The Holy Spirit

When it comes to your life and your salvation, I am sure that you will agree that knowing and following the truth instead of a lie is very important. Unfortunately, there are many lies and scams out there that have made it somewhat difficult to find the truth in its completeness without being mixed (perverted) with non-truths. Is it not then the responsibility of each one of us to make sure that what we follow is absolute truth. But how do we do this? Well... we have the written Word of the Almighty (the Hebrew Scriptures of course). The Scriptures are perfect and complete, which means that we do not need any supernatural revelations, especially when it is non-existent in the Scriptures, and especially when it is contradictory to the Scriptures.

But unfortunately this "supernatural revelation" happens all the time in churches and Messianic congregations, in the guise of the "Holy Spirit", to brainwash their followers into believing their own, made up, doctrines which is non-existent in the Scriptures, and make lots of money in the process. If it was written in the Scriptures, then such "Revelation" is certainly NOT necessary. Another thing to ask yourself is, how can it be tested, as the Bereans did with Sha'ul (Paul) (Acts 17:10-12) if it cannot be found in Scripture? If the Bereans could not find what Sha'ul said to them in the Scriptures, then they would not have believed a word he said. Just like the Bereans, we should not believe any "Supernatural revelation" if it cannot be confirmed by the Scriptures (Hebrew Tanakh).

It is a very common misconception that many Christians and Messianics have, that the "Holy Spirit" only came into existence after the Messiah ascended into the heavens. There are also many twisted beliefs and ideas that exist because of this misunderstanding. If we want to stick only to what the Scriptures teach, then we need to read the entire Scriptures and then analyze it as a whole.

One of the biggest problems that arises from this misconception is that religious leaders make big claims and create many doctrines that are non-existent in the Scriptures at all. They then claim it to be true because, "the 'Holy Spirit' revealed it to them." This creates a huge problem. People make up whatever doctrines they feel like and require their followers to accept these doctrines under the authority of them "being filled with the 'Holy Spirit". These doctrines are usually non-existent in the Scriptures.

There are just too many false doctrines going around to cover all of them. I am only going to write about two major topics concerning the "Holy Spirit." Let us get into the first topic.

Who is the "Holy Spirit" and when did he appear onto the scene?

As mentioned above, Many people believe that the "Holy Spirit" only appeared after the ascension of the Messiah. But is this true? If not, then when do we first read of him? We have to go to the very first place that he is mentioned and then study who he is from that point on to understand who/what he is.

We first see the Spirit of the Almighty in Genesis 1:2 which is in the very beginning of the Scriptures and before the creation started and everything was still formless and empty. We read of the Spirit of the Almighty throughout the Hebrew Scriptures (Tanakh) long before any "New Testament" ever existed.

We also find MANY places where people become filled with the Spirit in order to achieve certain tasks. But in EVERY instance, they are guided by the Spirit in the instruction of what is already written. There is nothing ever revealed to them through the Spirit that is not found in Scripture and certainly nothing that ever contradicts the written Word of the Almighty. This is because the Spirit of the Almighty can NEVER teach anything contrary to His written Word. In fact, the Spirit of the Almighty is mentioned many more times in the Tanakh (Known as the Old Testament by the Catholics) than in the B'rit Chadashah (known as the New Testament by the Catholics)

One thing that we always need to keep in mind is the fact that the Almighty is the same yesterday, today and forever. The Spirit is an 'extension' of the Almighty (but not part of any Trinity) and too is the same yesterday, today and forever. Neither the Almighty, His Word or His Spirit can ever change or contradict the other.

So if some Pastor or religious leader ever creates a doctrine of some sorts that is non-existent in the Scriptures and claims that the Spirit revealed it to them, then you can be sure that the Spirit that they are referring to is a demonic spirit and NOT the Spirit of the Almighty.

Let us now look at the title, "Holy Spirit"

The title, "Holy Spirit," is it really the correct translation from the original text? The Hebrew word from which it is translated is, "Ruach haKodesh" which is literally translated as, "the Set Apart Spirit/wind/breath"

The problem comes in with the translation of the Hebrew word, "Kodesh" which is usually translated as "holy" in the English bibles. This translation is absolutely incorrect and does not hold the same meaning at all. The word "holy" does not come from, or mean, "Kodesh" or "Set Apart" at all. The word holy comes from the Greek word, "helios" which means, "Sun's glow". Another word coming from the same source and which is related to the word, "holy" is "halo" which is a Sun disk around the head's of saints in the Catholic religion. The word "holy" is directly related to Sun-worship.

How can it ever be acceptable to use idolatrous terms and names to refer to the Almighty? Do you think that He approves of this idolatry, especially when referring to Him? I do not think so because of what He says about idolatry and how much He hates it and how He told us not to learn the ways of the other nations (religions) and use that to worship Him. He calls it an abomination.

So if you want to follow the truth and only the truth, then you will have to start learning Scriptural Hebrew and then test everything by what is written in the Hebrew Tanakh which is the Word of the Almighty. Anything that does not fall in line with what is written in the Hebrew Tanakh is simply falsehood and should be thrown out the window immediately.

May we all be filled with the Ruach haKodesh which guides us in the Words of the Torah.

Shalom Aleichem

Faith and Belief comes from the Torah

“So then belief (faith) comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Elohim” (Romans 10:17)

The Church has taught us our entire lives long that all we need to do to be saved is to believe, or have faith, in “Jesus”, and that the Law has been done away with. They also teach that the “New Testament”  is the “new covenant” that replaced the old one. This, however, could not be further from the truth as we can see in Shaul’s writings, who by the way wrote the majority of the “New Testament” and by all the other authors of the Renewed Covenant (this is the correct translation of Brit Chaddasha, NOT new testament) too.

In Romans 10:17, Shaul is teaching that the only way that we can acquire belief is through hearing and we acquire that by the Word of YHWH our Elohim. This is a very simple and easy concept to understand, and yet there are millions of people all around the world that have been brainwashed by the Church to such a point that they cannot understand this simple concept.

What do I mean by this? Well, the great majority of all church goers do not even know what the Word of Elohim is. The Church teaches that the “New Testament” is the “New Covenant” which is the “word of God”. This idea, too, cannot be further from the truth.

Now how can I say this? Well, let us think for ourselves… whenever any of the authors of the Renewed Covenant refers to the “Word of Elohim” or “the Scriptures” For example, “But He answering, said, “It has been written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of יהוה (YHWH)” (Mat 4:4), what do you think the Messiah and the rest of them are referring to? Did the “New Testament” exist at the time of the writing? Did Shaul or any of the other authors ever refer to their own writings or letters as Scripture or the Word of Elohim? If not, what then did they refer to as the Word of Elohim?

It is widely known and agreed that the Tanakh (Torah and the prophets) is the Word of YHWH. We can see this throughout the Tanakh when it is written, “… and YHWH spoke to Mosheh…” or, “… the word of YHWH came to ____ in a dream…” or many other examples like that. We also know that the Tanakh is the Word of YHWH as when the Messiah said, “it is written” he quotes the Tanakh every time, as did the other authors.

Also consider when Shaul went to Berea, that the Bereans tested everything that Shaul taught with the Scriptures (Acts 17:10-11). What Scriptures is being referred to here? Was the “New Testament” available to them at that stage? Certainly not. This is also proof that Shaul’s teachings fall directly in line with the Tanakh (the Word of YHWH).

Another thing to consider is that all the teachings of the Messiah and His disciples and even Shaul are all based on what is written in the Tanakh and do not in anyway contradict the Tanakh either. The church, however, does not teach this. They teach that “Jesus” brought a “new law”, this is also not true, but you do not have to believe me on this point, let us see what the Messiah Himself taught, “He who does not love Me does not guard My Words. And the Word which you hear is not Mine but of the Father Who sent Me” (John 14:24). So what the Messiah said here is that if you do not guard to do the Torah of YHWH then you not love Him or His Son Yehoshua. He also said that He did not teach His own words but rather the Word of YHWH His Father. When Yehoshua came, the TRADITIONS (oral law, Mishnah, Talmud) of the Pharisees superceded the WORD OF YHWH and that Yehoshua brought back / “gave” them the pure written words of YHWH, He did in no way bring a new law, but renewed the Torah of His Father YHWH.

So as we can see, the Hebrew Tanakh is the Word of YHWH and is called the Scriptures. Why then does the Church throw out the Tanakh (which they call the Old Testament)? This is because they do not follow the Instruction of YHWH (Tanakh) but rather their own instructions (which is the instruction of men which is against the Word of YHWH). The reason they do this is because their teachings are far more profitable, in the worldly sense, than the true Scriptures.

The Church has created a lucrative business that is by far the most profitable business in the entire world, by twisting the Scriptures and the Renewed Covenant and even throwing the Word of YHWH out. The Church is the richest organization in the whole world, but could not have been so if they actually followed the Instructions of YHWH. If all the followers of the church accepted the truth of the Scriptures, they would not even give one cent of their hard earned money to the church. With this in mind, do you really think that the church is going to teach you the truth and lose everything they have, or are they going to continue to teach lies and profit off of you and millions of other people who are blindly following their false teachings?


Remember tithes were to be given to the PRIESTS,  the LEVITES only because they did not have an inheritance like the rest of Yisrael.  Are any of today’s pastors or "priests" of that stock? So, if we give we give our tithes to them, we are actually throwing away the money that should be given to the Almighty and if they, the pastors and priests accept our tithes, they are stealing the Almighty’s money. As a matter of fact, if any of them takes your tithes, then they are taking the place of the Messiah, who is our High Priest now, and making them a anti-Messiah. Do you really think that they use that money to bring TRUTH to the people.  Considering the lies they teach – definitely NOT!  Considering their beautiful houses and fancy cars and travels – definitely NOT!

Now to get back to the point, Shaul teaches us that only by the Word of YHWH our Elohim, can we really have belief and faith. The Messiah Yehoshua taught us that we can only live by every word that comes from the mouth of YHWH (The Tanakh). How can we live if we disobey YHWH’s Word?

Also, if you do not study the Tanakh and really understand what is written there, then it is impossible to understand what is written in the Renewed Covenant. I am in no way saying that the Renewed Covenant should not be read or studied or anything like that, but only to know that the Renewed Covenant does not replace the Tanakh, but rather, magnifies it. If you throw away the Tanakh, you may as well throw the Renewed Covenant away too, as it is worthless without the Word of YHWH.

Something else to note is that Shaul writes that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of YHWH. Now how many times have you heard a Christian say that the “Holy Spirit” spoke to them and told them something secretive that was not told to anyone else. This “tool” is used so much for the justification of their sins. You see, the Ruach haKodesh (Set Apart Spirit) cannot in anyway contradict what is written in the Tanakh, as that would be disobeying the Word of YHWH and making Him a liar as the Ruach haKodesh is part of YHWH. Christianity is a very “new age”, “spiritualistic” religion that does not ever consider what the Word of the Creator says, but rather relies on superstitious signs and teachings. Just think of the “Red Indians” and their Shamanism, where some of the see the “spirits”, etc.  It is very much the same as what happens in the “charismatic” churches.

According to what Shaul reveals to us here in Romans 10:17, that all “hearing” of any kind must come from the Word of YHWH which is the Tanakh! If this is not the case, and what is heard contradicts the Tanakh, then it is a very clear indication that what is being heard is of demons and not the truth.

If anyone claims to have faith or be a believer and does not observe the Torah of YHWH, then you have to wonder, what do they believe in as it is not the belief or faith of the Scriptures.

True faith and belief comes from learning the Torah of YHWH and following His Instruction.
So I choose to study and obey the Word and Instruction of YHWH and turn away from every teaching of the church so that I may receive life eternal, what about you?

Assemblies

Ya’akov (James) stated he was writing to Jews who were scattered “among the people,” a key divergence from “nations.” He addresses Jews who were and are living among, and as Gentiles. In every culture including Jewish, there is distinction made between the people (Israel) and the peoples (everyone else). In this case the phrase b’ammeh literally means “in/among peoples” with the “b” proclitic having these prepositional meanings attached to ammeh. When we say “nation” in English, we envision a fixed place with borders and limits set by treaty and legal convention. While there are surely “peoples” living in these locations for long periods of time, we do not consider the nation dissolved if many were to pack up and leave. By contrast, James is writing to Jews of the dispersion, and his intent is clearly to pull them out from their national ties and have them return to their tribal/ethnic ones.

The reason we can be certain of this has to do with the second term: “For if there come into your assembly a man with rings of gold or splendid garments, and there come in a poor man in sordid garments” (James 2:2). Most of the time when Paul, Peter or other Renewed Covenant writers address a group of believers, they use the term eidta, the Greek equivalent is ekklisia which refers to a body of people. This term is closest to the Hebrew term adat, usually “congregation” in English (Exodus 12:3), which is indicative of a general gathering of believers.

However, in spite of its Hebrew counterpart having strong usage in Tanakh, the fact of the matter is that adat/eidta or ekklesia is a later concept that immerges in the letters of Paul and others in the Renewed Covenant. A more primitive and direct word is knooshta which James uses, usually translated as “assembly”; it is also the word from which the Israeli Cabinet, or Knesset (assembly) is derived. Knooshta is the original word from which the Greek word synagogue was derived. Ya’akov then is not only writing from his Beit Knesset (synagogue), but is sending his letter to Jewish believers among the nations about their Beit Knessets which must, by virtue of their taking instruction from James, be Netzarim: Torah observant Believers in Y’hoshua Mashiyach.

What we have then is nothing less than an international network of “Synagogues” comprised of believers in Y’hoshua Mashiyach. These “houses of meeting” as evidenced by the letter sent out from Jerusalem in Acts 15, are clearly comprised of both Jews and those who Fear Elohim (Gentile proselytes) who worship together, just as their conventional Israeli counterparts (Acts 10). The letters also serve as powerful proof that Ya’akov was the Rosh Beit Din (Head of the Beit Din) in Jerusalem, the overseer of all legal matters affecting the worship of Jews and Gentiles alike, regardless of their location.

The “assemblies” are meeting places where the Ruach haKodesh is invited and welcomed; a place of studying the Word of YHWH, prayer and all form of worship, which facilitates education and emulation of Torah values for the common good of the community. Karaites use the term Kenesa, which is derived from Aramaic to denote “Beit Knesset,” but the modern Yiddish term shul that is commonly used for a synagogue, comes from the German word for school.

Netzarim Assemblies existed as a recognized people group up until 400 CE; however, heavy opposition from both Christian and Rabbinical sources forced them underground. There are rapidly increasing numbers of people today who are interested in returning to the Netzari Faith and, in most cases, they come from either Christian or traditional Jewish backgrounds. However, whether they remain in or leave traditional religious instructions, their calling is to observe Torah and preach Mashiyach. Whether Jewish or not, Israel and her seed are they “who keep the commandments of Elohim, and have the testimony of Y’hoshua” (Revelation 12:17). This unified covenant exemplifies the Faith that is upheld by all Netzari Assemblies.

Legalism

Legalism is a theological term that was coined circa 1830 – 1840. The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines legalism as: (a) preference of the Law to the Gospel, (b) doctrine of justification by works, (c) exaltation of law, (d) formula, or (e) red tape. “Legalism” is a Christian term that Christians apply to Christians, Jews, Muslims and others who promote the function of “Law” as it pertains to righteousness and salvation. The Oxford definition postures that some individuals prefer the Law over the Gospel, pitting the two concepts against each other, when in reality the Gospel was given in conjunction with “Law.” The Law specifies what is good and acceptable conduct according to YHWH, and provides guidelines for righteousness and repentance, which are integral components of “the Gospel.”

From the ancient Hebrew letters that spell Torah (mistranslated as “the Law”), a word picture emerges that means, the “Seal or Covenant-Head of Man-Revealed.” Torah is the Covenant and Seal that YHWH progressively revealed to mankind through Adam, Noach, Awraham and all His chosen prophets and people. The word Torah contains the Hebrew sound “owr” which means light. YHWH declared through Isaiah: “to the Torah (Law) and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). The Psalmist teaches that the Word of YHWH (Torah) is a Light unto our paths.

Torah means instruction in righteousness and is likened to a person aiming and shooting at a target. Unfortunately, sometimes we miss the mark and “sin.” A child is not expected to hit the mark as well as an adult, but when YHWH gave Torah He did not make His instructions impossible to “hit” as many have been led to believe.

The instructions (Torah) of YHWH have been progressively revealed from Adam and Chawwah (Eve) right through to Mashiyach. However, many Christians muse that Torah is “legalism” and something that is supposedly impossible to keep and, consequently, they have replaced Torah principles with the more popular Christian traditions of the post-apostolic Gentile Church founders.

We are introduced to the consequences of breaking “the Law” (Torah) in the beginning of the Bible (Genesis 3) where the very first case of blatant disobedience occurred – an act that impacted the children of Adam and Chawwah and every single generation of man since then! Because of that one act of disobedience, man has been “born into a world full of death and evil” ever since; constantly forced to battle the wiles of the Evil One and facing possible eternal separation from YHWH. Before sin, Adam and Chawwah were clothed in righteousness (the Light of Mashiyach); but haSatan exposed their nakedness through guilt, shame and condemnation. Guilt (which results from wrong-doing is spiritual separation), is a function of the Ruach haKodesh; it is a spiritual force that motivates us to make it right with YHWH and one another. The guilty parties – not knowing whether they will be forgiven their transgression until they confess and present their case – feel sorrow, emptiness, depression and despair for breaking faith and violating the peace and harmony of Mashiyach. The shame that Adam and Chawwah experienced was compounded in the knowledge that their sin had been preventable, and that they had needlessly and willingly exposed themselves to a difficult situation that caused them to risk everything without considering the consequences.

The curses against Adam and Chawwah became part of universal natural law that applies to all inhabitants of the Earth. “Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever…” (Genesis 3:22). Man was formerly a sinless and immortal being who became as the "angelic" hosts to know good and evil; therefore, YHWH provided redemption through death and resurrection. The plan of redemption is the Good News that Mashiyach demonstrated through his resurrection as the “Firstfruits” of all Creation. Mankind has always been sustained according to the Word of YHWH, “For YHWH is our judge, YHWH is our lawgiver, YHWH is our king; he will save us” (Isaiah 33:22).

Long before Y’hoshua arrived on Earth, Torah Observant Jews were teaching that “her seed” points to Mashiyach who is the foundation of all “Good News”: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). Hebrews 4:2 states that “the Gospel was preached unto them” – therefore, those who left Egypt were given the opportunity to respond to the Gospel; therefore, the Gospel originated long before the First Century.

A popular theological spin on “the Gospel” is that “Jesus kept the Law” (Torah) so that Christians wouldn’t have to. The anti-legalist Christian purports “freedom in Christ” which is simply religious justification to break Torah and put the full responsibility and penalty of past, present and future sins upon “Jesus”. However, those branded as legalists are trusting that Y’hoshua empowers them to be renewed in body, mind, and spirit so as to put away their own carnal flesh that desires to break Torah.

There have been many lawgivers but it is YHWH’s Torah and His Mashiyach that sustains the plan of Redemption. His Word is His LAW! Therefore, all theological posturing that pits Torah against the Gospel is deception. Having Torah “written upon the heart” is at the heart of the Renewed Covenant which completes the revelation of “the Good News.”

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, unto Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be” (Genesis 49:10). The Scepter is the imperial rod of divine lawmaking and justice. YHWH holds the Scepter who is Mashiyach. The “lawgiver from between his feet” refers to the lineage of Yehudah (Judah); therefore, successive generations of Yehudah “hold” this Scepter until Shiloh (Mashiyach) takes his seat over all other “lawmakers.” Therefore, the “Way” of righteousness was, is and always will be prophetically connected through the Judaic and Hebraic-based Faith that Mashiyach Y’hoshua revealed to the world. Through belief in him, the Final Sin Sacrifice, we are able to receive YHWH’s Mercy and Favor which assures us eternal life in heaven.

Thanks to His Mercy and Favor – which in no way negates Torah! – we were loved while we were yet sinners. Therefore, how much more do we desire to please our Father? We demonstrate our acceptance of what Y’hoshua did for us by becoming a Torah observant, law abiding people. That is the meaning of the Scripture when Y’hoshua teaches:

“Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened to you. For anyone that asks will receive, and that seeks, will find. And to him that knocks, it will be opened to him. Or whom among you fathers if his son asks of him for bread, why to him would hold out a rock? And if he asks a fish of him, why to him would hold out a snake? And if, therefore, you who are imperfect know to give good gifts to your sons, how so much more your Father who is in heaven will give good to those that ask Him. All that which you desire that the sons of men should do for you, also like this you do to them. This is for Torah and the prophets. Enter by the straight door, for wide is the door and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many are they, those that go in it” (Matthew 7:7-13).

Most people understand how the Gospel works, but here’s a small example: Early in our children’s lives, we explain to them the cause and effect of good and evil. For instance, we teach them that lying is wrong and that, if the behavior continues, it can destroy their lives. After that, we praise them when they try to behave properly, and punish them whenever they misbehave or fail in their efforts to always tell the truth. Obviously, it is inconceivable to punish a child every time they fail, especially if it is evident that they are genuinely sorry and regret what they did. So instead, we continue to reinforce proper behavior and hug our children and love them even when they fail, and explain that we, too, occasionally failed to “be good” when we were children, because we all have to go through a learning process. The end result of this learning process in the lives of our children is that one day they will realize on their own that lying brings destruction, curses and shame, and it puts them in disfavor with YHWH and others because YHWH hates liars.

This is essentially what YHWH did for us through Mashiyach: Although He had every right to punish us for our disobedience, He chose not to. Instead, after the “Fall” He saw our need as His children to be instructed in righteousness and to be loved and taught. Therefore, He sent His only Son, Mashiyach Y’hoshua, to teach us face-to-face, personally demonstrating how to keep Torah and walk according to YHWH’s will. Y’hoshua demonstrated perfect patience and love towards YHWH’s creation before pouring out his own life as the Final Sin Sacrifice – which forever abolished the need for mankind to kill an innocent animal to atone for our sins. Thus, Law and Favor (Grace) have been applied in a functional way so that all YHWH’s children understand the cause and effect of sin and righteousness.

YHWH’s Good News (Gospel) is the Way of Truth which is a continuum of truth revealed of YHWH’s intent to redeem fallen man. This plan of redemption is what provided protection to Cain after he killed Abel, when YHWH showed great Favor to Cain after he murdered his brother. It was haSatan who had put the envy, hatred, evil imaginations and jealousy in Cain’s mind against his brother. The Law at that time was a spiritual consciousness, and Cain knew that he had committed murder by acting out very wicked thoughts about his brother. Fortunately for Cain, the applied Gospel kept YHWH from killing him, and ultimately also kept him from being killed by others.

In Noah’s days evil was rampant upon the Earth, much like today, and the Gospel went something like this: Get on the boat, or you’ll have to tread water for 150 days without food or fresh water… will you receive “the Gospel” and get on the boat? The Good News applied was that Noah invested 100 years of his life building a big boat. Within that span of time every human being on Earth would have heard of YHWH’s intentions to flood the Earth – but of course, the “riff raff” scorned and mocked the Gospel of Noah…

Abraham and the men of his household agreed to be circumcised and enter into Covenant with YHWH. The Gospel went like this: There is ONE ELOHIM, whose Name is YHWH; either accept the Covenant of Promise or you will not receive YHWH’s blessing. Circumcision symbolizes the separation of good from evil as a part of the flesh is cut away. “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of YHWH, to do justice and judgment; that YHWH may bring upon Abraham that which he has spoken of him” (Genesis 18:19).

Mashiyach’s followers were referred to as those of the WAY! Peter issues a clear warning when he said: “For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than after having known it, to turn back from the Set Apart Commandment that was delivered to them” (2 Peter 2:21). The Gospel and “the Way of righteousness” are synonymous with the Kingdom of Elohim which advocates individual personal responsibility to uphold Torah observant, righteous conduct.

Mosheh received “Ten Commandments” written by the Finger of Elohim, but if you went your own way and kindled a fire on Shabbat or ate barbequed pork, you were “cut off” (killed) because YHWH gave us all the choice to either follow or ignore Him. That was the Gospel according to YHWH revealed by Mosheh. As a sovereign individual you can choose life or death by your obedience or disobedience; not by a cerebral theology that makes you “acceptable.” Mosheh preached the Gospel to all the Israelites; however, in the course of time the Levites (leadership) turned away from YHWH: “But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the Torah; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says YHWH of hosts. Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law” (Malachi 2:8-9).

Without “the Law” (Torah) there is no Gospel. Torah reveals and defines good from evil and reveals the elements of Covenant. About 6,000 years of human experience on this planet witnesses that YHWH’s Laws are Set Apart and Just. YHWH’s Law provides the parameters for Freedom, Peace, Justice, Judgment, Equality, protection of personal liberty and property and the protection of the sovereignty of each individual. To pit the Law against the Gospel is a false Gospel as Rav Shaul teaches:

“I am stunned into silence, as if dead, that you have so quickly forgotten Mashiyach who has called you to his favor and gone to another gospel that is non-existent, but there are men who agitated you and desired to pervert the Gospel of Mashiyach. For if us, or even a Messenger from heaven, preach outside from what was preached to you, let them be cursed. As I said before, so I say again: whichever man preaches to you outside of what you have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-10).

Nearly all Christian denominations ply the term “legalism” against others in one form or another. However, the second definition of legalism is the “Doctrine of Justification by Works.” Essentially any Christian who does “good works” could be disgraced as a legalist; the intentions of their hearts being judged by the naysayers as though their “good works” are done for “justification” or salvation. Rav Shaul (Paul) put it this way: “Who are you to judge another man’s servant?” (Romans 14:4).

The religious stance is that you can do nothing to bring about justification or righteousness for yourself, but in reality, Salvation isn’t a mindset as much as it is a lifestyle, and a transformation from a carnal to a spiritual man. Salvation comes about by being conformed into the Image of Elohim. Each soul must co-labor with Mashiyach for salvation which must be evident in this lifetime, in the here and now; the work or service “of the heart” is to guard the heart and mind from degradation or backsliding into a carnal, worldly lifestyle. It is ironic that the individual who Gentile Christians have discredited for bringing an end to Torah was thus spoken of: “you yourself also walk orderly, and keep the Torah” (Acts 21:24). Paul the Apostle emphatically lived and taught the importance of Torah being written upon the heart!

The dilemma many Christians face is what to do when they discover their church hierarchy has been promoting a doctrine of demons by teaching against Torah. What can be done when Christians point their fingers and call you a legalist for desiring to live according to the Word of the Living Elohim? In reality it is the power of Favor that strengthens each soul to cease from breaking Torah and to stand up for what is right. The religious power of the word “legalism” is simply designed to keep souls in bondage to false religion and keep them from leaving the comforts of “the church,” but there is a huge gulf between being imbedded in a church and being embedded in the Kingdom of Elohim! Apostle Paul taught: “As a result, Torah is Set Apart; and the Commandment is Set Apart, and righteous, and good” (Romans 7:12).

Christians who are often quick to condemn others as “legalists” have never learned the most rudimentary principles of Torah. It was the pre-incarnate Mashiyach who said: “If you shall hearken unto the voice of YHWH your Elohim, to keep His Commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the Torah, and if you turn unto YHWH your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your soul. For this commandment which I command you this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it. See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command you this day to love YHWH you Elohim, to walk in His ways, and to keep His Commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply: and YHWH your Elohim shall bless you in the land where you are going to posses it. But if your heart turn away, so that you will not hear, but shall be drawn away, and worship other elohim, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that you shall surely perish, and that you shall not prolong your days upon the land, wither you pass over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your seed may live: That you may love YHWH your Elohim, and that you may obey his voice, and that you may cleave unto Him: for He is your life, and the length of your days: that you may dwell in the land which YHWH swore unto your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them” (D’varim/Deuteronomy 30:12-20).

Torah is freedom. We are either walking in Torah and are free from sin, or breaking Torah and in bondage to sin. All the religious posturing and propaganda in the world will NEVER substitute for truth and righteousness.

The fourth definition to legalism is “a formula” which is defined as: a set form of words, or something definite or authoritative, or a procedure to be followed or something prescribed for a specific occasion. However, this certainly sounds much like a “statement of faith” does it not? This fourth definition simply suggests that one denomination’s (or person’s) formula is better than yours. All preachers have their own “formulas” – the fact that they would preach, hold a “service” or teach others simply means they have their own model of belief, or “formula.” Most theologians have received their credentials from some university so they can “authoritatively teach” denominational formulae. If someone asks, “What must I do to be saved?” any answer could be construed as a “formula.” So, in reality, those who point fingers at your “formula” as “legalism” are simply suggesting that their formula is better than yours.

Finally we come to “red tape” as the fifth definition of “legalism.” Traditionally, official Vatican documents were bound in red cloth tape, and this is also where the 17^th to 18^th Century British Monarchy derived their government tradition. During the Fourth Century, the Roman Empire was “made Christian.” Rome was the “superpower” that controlled all religious and governmental matters and Rome invented her own anti-Torah, anti-Semitic and anti-Mashiyach “Christianity.” Apostle Paul issued a very strict warning: “For the mystery of iniquity does already work: only he who now will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Master shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause Elohim shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believe not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12).

The applied thinking of the term “legalism” within Christianity epitomizes the work of the “mystery of iniquity.” There is no better way to define man’s religion than “red tape.” Religion is man’s carnal response to YHWH; it makes rules, traditions, buzz words, status quo trends and puts walls between YHWH and His people. YHWH sent Mashiyach to expose and take down the false traditions of man, but many love the bondage of religious traditions far more than they love the freedom of Truth. What Mashiyach did for us came at a very great price, and it is because of what he did that his followers become empowered to observe Torah by Favor (Grace), not of our own strength lest any man should boast.

All who point their fingers at others and call them legalists are showing solidarity to their own religious tradition. Condemnation of other human beings is, in fact, acting as haShatan’s “little helper.” Where did Christians learn this ministry of condemnation? “For Elohim sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17). “Judge not, and you shall not be judged: condemn not, and you shall not be condemned: forgive, and you shall be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). Those who label people as legalists are simply asking for judgment to fall on their heads! See Romans 14:12; James 4:10-12; 5:8-11; and Isaiah 58:9.

Salvation

Many religions claim rite of passage into the World to Come, and some even believe that if you say the “sinners’ prayer” or follow certain “salvation doctrines” that you will be “saved.” Thankfully, there was a man who posed the question to Y’shua: “Good teacher, what is good that I should do that I should have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16). Some theologians feel this man was a misguided soul because he suggested that he had to “do” something rather than just “believe.” We’ll look at Y’shua’s answer in a moment, but first let’s find out what Keefa (Shimon Peter) was preaching, shortly after Y’shua was resurrected.

“And when they heard these things they were touched in their hearts, and they said to Shimon and to the rest of the Schlichim, “what should we do, our brothers?” Shimon said to them, “Repent and be immersed each of you in the name of Master YHWH-Y’shua for the forgiveness of sins, that you may receive the gift of the Ruach haKodesh. For to you was the promise, and to your children, and to all those who are far away from Elohim will call. And with many other words he would witness to them and he would beseech them while saying, Save (yourselves) from this perverse generation.” And some of them readily received his word and believed and were immersed. And there were added in that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:37-41).

Notice that Keefa preached both repentance and immersion in the name of Master YHWH-Y’shua. In this verse MarYah and Y’shua appeared right next to one another; therefore, we know that it is the Spirit of YHWH in Y’shua Who ultimately provides Salvation. Notice also there is not only the required action of repentance and immersion for the forgiveness of sins; but this is done in order to receive the gift of the Ruach haKodesh (Set Apart Spirit). The Ruach haKodesh will not indwell someone who is living in rebellion. The work of the Ruach haKodesh is to write Torah in the inward parts, which is confirmed by the appearance of “fruits” of the Spirit. In other words, each one of us must prepare a place in our hearts to welcome the Ruach haKodesh.

Repentance is an extremely important concept to understand and apply to our lives if we are planning to enter into eternal life. Repentance means “turn to YHWH,” which also means one must turn from sin and keep the Commandments. Getting back to the question about eternal life, here’s Y’shua’s answer: “Now if you desire to enter into life, keep the Commandments” (Matthew 19:17). The answer applies to everyone who has ever drawn a breath. But the fellow wanted a quick fix and asked, “Which ones?” So Y’shua began listing Commandments from Torah (including the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20) and the fellow replied, “All these things I have obeyed them from my youth. What do I lack?” Now, how many have actually kept all the Ten Commandments from their youth, in the original context? Imagine being there yourself; could you respond as this fellow did? Y’shua is clearly teaching that the first prerequisite for salvation is keeping the Commandments!

In Mark 12:29-31 Mashiyach Y’shua teaches: “The first of all the Commandments is “Hear O Israel. Master YHWH our Elohim is one. And you should love Master YHWH your Elohim with all your heart, and with all of your soul, and with all of your mind, and with all of your strength.” This is the first Commandment. And the second that is like it is that. “You should love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other Commandment greater than these.” Mashiyach taught the central theme of Torah (Deut 6:4-5, Lev 19:18); that all of Torah revolves around love toward YHWH and our fellow man. This Commandment is so primary that Rabbis have suggested that all the rest of Torah is “commentary” – that the rest of Torah provides the details about how to love YHWH and our fellow man. Clearly everyone must keep these two greatest Commandments for salvation; but we must keep them according to the Word of YHWH, not the traditions of men!

Yochanan (John) explains how we are to keep these great Commandments: “And by this we shall be sensible that we know Him, if we keep His Commandments. For he that says I know Him, and does not keep His Commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him. But he that keeps His Word, in him is the love of Elohim truly completed: for by this we know that we are in Him. He that says I am in Him is bound to walk according to His Halakha. My beloved, I write no new commandment to you, but the old Commandment which you had from the beginning; and the old Commandment is the Word which you have heard” (1 Yochanan 2:3-7). Insisting that we “love YHWH” or that we “know Him” can be two very different things. Notice that those who say they “know Him” and don’t keep His Commandments are liars! How much more then are they liars who say they “love Him” and yet don’t bother to keep His Commandments? Yochanan says he that “keeps His Word” has the love of Elohim truly completed, and this is how we know that we are in Him! Make no mistake, this is the same WORD that David spoke when he declared, “My tongue shall speak of Your Word: for all Your Commandments are righteousness.” (Psalm 119:172).

Rav Shaul (Paul) preached the same message; he emphasized, “circumcision is nothing, neither is uncircumcision; nut the keeping of Elohim’s Commands [is what counts!]” (1 Corinthians 7:19). Shaul also taught that it’s very easy to be seduced by sin, but through the Commandments we are able to recognize what sin is: “For sin, by the occasion which it found by means of the Commandment, seduced me and thereby slew me. Wherefore, Torah is Set Apart; and the Commandment is Set Apart, and righteous, and good” (Romans 7:11-12).

As we approach the end of the Scriptures there is a beautiful promise for all who expect eternal life: “Blessed are they who do His (YHWH’s) Commandments, that they may have a right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates into the city” (Rev 22:14). Is it any surprise that the Commandments of YHWH are tied together with the Tree of Life? At the end of Revelation we return to Gan Eden before original sin, where we see that the Tree of Life is the eternal Kingdom of Elohim. So, if you’ve heard religious people teach that we “don’t have to keep the Commandments” of YHWH for salvation, then ask yourself this: Do those who teach that we don’t have to keep the Commandments keep the Commandments themselves? Probably not – because they want you to join with them in what they do…

Most insist they “don’t have to keep the Commandments” because “Jesus Christ” kept them perfectly for them. Herein is the “Mystery of Iniquity” revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:3-15). The lawless one, also known as ant-Mashiyach, heads the charge against keeping the Commandments in the name of the false Mashiyach. We can therefore clearly determine that this is the “other Jesus” Paul spoke of, who has inspired many souls into disobedience. We must be very careful about any false parallel, since Rav Shaul says that if anyone else, including a heavenly messenger, teaches a Good News other than the original one, that person is cursed! (Galatians 1:9-10).

Those who don’t obey the Commandments don’t want you obeying them either. Some “Christians” even teach that if you keep the Commandments you will go to hell because you’ve fallen from “Grace.” The truth is that Grace (Favour is the correct word, Grace is not the correct translation) is the girt of the Ruach haKodesh that empowers us to keep the Commandments of YHWH by Faith! Nearly everyone who keeps the Commandments of YHWH and observes Torah according to Mashiyach will testify that it is a miracle to be spiritually sustained and keep the Commandments in a world of people who’ve come to hate them for doing so.

In order to truly please our Creator, we must place our trust in Mashiyach Y’shua who teaches: “If you desire to enter into life. Keep the Commandments” (Matthew 19:17). On this same theme Rav Shaul teaches: “When we were dead in our sins, (Elohim) gave us life with the Mashiyach and rescued us by His favour” (Eph 2:5). Dead in our sins mean that we stop breaking the Commandments. The word rescued here literally means “saved.” A variant of this word is what we call “Saviour” in English. In Hebrew the concept of a saviour is literally: “giver of life.”