Category: The Torah

Pharisee Influence

The calendric system utilized by the Hillelic Pharisees between 41 and 365 C.E. becomes an essential issue for our study. Various present-day researchers, both from rabbinic Judaism and neo-Christianity, have, without adequate foundation, concluded that the Hillelic system was the original method required by Scriptures.

Both rabbinic Judaism and neo-Christian groups, as a result, have assumed that the Israelites always had waited to declare a New Moon Day until the night that its first crescent was witnessed. For some Christian messianic groups, it is presumed that authority to continue this practice in Christianity is brought forth from Romans 3:1-2 and Matthew 23:3. The question is, Do these passages actually support such a conclusion?

The willingness to accept the pro-Pharisaic interpretation of the two above passages comes as the result of two circumstances:

• The assumption that the Jews from this period must have known and practiced the true system.

• The victory of the Hillelic Pharisees in their political struggle against their religious rivals, leaving predominantly Pharisaic records as our primary source for Jewish practices of the first and subsequent centuries C.E., somehow proves their authority. Continue reading “Pharisee Influence” →

Jewish Authority

There is yet another important question that must be addressed pertaining to Yahweh’s instructions from Scriptures regarding when to begin the sacred months and years. How much authority do we allow the Sadducees, Pharisees, or any of the other ancient Jewish groups regarding the sacred calendar?

In reality, there is no justification at all for accepting as authoritative the teachings of any of the Hasidic groups, especially the Pharisees, or even that of the Aristocratic sects of the Sadducees, Boethusian Sadducees, or Samaritans. All systems must be weighed against what Scriptures actually state, not vice versa.

If after examining Scriptures we find that one or another of these groups held true to some of the practices and doctrines that were originally commanded, the most we can say is that they were observing that point correctly. Yet any conclusion must be tempered by the scriptural warnings about the various teachings of the Sadducees, Pharisees, and scribes (lawyers). Continue reading “Jewish Authority” →

The Inheritance & Salvation- Part 2

In The Inheritance & Salvation-Part 1 we discussed the legal mechanism of an inheritance promised to Abraham and his seed (Yahushua the messiah) that is utilized by Yahweh to enable the saved of mankind to gain salvation and eternal life.

We will now direct our focus on discovering the actual promises that are contained in this inheritance. In other words, Just what can we inherit and why is it so valuable?

Promises
These promises are specified in the book of Genesis.29 They include the promise to make Abraham a great nation, to make kings of his descendants (thus establishing the great nation as a kingdom), to give a blessing (which is eternal life),30 and to give a great name (i.e., the sacred name Yahweh).31

Continue reading “The Inheritance & Salvation- Part 2” →

The Inheritance & Salvation – Part 1

Most modern-day Christians, together with those who proclaim to be followers of Yahweh, seem to fall short when attempting to understand how the death of Yahushua the messiah enables us to attain salvation and eternal life.

Many point to the basis for their understanding from one passage as given in the book of John:

For the deity so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Numerous individuals understand this to mean that all one has to do is profess a belief or faith that Yahushua (Jesus) was the messiah who was given to mankind by the father and that the messiah has washed us from our sins by dying and shedding his blood for us whereby we can become saved and have eternal life.

In reality, if one were to base all of their faith only on this one verse, it would be obvious to the serious student of Scriptures that this type of faith would be more accurately defined as “blind faith.”

Continue reading “The Inheritance & Salvation – Part 1” →

Passover & Water Baptism – Pt. 2

Previously, in Part 1 of our two-part series,
we provided the groundwork for our present examination of the facts regarding whether or
not water baptism is a prerequisite for the
partaking of the Passover meal.

Replaced by Water Baptism?
It is claimed that after Yahushua’s death and resurrection the requirement of fleshy circumcision especially for Passover was “replaced” by water baptism. To make this point, the following quote by Saul (Paul) is given:

Continue reading “Passover & Water Baptism – Pt. 2” →

Passover & Water Baptism – Pt. 1

Prior to the observance of Passover during our present time, there frequently emerges a serious quest by some newer followers of Yahweh to experience a proper and valid water baptism.

The reason being that the majority of Sacred Name groups of today assert that in order for a person to partake of the Passover meal or emblems they must have undergone a mandatory water baptism in the proper name of the messiah.

It is also maintained by most of these groups that before the death of Yahushua the messiah, in order to partake of the Passover meal, all men had to be fleshly circumcised.

Different Passover Systems
We must first admit to a basic difference in the opinion about Passover. To begin with, many are often unaware that there were several different Passover systems practiced by the ancient Jews.

Continue reading “Passover & Water Baptism – Pt. 1” →

Circumcision & Passover – Pt 3

In Circumcision & Passover – Pt 2  our discussion left off with the evidence provided from Scriptures to prove that the Israelites kept the Passover in the wilderness including all uncircumcised males.

We now need to go back and take another look at Exod. 12:48 in context where the command is given for all males to be circumcised in order to partake of the Passover.

And when a stranger shall sojourn with you, and will keep the passover to Yahweh, LET ALL HIS MALES BE CIRCUMCISED, and then let him come near and keep it; AND HE SHALL BE AS ONE THAT IS BORN IN THE LAND: FOR NO UNCIRCUMCISED PERSON SHALL EAT OF IT. (Exod. 12:48)

The reader then has to proceed on to Exod. 13:5 where it states:

And WHEN YAHWEH BRINGS YOU INTO THE LAND of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivites, and the Jeb’usites, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, YOU SHALL KEEP THIS SERVICE (the Passover) in this month. (Exod. 13:5)

It is important to now notice what happens as soon as the Israelites do cross over to the west side of the Jordan and enter the land after 40 years in the wilderness:

Continue reading “Circumcision & Passover – Pt 3” →

Circumcision & Passover – Pt 2

In Circumcision & Passover – Pt 1 we covered the testimony regarding fleshy circumcision as found in the New Testament. We will now continue on the Trail of Truth to reveal the confirmation of that testimony primarily from the Old Testament.

A close examination of the book of Genesis, for example, reveals that fleshly circumcision was not a legal requirement of the original contract made with Abram (Abraham) in the Abrahamic Covenants of Promise.

Abraham Blessed Before Fleshly Circumcision
Before the token of fleshly circumcision was used by Abraham and his household (which did not come into effect until Genesis 17), we read in Genesis 12:

Continue reading “Circumcision & Passover – Pt 2” →

Circumcision & Passover – Pt 1

There is a belief among some proclaimed followers of Yahweh that in order for men to partake of the Passover, they must first be circumcised of the flesh.

Fleshy circumcision is also held by some as a proof that Passover is not an actual Festival or Feast Day for the reason that the lack of circumcision would prevent individuals from participating in a required sacred day of Yahweh.

What do Scriptures actually say concerning this issue?

If you are interested in finding out the truth of the matter then it would be advantageous for you to continue with our investigation.

Before we can directly address the issue of circumcision as it relates to Passover we must first determine if Scriptures demand fleshy circumcision in order for men to be saved.

Usually two reasons are given by the advocates of circumcision:

• Abraham was circumcised and he was commanded to circumcise all the males of his household.

• Fleshly circumcision is required in the written Torah of Moses (Old Covenant).

Continue reading “Circumcision & Passover – Pt 1” →

Which Torah To Keep?

There are many professed followers of Yahweh that believe they must keep the Torah in order to attain salvation and eternal life.

It seems there is also a general lack of understanding of the fact that there are two Torah’s described in Scriptures. One is called the “Torah of Trust” and the other is the “Torah of Moses.” 

It is vital to recognize that keeping the correct Torah leads to eternal life and attempting to keep the wrong one would only reward a person with eternal death at the end of the Judgment Day.

Continue reading “Which Torah To Keep?” →

Grace. A Free Ticket? – Part 2

Now that you’ve read Part 1, one might still be wondering if that “free ticket” to salvation is as good as it seemed to be. If any doubts linger, it is highly suggested that you proceed onward with Part 2 of our investigation.

Scriptures indicate that our inheritance cannot be obtained without a sinless sacrifice. The process required that father Yahweh give Yahu Yahweh all things, even his sacred name, and then Yahu, in turn, would pass on these things as an inheritance in a conditional will.

Genesis 26:1-5, confirms that the covenant with Abraham was conditional when it reports that Yahweh told Isaak that he would fulfill the promises, “BECAUSE Abraham listened to my voice and obeyed my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”

Yet even Abraham was a sinner, for all have sinned. He, like the rest of us, must come into the Eternal Inheritance by grace and by means of the messiah.

Torah of Moses Brings Curse
Further requirements were attached to the promises given to Abraham because of transgression (Gal. 3:18-19). These conditions were given in the form of the Torah of Moses or Old Covenant made at Mount Sinai and the “works of the Law (Torah)” which were added thereto (Rom. 9:32; Gal. 2:16, 3:2, 5, 10), i.e., as found in the books of the Torah. The covenant at Mount Sinai and works of the Torah did two things:

Continue reading “Grace. A Free Ticket? – Part 2” →

Grace. A Free Ticket? – Part 1

In our two previous posts, “The Law and Paul’s Explanation,” Part 1 and Part 2, the details were laid out regarding the Torah of Moses (the Law, Old Covenant) and its relationship to the Abrahamic Covenants of Promise.

Additionally, Paul, in the New Testament seems to stress the concept of grace and that we are no longer under “the Law.”

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law (Torah of Moses), but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? The deity forbid. (Romans 6:14-15)

Does grace provide a free ticket to salvation?

If you’re not sure about the answer, how about we proceed to investigate the truth of the matter.

Continue reading “Grace. A Free Ticket? – Part 1” →

Paul and the Law – Part 2

After perusing Part 1, one might be thinking, “Paul’s writings are just a bit confusing. Why don’t we just play it safe and attempt to keep ‘The Law’ (Torah of Moses) as best as we can along with all of its works. Yahweh knows what is in our hearts and he will surely forgive any ignorance or failings on our part. When the time is right, Yahweh will reveal his truth to us and we will adjust our actions accordingly.”

Even if one were to have this attitude it would be wise to note:

For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. (James 2:10)

Continue reading “Paul and the Law – Part 2” →

Paul and the Law – Part 1

Currently, there seems to exist a serious lack of understanding regarding the concept of the Torah of Moses (the Law, Old Covenant) and its relationship to the Abrahamic Covenants of Promise (Torah of Trust).

Without this understanding it is virtually impossible for one to properly discuss the terms “Abrahamic Covenants of Promise,” “The Law,” “Works of the Law,” “Torah of Moses,” “Old Covenant,” and  “New Covenant.”

If one is interested in delving deeper into this subject then it is highly suggested you join our investigation as we uncover the facts concerning “The Law.”

The Prevailing Viewpoints
Let’s first take a look at some of the prevailing viewpoints held by various individuals and groups.

• Some believe that the Law (Torah of Moses, Old Covenant) has been completely done away with, including the Ten Commandments, and that we are now under grace.

• Others maintain that the Law (Torah of Moses, Old Covenant) is still in force and must be adhered to including all of the works that are contained within it.

Continue reading “Paul and the Law – Part 1” →