s teaching in their music. Look at some very popular hymns many people love;
Title; At Calvary, by William Newell;
verse #2; “I trembled at the law I’d spurned”
Give Me the Bible, by Priscilla Owens;
chorus; “Precept and promise, law and love combing….”
Joy to the World, by Isaac Watts; verse #4; “No more let sins and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow
far as the curse is found.”
Rock of Ages, by A Toplady;
verse #2; …”not the labor of my hands can fulfill the law’s demands”
Trust and Obey, by J. Sammis;
verse #3; …”but our toil He doth richly repay…”
verse #4; …”What He says we will do…………”
Wonderful Words of Life, by P. Bliss;
verse #1; …”Teach me faith and duty……”
Are we aware of the words we sing and speak? The Lord said: “My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has,” (Job Ch 42:7,8). We must allow the Holy Spirit to teach us God’s Word. The Holy Spirit is sent to us to convict us of sin, righteousness, and judgement, and to guide us into all truth, (Jn14: 26, 16:8,13) If we refuse to follow His guidance, we commit unforgivable blasphemy (Mt 12:31). We do not want it said of us; ”This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men,” Mt15: 8,9.
Conclusion. What do you do when you find a scripture that contradicts your knowledge of a subject in the
bible? Do you try to fit that scripture into your doctrine? Do you pray? Do you rethink your whole doctrine on the subject? Do you ask the Holy Spirit to guide you? You are doing the right thing because as the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, we must change our idea of the truth and expand our thinking on what worship is, on what Laws govern our lives. We must not blaspheme the Holy Spirit by speaking or acting against Him in willful disobedience, Math 12:31, John 16:8,13, Heb 10:28. In response to His gracious pardon for sin, which He always extends to us, we should always want to please Him and show Him our obedience of faith, which Paul talks about in the book of Romans, from Ch 1:5 through Ch 16:27. We must continue to grow in our knowledge of scripture and learn His ways so that we may speak rightly of Him. Paul said; “And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified,” Acts 20:32. Paul went on to teach that the gospel of first importance was that Jesus lived and died according to the scriptures. He said we will be judged according to his gospel. What does this mean? When we find the Holy Spirit guiding us differently than religious leaders as Peter and the Apostles did in Acts 5: 29, “We must obey God rather than men.” No matter whether the leader is a pope, an angel from heaven, a learned scribe, or a decorated religious official.
Sixth, DID GOD REJECT ANY OF HIS FOLLOWERS‟ “GOOD WORKS?” Scripture describes such a rejection in
Isaiah 1:11-13. What kind of sacrifices does God want? “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise,” (Ps 51: 17). A broken and a contrite heart is one that is circumcised – willing to accept God’s scripture and His sacrifice for our sinfulness. Sacrificing to God means to allow the cutting away our hardness of heart by the Spirit, obeying His commands and having a spirit of love to God first, and also others. God wants a circumcised heart (Rom 2: 28,29).
In Isaiah 1: 4 God charges Israel with sins. Verse 13 tells how God does not want any of their New Moon Ceremonies, their Sabbath observances, or even any called assembly! He rejected any of their worship because it was done in the wrong spirit. These ceremonies should be done, but in love and gratitude to God for His redemption and out of respect for His Kingship! In Amos, Chapters 2,4, and 8 describe the insincere, selfish religious and business practices of people who were supposed to be following God.
Seventh, God’s people have CORRUPTED THE COVENANT OF THE LORD. Daniel Haley’s book “Politics in Healing” is also a must read to understand why God can not Bless America any longer. Are there examples of what God expects from his followers? Yes, there are. The four short chapters of the book of Malachi describe how they or any people can return to the Lord. Malachi describes how the church leaders insult God and how the people cheat God. He goes on to tell how God wants us to test His faithfulness and to follow His ways.
Eighth, could God possibly USE AN EVIL POWER TO PUNISH HIS PEOPLE today? He has before. Many people see the Afghanistan terrorist as crude, barbaric and evil. In Habakkuk Ch1: 12-17 the prophet asks God why He used the wicked Chaldeans to punish Israel. In Daniel 1:1,2 God describes using the pagan Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar to capture Israel and to punish them.
In 2Chronicles Ch 35:20,21 Neco king of Egypt tells King Josiah of Judah (a righteous king) to not bother him because he was on his way to do a job for the Lord and the Lord had told him to hurry!
Is it too late to repent? Does the Lord love us? In Rev 3:19, scripture reminds us, “those whom He loves, He rebukes and chastens. 1John Ch 4:19 tells us that we love because He first loved us. He still does love us. When He returns, He will call those who have chosen to follow His ways to eternal life. God knows the motives of our hearts (Jn 5: 29, Heb 4:12).
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PAUL’S GOSPEL AND WARNING
Few people are familiar with what Paul teaches in Romans. “Be prepared - to conscientiously study Romans is to invite cataclysmic change…but a change that is marvelously for the better,” F. F. Bruce. For this study please read as much of the book of Romans as you can, but especially chapter one, carefully.
Paul’s letter begins and ends teaching the “obedience of faith,” (Rom 1:5, 16:26,27 NASB throughout). We must choose our response to the Good News of Jesus’ death on the cross when He redeemed us from sin. Who will we follow as our response to the Gospel?
Paul was God’s chosen vessel to take the gospel message to Gentiles. He was educated as a Pharisee in the school of Gamaliel. It was common in that day to memorize to heart the first five books of the Bible – the Pentateuch (the Law). Paul would have been very familiar with the Psalms and all the Prophets – all of which make up the Law. The word “Law” = Greek “nomos” = Hebrew “torah.” The torah is the whole Old Testament – not just a synonym for the Decalogue (i.e. the 10 Commandments).
It is interesting to note that the Lord put the last letter Paul wrote (Romans) first in the order of His New Testament letters, after the book of Acts. One reason may be that Paul was writing a warning letter to one of the nations described in the book of Daniel, and serves as a warning to all of us.
Many commentaries conclude that the four beasts of Daniel 2 and 7 fit the descriptions of the history of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Roman Empires. These four empires are the only ones mentioned from the opening of Daniel to the last chapter of Revelation.
Out of the Roman Empire would come a king which would be different from the previous ones – which “would speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One – and intend to make alterations in the times and in Law,” (Daniel 7:15-25).
Paul says we should Honor God the Creator – not honor the creature. This includes overcoming our own flesh and its lusts, and not following other men’s teachings (other creatures). We
are to redirect our life to honoring God. We must overcome our natural, un-regenerated man – the “flesh.” That part of us which opposes God and His people. (Romans 1:21, 25-31, 7: 7-25).
There are at least fifteen texts in the New Testament which link its teachings to the Old Testament. Three of the fifteen are in Romans – see Chapters 7:1, 15:4, and 16:25, 26. Therefore, all of Paul’s talk about the Law agrees with of all the earlier prophets in the Old Testament and also applies to us today. In Romans Chapter one, in verses 15 – 25 Paul wrote to Rome;
15So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (IF SEE NEED OF SALVATION).
17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." (The Righteousness of God is Jesus and His teachings = how Jesus lived and died).
18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. (Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE).
19because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. (This includes His Forgiveness of our iniquity, transgression, and sin – see Exodus 34:5-7, God’s attributes which man needs).
21For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations and their foolish heart was darkened. (That is, they did not repent or discipline their lives as followers, or disciples of Jesus).
25For they EXCHANGED THE TRUTH OF GOD for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever, Amen. (Genesis 7:21-23 pictures creatures who did not worship or follow God blotted out in flood (Old Testament example), Romans 1:25 describes those who did not acknowledge God, He gave them over to serve the creature rather than the Creator (New Testament example).
Martin Luther was one of the powerful figures in the Reformation to depart from widespread teachings in the church that said we could work our way to heaven, or buy forgiveness. Read some of Luther’s quotes from his excellent “Commentary On Romans;”
“Through faith a man becomes sinless and takes pleasure in God’s commandments, then he gives to God the honor that is His,” Page xvii
“Law makes Christ necessary,” Page xxi
The Bible is said to be a “Tale of Two Cities.” The city of God’s people – “JERUSALEM,” and the city of evil people against God and His people – “BABYLON.” Babylon is pictured throughout scripture as a variety of cities, from Babel, to Sodom and Gomorrah, to Tyre, to Chorazin and Bethsaida, to Rome. All were antagonistic to God’s people, “Jerusalem.”
Since many have associated some present day churches with the blasphemous words in the prophecy of Daniel 7:25, we must always be vigilant of any deluding influence that would take our allegiance away from our Lord and Savior, (2Thessalonians:7-12).
HOW TO HONOR GOD; Jesus told the Pharisees; “Rightly did Isaiah prophecy of you hypocrites as it is written, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men. Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the traditions of men. Thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down,” (Mark 7:6-9, 13).
We turn to God’s laws to honor Him - not to earn salvation, but to testify of our gratitude for His gift of righteousness through Jesus Christ.
At this time of the spring season we have a choice of celebrations to observe. We must choose to fix our eyes on either the customs of the city of Jerusalem, or the city of Rome. PASSOVER is a cus-tom we find in God’s Law in Leviticus 23. EASTER is a custom which the Church of Rome adopted when they sought to absorb neighboring pagan peoples.
God’s word teaches to observe the Lord’s appointed times as holy convocations (Lev23) including Passover. The Roman church intended to change Passover to an Easter celebration, and also intended to change the holiness of Passover Sabbath law to a non-holy time. Jesus kept Passover, not Easter. Unfortunately some translations use Easter in Acts 12:4 causing allot of confusion in churches.
When Jesus returns, Holy Scripture tells us He will return to JERUSALEM – not to Rome. Therefore, why would we want to fix our eyes on the teachings of Rome? JESUS IS OUR PASSOVER LAMB, not our Easter ham! (Exodus 12:1-13, John 1:29, 1Corinthians 5:6, 1 Peter 1:2). Easter celebrations frequently include fertility symbols of created things like bunny rabbits and eggs, or sunrise services. As our Lord’s return appears closer, we must turn away from honoring the world of created things to honor the CREATOR – by celebrating His appointed times which picture salvation.
Paul also recounts how David spoke of the blessing upon the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works; “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account,” (Romans 4:6-8).
In 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 Paul tells us to keep the Passover with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. We continue to have sins that we must ask Christ to pass over. Therefore, celebrate the feast not with the old leaven (boasting and pride which fills us with the leaven of sin) but with humility. Paul looked at himself, as the chief of sinners (1Tim 1:15) and one struggling against sin in the flesh (Romans 7:7-25). The “flesh” can refer to any lusts of the natural body or mind - or of course following a creature rather than the Creator! (Romans 1:25-31).
It is not a matter of fertility or watching sunrises. We must personally rejoice in the Good News of our Lord’s willingness to pass over our sins as we continue to confess and repent of them.
Our testimony must show that we are honoring the Lord, our Creator. Our PASSOVER LAMB.
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PAUL’S JOB: TEACH “OBEDIENCE OF FAITH” TO ALL NATIONS
Which covenant are you following for salvation? The Old Covenant? The New
Covenant? Or the Everlasting Covenant given to Abraham?
Let us study and understand the importance of Abraham’s life as the ‘Father of Faith’ ( Rom 4:11,12 NASB throughout). God made His Covenant of Promise with Abraham and with his descendants (Gen 17 & 26). Abraham’s life combines Faith and Obedience as an example for us as to how to repent.
Holy Scripture describes how a person can become a child of God. Who are Abraham’s offspring? Jesus explained to the Pharisees what it meant to be Abraham’s children (John 8:37-39). He said, “If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham.” Jesus is a descendant of Abraham and is specifically Abraham’s SEED (Gal 3:16-29). Abraham relied on the first promise God made to him, but he was also shut up “under law” as we are, that the promise of Faith in Jesus Christ (Abraham’s Seed) might be given to all who believe (Gal 3:22).
Abraham appears in the gospels and many of the letters written to the churches – John, Romans, Hebrews, James, and 1John. These are significant because Abraham’s life also occupies much of the book of Genesis as an example for us as the opening of the story of the people of God. God made a covenant with Abraham. He is an example of how to live.
The letter Paul wrote to the Romans is not studied seriously by many because of a popular short cut widely taught; “The Romans Road.” In this letter we also find many significant ideas such as the faith of Abraham, “Obedience of Faith,” definitions of law vs. “legalism,” and warnings of how to repent. All are related to how we express faith. As Jesus is used as the goal, or example, of law in (Rom 10:4), the letter to the Romans is the goal of many bible ideas taught throughout scripture. These ideas of how to live picture Jesus also.
Jesus says, “If Abraham is your father, do the works of Abraham,” John 8:39. Our WORKS to worship God – are to honor the One followed. If a man is justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. Abraham is called our Father of Faith, Math 6:1, Rom 4:11,12.
Holy Scripture says Abraham was justified by FAITH (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:11-
12, Eph 2:8, Hebrews 11:8-9).
Holy Scripture teaches Abraham was justified by Works of Faith (Genesis 22:12, 16-18, James 2:21-24).
Holy Scripture explains that the covenant with Abraham’s descendants was est- ablished because of Abraham’s Works of Honor (Genesis 17:7-9, 26:3-5, Josh 24:14-15).
This needs explanation; Paul tells us to HONOR THE CREATOR GOD. We do this through worship. Adam was the first that was told to “till” the soil. All the patriarchs from Adam to Abraham honored God by tilling the ground. “Till” means to cultivate, worship, be a slave to, (see an older Strong’s Concordance # 5647 and Romans 6:16-22). The soil is the garden of our heart (Math 13:1-23).
Holy Scripture shows that we should do Works of Love (Lev 19:18, Mk 12:31, John 14:15).
All these works of Abraham are the fruits of his belief in God’s ways and Faith in His promises. Works must be fruit of faith, not the root of faith.
Holy Scripture teaches that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully. Scripture provides a holy, righteous and good framework within which a person might be saved. (Gen 26:5, Lev 18:5, Luke 1:6, Rom 7:10, 1 Tim 1:8).
Holy Scripture warns about using the Law legalistically. Paul sometimes uses the word Law in a negative way, as “negative works,” or “bad self- strength works.” David Stern calls these “legalistic observance of the law’s commands.” He describes these as;
“Bad self-strength works (are) produced when people misuse and pervert the Torah (Law), so that instead of regarding it as God’s gracious gift intended both to orient people toward righteous, God-motivated behavior and at the same time to show them how far short they fall of achieving it, they regard the Torah (Law) as a rulebook containing requirements they can meet mechanically, without trusting God or even caring about Him, and can therefore take great pride in their own achievements and have great satisfaction over how much they have pleased God.”
(p346 JNTC, David H. Stern, 1992, Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc,
Clarksville, Md.).
The covenant was extended to Abraham’s DECENDANTS. The Lord “established the covenant of blessings with Isaac, Abraham’s son, be- cause Abraham followed the Lord, kept His statutes, His ordinances, His commandments, and His laws,” (Gen 17:1-21, Gen 26:4-5).
This is how the covenant is perpetuated as an Everlasting Covenant (Genesis 17:1-21, 26:2-5). Abraham showed loyalty to the Lord by following His Ways. His children saw his beliefs (Faith) through his actions (Works) and learned to believe in the One
Abraham honored.
The devil has attacked God’s Covenant by lying and deceiving people as to what the covenants require. His first act as a deluding influence was in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve ignored the Lord’s law (Gen 2:15-17) and followed someone else’s teaching (Gen3:1-6) thus dying spiritually (2Thes2:7-12). Abraham honored the Lord, rather than following someone else’s teaching (Rom1:25, Gal 1:6-8).
The letter to Romans has been providentially placed first in the New Testament after the Acts of the Apostles because it is so important for us to know how to Repent and walk by faith in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection according to scripture ( 1Cor15:1-4, Gal 1:6-8). Israel failed at this (Romans 9:31-32). Paul used his nation as an example of failing because they pursued Righteousness by Law, or works, not faith.
Some in the multitude that followed Jesus disciplined their lives with His teachings. “A student, when he is fully trained will be like his teacher,” Luke 6:40. Jesus said, “If you are a child of Abraham – do the deeds of Abraham,” Jn 8:39. He means physically, emotionally, lovingly, and spiritually. “I am the way, the Truth, and the life” (John 14).
One of the most important ideas discussed through Romans is the response of “Obedience of Faith” as illustrated by Paul. Our motives should be to honor God and show gratitude to Him for His deliverance and grace given to us. Scripture describes Abraham’s life to help us see these ways to honor God. Paul introduces the concept of “Obedience of Faith” (Romans 1:5). He sees Obedience of Faith in his church as a result of Christ’s work through himself (Rom 15:18). As a conclusion, he says the gospel preaching should lead us to respond with Obedience of Faith” (Rom Ch 16:25-26).
The New Covenant requires our Lord’s Old Testament Law to be written on our hearts and minds (Duet 6:5-6, Jeremiah 31:31, Hebrews 8:8-10). That will affect your thoughts and works and faith. Therefore, our thoughts and deeds should be like those of Jesus and Abraham. The Lord told Abraham, “Walk before Me and be blameless and I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly,”( Gen 17:1-2). The Lord said He would establish His covenant with Abraham and his descendants as an Everlasting Covenant, and “He would be their God,” (Gen 17:8). Part of the agreement was for Abraham and his descendants to keep the Lord’s Covenant and pass it on by living it and teaching it (Gen 17:9, 26:3-5, Mt 28:19).
This simple picture of our Father of Faith spans the Old and New Testaments from the beginning to end. Holy Scripture uses Abraham as a consistent, unchanging example for us. Jesus does not command us anything new that He did not tell Abraham – “Walk before Me and be blameless,” (Gen 17:1, Lev 19:2, Phil 2:14-15, 1Pet 1:15-16, 2Pet 3:14).
THE GOOD NEWS. The Lord offers the same Everlasting Covenant to us which He offered Abraham. Jesus will extend His everlasting covenant and promises to us and our children, IF;
we believe and do the deeds of Abraham, the Father of Faith, John 8:39, Acts 16:31-34, Acts 26: 6-7 ).
The New Covenant has the same ten commandments as the Old Covenant.
Instead of laws written on a sign which a man places in his yard, the laws are to be written on his heart and mind. Abraham responded to the Grace that God gave him with Faith in God’s ways, so that Abraham expressed his faith from his heart through works of Faith, works of Honor, and works of love.